Become Speech-Language Pathologist

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Become Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and disorders related to speech process and vocal chords. They work with patients who may be dealing with acute or long-term conditions that affect their ability to verbally communicate, such as those recovering from a stroke. A Speech-Language Pathologist can work in a hospital or in a private clinic, working with patients who have been referred from another doctor.

A 4-year Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University
A Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology
Register with the provincial regulatory body (i.e. the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario)
Possess strong knowledge of the latest speech therapies and techniques
Be empathetic and able to connect with patients

A Speech-Language Pathologist works with patients who have trouble verbally communicating due to both acute and chronic conditions, including speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders. They meet with patients to assess their needs, and design custom treatment plans involving exercises and other techniques designed to improve verbal communication. The daily duties of a Speech-Language Pathologist include:

Meet, assess and diagnose new patients
Design custom treatment plans to improve speech
Perform therapeutic treatments and exercises with patients
Teach patients how to continue therapies at home
Research new techniques and treatment options
Keep detailed patient records to track progress
Consult with physicians if there may be other physical causes

Due to the highly specialized nature of the therapy they provide, there are specific educational requirements that are necessary for those considering becoming speech-language pathologists. Most commonly, speech-language pathologists will need to complete a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited university, and a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Once schooling is complete, they will need to successfully gain admission to the provincial or territorial regulatory body, such as the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.

Speech-language pathologists provide healthcare services, and are recruited predominantly by the healthcare sector but can also work with privately-owned organizations. Additional sectors that recruit for speech-language pathologists include ambulatory health care services, social assistance, and specialized schools.

The long-term employment outlook for speech-language pathologists is considered to be fair. It is a specialized field, so professionals with this knowledge will continue to be in-demand. The profession has seen increased and consistent growth over the past decade, but there is not predicted to be a large turnover via retirements to create a large demand for new professionals.

A speech-language pathologist will typically work in a healthcare clinic or private office. These clinics can be a part of large healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, that feature related therapeutic practitioners. Speech-language pathologists can also establish private practices in offices and stand-alone clinics in order to provide therapeutic services.

According to the CNP code (national classification of occupations), here are additional titles for speech-language pathologists: