Is Speech Pathology Right for You?

To be a Speech Language Pathologist, it is important that you receive training in both academic and scientific knowledge by completing required course work and participating in practical work experience with clients who have communicative disorders. Academic course work is a prerequisite to clinical practicum, which gives you the opportunity to implement and practice what you have learned during your academic classes. In order to be committed to this profession, you must be willing to receive an extensive amount of schooling and training. A Master's Degree is required to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients and it is also required to become a full licensed speech pathologist. After completing a graduate program in the field, candidates must take and pass a comprehensive national exam called the Praxis exam. A speech pathologist graduate must intern under the direction of a licensed speech pathologist for one year before they can begin to practice independently.

In addition, candidates for this career must have empathy, tolerance, and persistence. It can be challenging and frustrating for the patient, family, and the therapist to get the desired results. The therapist must be extremely patient, as it can take quite some time for the therapist to notice results in their client's speaking abilities. Speech pathologists must also be personally warm and have an outgoing personality. This is especially true when working with a patient who is hesitant to receive therapy. A speech therapist might have to come up with ideas to encourage children to attend therapy when they are resistant. Speech therapists must also be good listeners and have excellent communication skills. While communicating with clients, speech pathologists must always use a professional tone, show confidence and speak in a way that shows they have knowledge and training in their field.

 Speech-Language Pathology offers many career choices and it is not limited to any particular gender, race, age level, marital status, or religious affiliation.  Speech-language pathologists are employed in a variety of settings including educational settings, community speech and hearing centers, federal agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, private practice, and residential facilities. The average income for a speech pathologist is $50,000 to $99,000 depending on the occupational setting. In addition, speech therapists may modify their careers at any time and have a range of choices open to them, such as audiology, special education, research, rehabilitation, occupational or physical therapy.