Speech Pathology

Have you ever considered speech pathology as a career? It is considered a fast growing career with an above average outlook in the years ahead. What kind of work is it? One who specializes in speech pathology assesses, diagnoses, treats and assists patients with speech disorders. This can involve problems with language, cognitive function, communication, voice, fluency and even swallowing.

Many jobs in speech pathology, up to half the total number, are found in schools. Others are employed in hospitals, offices, nursing homes, child day cares, family services and in health care. Some are self-employed. Of fifty American states, forty-six require that a speech pathologist be officially licensed. The majority of these states require a master’s degree. A licensed pathologist must pass a national exam, have so many months of clinical experience, and possibly seek continuing education in the years to come.

Some of their patients include people who cannot make certain speech sounds; patients who stutter; people with an affected pitch or harsh voice; people who have problems understanding language; people who wish to lose a heavy accent; people who suffer from cognitive impairments, such as problems with their attention-span, memory, and problem solving abilities; and people who have oral problems such as in eating or swallowing.

It would be the job of one who works in speech pathology to help these patients overcome their communication difficulties and work with each person at their own pace. He or she would first have to diagnose the nature and extent of the problem, then record and analyze a patient speaking, and document any symptoms of speech disorders. Then the pathologist would create an individualized plan to help care for the needs of the patient. Speech pathology requires a great deal of personal attention and analytical ability.

Speech pathology can also involve learning to use complicated automated devices, as well as learning sign language. Some patients might have little or no speech ability to begin with, while others may have lost their communicative abilities and need speech therapy to recover their speaking voice. Speech pathology is a rewarding and respectable career for the serious professional. To hear a patient finally say thank you in a clear and cured voice is well worth the time and effort put into study.

Once you are ready to jump into the work force and find a job in speech pathology there are many avenues available to you. Local medical facilities or schools may have positions available for you. If you aren’t successful there try a search of the newspapers in your area or even consider an online job resource site. Before long you’ll find a position that will let you utilize all of your skills and at the same time really make a difference in someone’s life.