Speech therapists, also called speech-language pathologists, are professionals who check and diagnose people experiencing speech problems, and provide treatment and assistance to prevent speech and language medical disorders. They work with people who cannot make speech sounds clearly or at all. Examples of problems include stuttering, harsh voice, difficulty understanding or producing language, and difficulties swallowing. These problems can occur from many causes such as brain injury, stroke, developmental delay, learning disability, mental disabilities, or emotional issues.
A majority of states regulate speech therapists and require them to be licensed. Licensing requirements include completion of at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, passing a national speech-language pathology examination, a minimum of 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, and at least 9 months of professional clinical experience after graduation.
The Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association accredits speech-language pathology programs. In 2009, approximately 240 colleges and universities around the U.S. offered graduate programs in speech-language pathology. Check out the best-ranked speech pathology schools and colleges to find a suitable option.
The Praxis Series of the Educational Testing Service offers the national speech-language pathology examination. Most states require speech therapists to complete continuing education on a regular basis to renew their licenses. Different states have specific regulation and eligibility requirements.
Licensed speech therapists are eligible for a variety of Speech pathology positions in many different settings. Examples of potential employers include schools, hospitals, nursing care facilities, private doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, and child day care facilities.
