Speech-Language and Audiology Careers

What do speech-language pathologists do?

Since communication disorders affect every aspect of a person’s life, the work of a speech-language pathologist is multifaceted:

prevention, screening, consultation, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and follow-up services for disorders of speech, language, swallowing, and cognition
provide techniques and strategies for improving communication
diagnostics and intervention for disorders in swallowing
education for individuals, families, co-workers, and educators about accepting and adapting to speech, language, swallowing, and hearing problems

What do audiologists do?

Access to a spoken and/or manual language is a crucial component of the daily communication required for people to function in their lives. Audiologists work on:

prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and follow-up services for hearing and balance disorders
provision of technology and strategies for improving communication including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices
education for individuals, families, co-workers, and educators about accepting and adapting to hearing loss
consultation about the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss and optimizing listening environments for communication

Where do speech-pathologists and audiologists work?

public schools
hospitals
nursing homes
early intervention programs
universities
patient homes
private practice
rehabilitation centers
special-needs schools

What will I like (or dislike) about this work?

satisfaction from helping others
clients of all ages
working with a team of professionals
option of full- or part-time work

How is the job outlook?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2016-2017): “Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population grows older, there will be more instances of health conditions such as strokes or dementia, which can cause speech or language impairments.”

For audiologists, “Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 3,100 new jobs over the 10-year period.”

What are the educational requirements?

master degree (minimum) for speech-language pathologists
doctor of audiology degree (AuD) or other doctoral degree for audiologists
licensure in most statesfor