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
- Communicate with patients to evaluate their levels of speech or language difficulty
- Determine the extent of communication problems by analyzing patients completion of basic reading and vocalizing tasks or by reviewing standardized test results
- Identify treatment options
- Create and carry out an individualized treatment plan
- Teach patients how to make sounds and improve their voices
- Teach alternative communication methods, such as sign language, to patients with little or no speech capability
- Counsel patients and families on how to cope with communication disorders
- Work with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth
+1.6%
Job Opening
315
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
4519
5203
Change 684
Video:Speech-Language Pathologists
Video provided CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labour, Employment and Training Administration and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development.