What are Speech-Language Pathologists
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
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Common Job Titles
Speech Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
SLP Teacher (Speech and Language Pathologist Teacher)
Speech/Language Therapist
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Pediatric Speech Therapist
Voice Pathologist
Speech and Hearing Clinic Director
Associate Speech and Language Clinician
Travel Speech-Language Pathologist
Personality & Work Styles
Empathy
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Dependability
Social Orientation
Optimism
Sincerity
Integrity
Self-Control
Cautiousness
Work Activities
Documenting/Recording Information
Getting Information
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Analyzing Data or Information
Working with Computers
Performing Administrative Activities
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Work Environment
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Contact With Others
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Physical Proximity
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Freedom to Make Decisions
Time Pressure
Frequency of Decision Making
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
E-Mail
Skills You Will Receive
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Learning Strategies
Speaking
Writing
Active Learning
Monitoring
Science
Mathematics
Other Attributes Important To Know
Oral Comprehension
Written Comprehension
Oral Expression
Written Expression
Fluency of Ideas
Originality
Problem Sensitivity
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Related Careers
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Audiologists
Occupational Therapy Aides
Recreational Therapists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Technology/Tools Used
Music or sound editing software
Medical software
Analytical or scientific software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Word processing software
Desktop communications software
Computer based training software
Work Values
Relationships
Achievement
Independence
Working Conditions
Recognition
Support
Knowledge You Will Receive
Administration and Management
Administrative
Economics and Accounting
Sales and Marketing
Customer and Personal Service
Personnel and Human Resources
Production and Processing
Food Production
Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Education Requirements
Master's degree
Job Zone 5
Tasks Associated with This Career
Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.