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Do you want to help people with their communication skills?
Consider becoming a speech language pathologist (SLP)!
The Actual Job
SLPs help people to become independent communicators using speech, gestures and/or communication aids as needed.
SLPs screen, assess, identify and treat:
Disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency (stuttering)
Swallowing and feeding problems
SLPs may limit their practice by age, type of disorder or interest.
Quiz
Which of the following duties does a SLP NOT do?
While an SLP might be part of the screening process, they would refer a client to an audiologist or other hearing specialist for a hearing loss test.
Where You Will Find SLPs
Did you know?
Rumie is a nonprofit community dedicated to making innovative learning free for everyone.
Top 6 Skills Of SLPs
SLPs are dynamic professionals! On a day-to-day basis, SLPs:
Readily take care of the needs of other people.
Closely observe and take notes to develop an informed treatment plan.
Plan, manage, develop and carry out specific treatment plans for individuals.
Educate and explain problems with sensitivity to individuals and their family.
Engage in research to solve problems.
Work in a team. SLPs work closely with teachers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and other health professionals.
Quiz
Which of the following skills is the most IMPORTANT when speaking to parents about their child's hearing loss?
While carrying out the actual treatment is important, building rapport with families and making them feel safe should be at the top of any SLP's list of priorities!
What Education Is Required?
In Canada and the United States , a master’s degree in speech-language pathology (or equivalent) is required to practice.
In the United States, an undergraduate degree in CSD (Communication Sciences and Disorders) is the most common pathway into speech-language pathology graduate programs, but is not required.
Choose The Next SLP
Farhan enjoys working indepedently in a quiet environment.
Sharmilla enjoys planning and working in team environment.
Julie prefers to work from home helping people organize their finances.
Quiz
Who would make the best SLP?
Two skills required of SLPs is the ability to plan, manage, develop and carry out specific treatment plans for individuals within a team environment. Farhan and Julie could still have jobs where they help people, but would likely prefer a different career.
Take Action
Does it sound like a career as an SLP could be a good path for you?
This Byte has been authored by
Amrita Gill
Curriculum Group Lead/Instructor/Author