Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help prevent patients' communication and swallowing disorders. These disorders may result from stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, cleft palate, cerebral palsy, or emotional problems.
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Print Occupation
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Health Science
What do they typically do
- Teach patients how to make sounds and improve their voices
- Communicate with patients to evaluate their levels of speech or language difficulty
- Work with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
- Create and carry out an individualized treatment plan
- Counsel patients and families on how to cope with communication disorders
- Identify treatment options
- Teach alternative communication methods, such as sign language, to patients with little or no speech capability
- Determine the extent of communication problems by analyzing patients completion of basic reading and vocalizing tasks or by reviewing standardized test results
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth +2.4%
Job Opening 396
Education & Training
- Education Most require a graduate degree like a master's, Ph.D., M.D., or law degree.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
4538
5752
Change 1214