Speech-Language Pathologists

What the job really is

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1127
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Adobe Audition, Airflow measurement devices, Alternative computer keyboards, Apple Logic Pro, Audiometers, Augmentative communication devices, Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate, Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Audiologists
• Occupational Therapy Aides
• Recreational Therapists
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Speech-Language Pathologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.