- What is a speech-language pathologist?
- What does a speech-language pathologist earn?
- How can I find an academic program in speech pathology?
- Where can I find financial aid information?
- How can I volunteer or find summer employment opportunities in speech-language pathology?
- How can national NSSLHA help me as a speech-language pathology student?
- Resources
1. What is a speech-language pathologist?
Working with the full range of human communication and its disorders, speech-language pathologists:
- Treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
- Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
In addition, speech-language pathologists may:
- Train future professionals in colleges and universities.
- Manage agencies, clinics, or private practices.
- Engage in research to enhance knowledge about human communication processes.
- Develop new methods and equipment to evaluate problems.
- Establish more effective treatments.
- Investigate behavioral patterns associated with communication disorders.
Visit the ASHA Web site at Speech-Language Disorders and the Speech-Language Pathologist for a comprehensive description of the profession of speech-language pathology.
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2. What does a speech-language pathologist earn?
The salaries of speech-language pathologists depend on their educational background, specialty, experience, work setting, and geographical location. In 2003:
- The median salary for ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists was $52,600 per year.
- Those in administration may earn upwards of $78,000.
Employee benefits such as insurance, leave, and professional development are usually very competitive.
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3. How can I find an academic program in speech pathology?
The National Academy of Preprofessional Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (NAPP) maintains a list of undergrdaute programs in audiology. For more information, contact the NAPP president, Bertha Smith Clark, PhD, Department of Speech and Theatre, Area of Communication Disorders, Box 309, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132; 615-898-2640; bclark@frank.mtsu.edu. Visit NAPP's Web site.
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4. Where can I find financial aid information?
Financial aid information for students interested in CSD is available through for following sources:
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5. How can I volunteer or find summer employment opportunities in speech-pathology?
Volunteer and summer employment opportunities for students are available through the following sources:
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6. How can national NSSLHA help me as a speech-pathology student?
National NSSLHA provides pre-professional benefits and services to students interested in a career in communication science disorders. National NSSLHA provides students with:
- Advocacy: Connect with the Regional Councilor in your area to share concerns about matters affecting CSD students or to suggest ideas for content at conventions or content for student-publications.
- E-mail Announcements: National NSSLHA members receive a monthly email bulletin with information about grants, scholarships, career opportunities, workshops, and seminars for students.
- Membership Benefits and Services: As you advance in your academic study you will find membership in the national association more valuable.
- Networking: Connect with other students in your area by interacting with the NSSLHA chapter in your region.
- Newsletters & Publications: As a high school student you can subscribe for a complimentary subscription to our newsletter News & Notes or get a copy of the NSSLHA CSD Survival Guide. This publication will provide you with introductory information to prepare you for your academic study in communication sciences and disorders.
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7. Resources
Want to learn more about the profession of speech-pathology? Try these resources:
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