What Can You Do With a Speech Pathology Master's Degree?

Those who earn a speech pathology master's degree will find that they are qualified to work in a very diverse and challenging field. Speech-language pathologists can be found in both health care and educational environments, working with clients that range from infants and toddlers to the elderly. Others can be found in administrative positions, overseeing speech and language programs in school systems, health care, or nursing and rehabilitation facilities. Some are self-employed, contracting with a variety of agencies to provide speech and language services to their clients.

Duties and Capabilities

Speech-language pathologists are qualified to work with the full range of communication and related disorders. Among the duties that are within this realm are the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive, communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all age groups. Speech-language pathologists may also teach; manage agencies, clinics; or private practices; supervise school or clinical speech therapy programs; or research human communication disorders. Corporations sometimes hire speech-language pathologists to assist their employees in learning more effective communication skills. These are but a few from the ever-expanding list of career opportunities available in this dynamic field of employment

Speech-Language Pathology in Education

Approximately 50 percent of speech and language pathologists practicing today are employed in educational services. Most of these work in preschool, primary school or secondary school settings. In both public and private educational institutions, speech pathology services are in high demand, as federal and state laws mandate that children with speech delays or impairments be given access to treatment. Speech-language pathologists are in particularly high demand in special education programs, due to increasing rates of speech delays and pervasive developmental disorders such as autism and Asperger syndrome. Early intervention programs are becoming more prevalent, increasing the demand for speech-language pathologists to treat communication issues in infants and toddlers.

Speech-Language Pathology in Health Care

Speech-language pathologists can be an invaluable part of the recovery and rehabilitation process for many patients. Speech disorders are commonplace in stroke victims and those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or severe seizures, or are affected by neurological diseases or disorders. Often, the services of a qualified speech-language pathologist can aid these patients in developing communication skills or recovering those lost to injury or disease. Speech-language pathologists employed in this capacity may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes or private clinics, or with home care services.

Specialties in Speech-Language Pathology

A career in speech-language pathology offers a number of areas in which to specialize. For example, some professionals choose to work with only pediatric clients, while others choose to focus on stroke recovery. Many choose to treat children and adults with developmental disabilities exclusively, while others prefer research toward developing new treatments and programs to aid those with communication difficulties. Many of these specialties require additional certifications and continuing education to meet qualification standards.

Hard Work Yields Rewarding Careers

While earning that speech pathologist master's degree may be a challenge, requiring a great deal of dedication and hard work, the career possibilities are quite rewarding, making it well worth the time and effort. And, the horizons in the field of speech-language pathology are expanding every day, with many specialties emerging, creating more challenging and fulfilling career paths from which to choose.

References

• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)