Nature of the Work:
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat persons
with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders;
audiologists assess and treat those with hearing and related disorders.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
A master's degree in speech-language pathology or
audiology is the standard credential in this field. Of the 43
states that regulate speech-language pathologists and/or
audiologists, all require a master's degree or equivalent; 375 hours
of supervised clinical experience; a passing score on a
national examination; and nine months of post-graduate
professional experience. For licensure renewal, 23 states have
continuing education requirements. Medicaid, Medicare, and private
insurers generally require a license to qualify for reimbursement.
Job Outlook:
Employment of speech-language pathologists and
audiologists is expected to increase much faster than the average
for all occupations through the year 2005. There will be
approximately 110,000 speech-language pathologists and
audiologists by 2005. Some job openings also will arise from the need
to replace speech-language pathologists and audiologists
who leave the occupation.
Sources of Additional Information:
State departments of education can supply information
on certification requirements for those who wish to work in
public schools.
General information on speech-language pathology
and audiology is available from:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
