Facts About Speech Pathologist
- The various concerns in the field of speech pathology include inability to produce clear speech sounds, problems with speech fluency such as stuttering or stammering and having an inappropriate pitch or harsh voice. These conditions usually result from injury or trauma to part of the brain responsible for language or speech. The speech pathologist's area of expertise also extends to problems of swallowing. In this case the muscles related to swallowing are weak and there is a strong chance of the patient choking.
In patients who are unable to produce sound, speech pathologists device alternative means of communication. They help the patient understand and use these devices for better communication. In patients who have difficulty in swallowing, speech pathologists demonstrate and teach exercises to strengthen the muscles so patients can swallow without difficulty. - An important part of the speech pathologist's job is counseling the patient and his immediate family. They help the family understand the true nature of the disorder and how best to cope with it. They make the family aware of areas that may be impeding the patient's communication and show techniques to enhance communication.
- Many colleges and universities offer a graduate level program in speech language pathology. Some of these programs are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. It is not compulsory to take an accredited program to become a speech pathologist. However, accredited programs are recommended because they are required to acquire the license to practice in some states. Only licensed practitioners qualify for medical reimbursement by insurance companies. By and large, most speech pathologists have a post graduate qualification.
- Licensing and registration requirements vary from state to state. You need to pass the national examination on speech-language pathology, offered through the Praxis Series of the Educational Testing Service. You also need 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, along with nine months of postgraduate professional clinical experience. Apart from this, continuous medical education requirements need to be fulfilled by the speech pathologist for license renewal. You can check the precise requirements in your state by contacting the Licensing Board.
- The career prospects for speech pathologists are expected to grow in the coming years. As life expectancy increases, there is a huge older population base that may be prone to speech, language and swallowing problems. Medical advances have ensured the survival of premature infants and stroke victims. These two groups may have experienced trauma in the language part of the brain and may require further evaluation and treatment. As youngsters get attracted to speech pathology as a lucrative career option, it also throws open the teaching doors for experienced professionals in the field. As a speech pathologist, you have numerous option of work setting. If you like working with children, you may get associated with schools. You can also look at teaching positions with schools that cater to special needs. Other work settings include hospital and nursing care facilities. You may also opt to set up your own practice.