How to become A Speech Pathologist

Communication is the essence of human life. Speech Pathologists work miracles in the lives of children and adults deprived of the means to communicate through language. Speech and language therapy helps such patients learn to express themselves confidently and effectively.

• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Speech-Language Therapist
• Speech Therapist

What do Speech Pathologists do?

A Speech Pathologist would typically need to:

• Work with individuals and groups of all ages to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders
• Identify and assess the cause and nature of the problem - congenital such as cleft palate or acquired after a stroke or injury
• Administer essential reading and vocalising tasks or standardised tests to determine the level of communication
• Identify treatment options; develop and execute customised treatment plans that address specific functional needs
• Teach the patient how to make beneficial sounds and improve their voice; offer alternative means of communication such as sign language
• Work with the patient to increase their ability to read/write correctly
• Help the patient develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
• Counsel the patient, their family, partners and caregivers on implementing the treatment program while dealing with the problem at hand
• Record initial evaluations and diagnoses, review ongoing treatment, take note of any changes in the patient’s condition and revise the treatment plan, if necessary
• Write confidential patient case notes and reports to be shared with the patient, caretakers and other essential healthcare professionals
• Take into account priority cases, waitlists, successful outcomes, referral and discharge of patients while managing a caseload
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to enhance the effectiveness of therapy
• Take care of administrative tasks such as keeping accurate records and documenting billing information

Speech Pathologists work in healthcare, academic, prison, daycare, residential and research settings with children or adults who may be partially or wholly unable to speak, stutter, have problems understanding language or have voice disorders such as an inappropriate pitch or a harsh voice.

They work alongside physicians and surgeons, social workers, dietitians, psychologists, occupational/physical therapists and other healthcare personnel in medical facilities. Those employed by schools work closely with teachers, other staff and parents. Local travel may be required to commute between various treatment facilities.

Full-time Speech Pathologists typically work around 40 hours/week, although most enjoy flexible work schedules. Speech Pathologists employed at an academic institution will have the same schedule that classroom teachers have. Part-time and job sharing are viable options.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Speech Pathologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies. Candidates can also make use of state employment services to land a job as a Speech Pathologist. Self-employment is possible.

Speech Pathologists are generally employed by:

• Academic Institutions
• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists’ Offices
• Audiology Clinics 
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
• Healthcare Institutions
• Child Development Centres
• Private and Community Clinics
• Voluntary and Charitable Organisations
• Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions
• Education & Social Services Departments

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders, are crucial for Speech Pathologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• A significantly high caseload can negatively impact patient service
• A heavy caseload can make it challenging to fit all patients into a viable schedule
• Tendency to carry paperwork home may hurt work/life balance
• Lack of adequate funding for appropriate programs

In general, aspiring Speech Pathologists have the opportunity to build hands-on experience through a nine-month-long supervised clinical work, also referred to as fellowship or internship training.

Clinical practice usually takes place in government hospitals, schools, community health clinics and day centres under the supervision of qualified therapists. You may have access to a speech and language therapist degree apprenticeship, combining paid work with part-time study.

Previous work experience as speech and language assistants, clinical support workers or assistant speech pathology practitioners will teach you to interact with clients, prepare rooms and equipment and take care of the equipment.

Read about the profession, interview/observe/job shadow experts in speech pathology and volunteer at local speech and language therapy services, nursing homes, stroke groups and schools to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

It helps to document any such experiences with children and adults with a learning disability and elderly/disabled people recovering from a stroke or head injury on letters of recommendation to beat the stiff competition for entry to training programs.

Speech Pathologists typically need an accredited master’s degree in speech-language pathology. It includes speech and language development courses, age-specific speech disorders, alternative communication methods, and swallowing disorders. Prerequisites may vary across locations, but applicants with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related fields will have a better chance of being accepted to the program.

Some employers accept candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in speech and language therapy, approved by a national regulating body. A full-time undergraduate program may take three to four years of theory and clinical practice. 

Completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human biology, linguistics/languages, education, social science, or medical sciences will enable you to take an accelerated two-year postgraduate degree in speech and language therapy. Check with the education providers for more specific details on entry requirements.

Make sure you focus on English, languages, psychology, mathematics and the sciences in high school.

An accredited master’s degree in speech-language pathology, supervised clinical experience, and passing an exam are common prerequisites to acquire a certification of clinical competence and licensure as a Speech Pathologist. The license will allow you to work in private practice, clinics and other non-academic settings. Contact your local medical or health licensure board for exact details.

You may require teaching certification to work with children and in public schools. Contact your local department of education or the specific academic institution you wish to work with. 

Additional speciality certifications in child language, fluency or swallowing from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and qualify you as a board-certified specialist. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

A bona fide driving license will help you with local travel.

Further, students who complete an approved bachelor’s or master’s program in speech and language therapy are qualified to register with their national regulatory body and begin practising.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Speech Pathologists who can become supervisors or heads of their health facility or set up their own practice.

Adequate training will enable experienced Speech Pathologists to transition into consultancy, academics, research or authoring books/articles on speech problems. You can specialise in working with school-age children or adults with learning disabilities or in a specific area such as deafness and hearing impairment. Overseas employment is a viable option. 

Speech Pathologists with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in speech-language pathology along with requisite certification, licensure and work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) enables Speech Pathologists to maintain their certification, licensure and registration. They build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Future-oriented Speech Pathologists often take courses and attend seminars on a range of topics such as children with severe language difficulties, adult neurology, dysphagia and clinical effectiveness. They also participate in national conferences, case discussions and clinical meetings and observe their peers in action.

Current Scenario

As the world population grows older, more people may acquire speech impairments due to medical conditions such as stroke and dementia. Speech Pathologists will have to care for such patients and help alleviate their impairments. Greater incidence of survival among premature infants and growing awareness of speech and language disorders will also warrant increased demand for these professionals. 

Communication and Listening is Key

Actively listening to the client and taking the time to understand the points being made is necessary for a Speech Pathologist to help and provide treatment. They should also possess good communication skills to gain the trust of uncooperative and nervous clients. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Speech Pathologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Speech Pathologist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Speech is a complex ability that requires the use of more than 100 muscles.

Speech Pathologists use their intellect in conjunction with their humanity to bestow the precious gifts of audible speech and social interaction on the many afflicted by speech disorders. That is the superpower that ranks their profession among one of “the best jobs for saving the world.”

Qualities such as empathy, assertiveness, tact and a sense of humour will enable you to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.