What might a second grader with a lisp
and an elderly person
recovering from a stroke
share in common?
They both may need the services
of a speech-language pathologist
to improve their ability to speak
and to pronounce words clearly.
Speech-language pathologists
—sometimes called speech therapists—
diagnose and treat communication
and swallowing disorders
in children and adults
who may be unable to speak,
or have rhythm and fluency problems,
such as stuttering.
Speech-language pathologists
evaluate the specifics of speech, language,
or swallowing problems.
Then speech therapists develop
an individualized treatment plan
to address functional needs—
from pronunciation issues or harsh tones
to improving vocabulary
and sentence structure.
Speech-language pathologists
also guide patients through exercises
that strengthen or develop the muscles
used to swallow.
They counsel patients and their families
on coping with the patient’s condition.
Most speech-language pathologists
work full time,
though a number of positions are part time.
Most work in schools—
where it’s typical to travel
between schools during the week—
or in healthcare facilities.
Speech-language pathologists
typically need at least a master’s degree,
including supervised clinical experience.
Specific coursework
—but not a particular college major—
may be required to enter
a graduate program.
All states require credentialing
for speech-language pathologists—
either licensure or registration,
depending on the state.