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A career as a speech language pathologist can be extremely rewarding, both from personal and financial perspectives. However, you should not make a final decision on this profession based on the employment outlook and the salaries of a speech pathologist. You have to have an idea of what the job entails, so you can decide whether this type of career is right for you. After all, in order to be successful in any profession, you have to have like your work! |
A speech language pathologist evaluates, diagnoses, treats and prevents disorders that affect the speech, language, fluency, voice, cognitive communication and swallowing of patients. The disorders the professional can treat are many and different. In general, you can expect to have a variety of different cases, regardless of the setting you work in.
Many of the patients of speech pathologists have difficulty pronouncing words or pronouncing sounds clearly. Some patients have problems with the fluency and rhythm of their speech. One of the most commonly known examples of such problems is stuttering. There are also people who have problems in understanding and producing language usually due to other medical conditions they have. Such individuals are also patients of speech pathologists.
Other patients have difficulties controlling their voice. They may speak too loudly, too harshly or too quietly and may need treatment for these problems. A speech language pathologist can also treat children and adults with cognitive communication problems, such as lack of attention, inability to control speaking and memory difficulties.
Despite the common misconception, adults as well as children are treated with the use of speech therapy. Individuals who have had a stroke, a brain injury or have hearing loss need help as much as those with conditions present since childhood, such as development delays and cerebral palsy.
A speech language pathologist uses a variety of methods, tests, analysis and instruments to diagnose and treat patients. After a patient is diagnosed, the professional develops a treatment plan that is specific to an individuals needs. The treatment is designed to address the main problem of the patient, and provide an effective remedy. The professional teaches patients how to make sounds and use their voice appropriately. Teaching oral and written language and communication skills can also be part of the treatment.
Patients with swallowing difficulties are taught how to use their muscles related to speech and swallowing more effectively and safely. If the patient cannot produce speech, the pathologist helps them device alternative method for communication.
Pathologists have a variety of additional responsibilities as well. They keep records of patient treatment sessions so that they can assess the patients’ progress and the effectiveness of treatment. They also teach the families of patients how to understand and help them.
Most professionals have offices in which they treat their patients. According to statistics, 48% work in the educational services sector. They work collaboratively with teachers and parents to help children overcome their problems. They also organize group and support programs for their patients. Some professionals work in hospitals and other health care facilities.
Now you know what it is like to work as a speech language pathologist.