What does a speech-language pathologist (SLP) do?
The field is growing fast, but examples of how we can help our communities (and who might benefit from our services) aren’t always common knowledge. Maybe you are a parent whose child just got referred to a speech therapist, or maybe you are a student assessing career options. Keep reading for a quick summary of what to expect out of the field of speech-language pathology.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are certified to treat people of all ages across a wide range of areas related to speech, language, stuttering, communication, social skills, executive functioning, reading, feeding, swallowing, voice, and so much more.
Speech language pathologists are required to obtain a master's degree and remain certified with the American Speech Language Hearing Association, which includes completing continuing education throughout the year. The national accrediting body, ASHA, specifies what is considered an SLP’s “scope of practice.”
Some therapists remain generalists (think of your amazing public school speech therapist who treats all students, regardless of diagnosis). In contrast, others hone in on special interests (e.g., Apraxia, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, feeding, stuttering, etc.). Some stick with assessment and treatment, while others offer parent coaching, professional consultation, educational consultation, camps and intensives, seminars, and create therapy resources.
SLPs can provide these services in settings such as schools, daycares, support groups, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private clinics, etc.
Check out this blog post for information about the difference between scope of practice and scope of competence.
Takeaway: Speech-language pathology is an amazingly diverse and broad field. It provides so many opportunities for clinicians to find and practice what they are passionate about. It also requires many SLPs to be intentional with their time (think continuing education hours) to really hone their skills in a particular area.
