Health Careers Spotlight:
Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds, or cannot make them clearly. Their patients may have trouble with stuttering, swallowing or understanding and using language. Some have lost the ability to speak after a stroke or other trauma. Speech-language pathologists teach sign language, help people strengthen muscles used in speech and swallowing, and work with patients to improve lost abilities.

Most speech-language pathologists provide direct clinical services to individuals with communication or swallowing disorders. In speech and language clinics, they may independently develop and carry out treatment programs. In medical facilities, they may work with physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other therapists. Speechlanguage pathologists in schools develop individual or group programs, counsel parents, and may assist teachers with classroom activities.

The demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to increase faster than average for the next decade. Salaries for speech-language pathologists starts at around $27,000-30,000 per year. Experienced speech-language pathologists can earn up to $80,000 per year. In both cases, salary is dependent upon the work setting.

For those interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist, high school and undergraduate course work should include math and science. It is also possbile to focus on areas such as speech, behavioral science and language development at the undergraduate level. A master’s degree is required to work as a speech-language pathologist. Vermont will soon have a licensing requirement and certification is available from ASHA (American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association).

For more information on a career as a speech-language
pathologist or another health career, please call 802-527-1474.

Ashley Couture is a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Center for Disorders of Communication at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. Ashley received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from McGill University. In addition, Ashley completed her Master of Science at the University of Vermont and received her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech- Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). We recently spoke with Ashley to discuss her experiences working in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.

Q How did you become interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A I have always been drawn towards learning about language and how people use language. I also love studying the brain and how it controls our behavior. The field of Speech-Language Pathology involves a deep connection between understanding the brain and how it works for speech, language, and communication and this really, truly interests me. I also love working with patients and families.

Q Did any person influence your decision to become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A I would say that what most influenced my decision was observing a speech-language pathologist working with patients with dysphagia (swallowing disorder) and aphasia (language disorder). The patients influenced my decision.

Q What personal needs are satisfied by your job?
A My need to help people by focusing on two critical components of what makes us human—communication and swallowing. Being a speech-language pathologist also involves working as a team of caring, dedicated medical professionals. My personal desire for continuously learning and being challenged is also fulfilled through this profession.

Q In what ways has being a Speech- Language Pathologist changed you as a person?
A It has been humbling in the sense that you come to realize that even though you are “treating” a person, you can’t ever really know what they are experiencing (often pain). It is such a broad field with so many different opportunities that it has really challenged me to look at what aspects I enjoy and have an affinity towards and focus on those certain areas.

Q Describe the demands of your job...
A I work a total of 32 hours per week, 5 days per week. I work in a department of six other speech-language pathologists across 3 different site areas (acute care, acute inpatient rehab, and outpatient). There is daily communication around shifting caseloads and staffing allocation to make the most of our resources for the patient need. Although I am primarily based at inpatient rehab, on any given day, the need may be great elsewhere and I will need to fill in. I am a Clinical Lead in my department which means that in addition to patient care, I am responsible for program development and multidisciplinary projects, along with others. This requires balancing administrative responsibilities with patient care.

Q What is a typical day for you?
A My day begins at 8:00 a.m. I generally see 3-4 patients for treatment including education with patients and family members. There’s often paperwork associated with the treatment. In addition, I may have 1-2 meetings around a particular project in which I am involved. I also have conversations with team members around particular patients and discharge planning. I always touch base with the other members of the speech-pathology group to determine caseloads and needs.

Q What special knowledge or skill does a person need be a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A You need an undergraduate degree and a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology (Communication Sciences). In addition, you can expect ongoing education through conferences and in-services. After completion of a Masters Degree, you complete one year of training, while getting paid, with supervision (Clinical Fellowship Year— CFY). There is a board exam and then you submit to the American Speech Language and Hearing Association for certification. Vermont has just instituted licensure as well. To maintain certification and licensure, there are continuing education requirements.

Q Can a person specialize within the field of Speech- Language Pathology? Into what areas?
A Within Communication Sciences, people generally specialize to either Speech Pathology or Audiology. Within Speech Pathology there are special designations for which you can apply that identify you as an “expert” in a particular area, for example in swallowing or stuttering.

Q What changes are occurring in this field?
A As a profession, we are working very hard to develop solid research to demonstrate that the treatments we are providing have a positive effect—we are becoming very evidence-based. The time constraints and changes in the healthcare industry in general are reducing length of stay and the access patients have to therapeutic care. It requires that we, as therapists, become more efficient and functional in our treatment.

Q Do you encounter any problems combining your job with your family life?
A Yes. I believe this says more about me as a person than about the profession. I have learned, through becoming a mother, that I am truly passionate about my profession. However, working with patients in a medical setting does involve a great many details and a lot of time.

Q Do you have ample time for leisure activities?
A Does anyone truly feel this way anymore? “Ample time” is certainly defined differently for every person. Balance between work and leisure is something I consistently work to achieve.

Q What advice would you give someone who is planning to enter the Speech-Language Pathology field?
A I would tell anyone thinking about graduate school to first take time to work after completing an undergraduate degree. This puts you in a much better place to fully take advantage of what you learn in graduate school. I would also advise that people actually observe and shadow a speech pathologist to get a real sense of what the job is like.