Online Masters Programs in Speech Pathology

Masters programs in speech pathology are designed to train students to become professional speech pathologists (SPs).

They can also be referred to as speech therapists or speech-language pathologists. A SP works with individuals who have a range of speaking-related disorders. These can include fluency and rhythm problems, the inability to make certain sounds, and vocal disorders. SPs also help people with swallowing problems or those who want to modify their accents. The work involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders. A census conducted in the US during 2008 established that there were 119,000 SPs employed throughout the country. Half these people worked in schools, including elementary, secondary, and pre-primary schools. Others worked in nursing care facilities, hospitals, child day-care services, outpatient services, health care services, family and individual services, and group practices, while some were self-employed.

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Speech Pathology Education and Training

In most US states, a masters programs in speech pathology degree is required to work as a licensed practitioner. Some states will only issue licenses to those who have graduated from a program that has been approved by the Council on Academic Accreditations in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Core subjects are physiology, anatomy, the principles of acoustics, and the nature of disorders. While studying, students receive hands-on training under the supervision of a registered Speech Pathologists.

In order to obtain a license, an examination administered by the Educational Testing Service must be passed. Included in the licensing requirements are 300 to 375 hours of clinical practice under supervision, plus 9 months of post-graduate clinical experience. In 41 states, Speech Pathologists are required to commit to continuing education programs. If they fail to do so, their licenses will not be renewed.

Masters programs in speech pathology are offer careers in various environments. Let's take a closer look at what this occupation involves. To diagnose disorders, a number of aids are used. These include oral and written tests, and instruments to establish the nature and extent of disorders. Swallowing difficulties, vocalization, and language are recorded and analyzed so that individualized care programs can be devised. Examples are alternative communication methods such as sign language and electronic devices.

Speech Pathology Careers

A SP is able to teach people with virtually no ability to speak how to improve their language skills, improve their voices, and how to make sounds. The objective is to increase the level of communication. SPs also help patients who have lost the ability to speak. They are taught how to recover, or develop, communication skills that will fulfill their social, vocational, and educational needs.

They also work with individuals who have fluency and rhythm problems when speaking. Examples are stammering or stuttering, overly harsh voices, incorrect voice pitch, and poor voice quality. Many patients are people with cognitive impairments like problem-solving, memory, or attention disorders. Patients also include those who struggle to eat or swallow because of oral motor problems.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

Employment opportunities for graduates who have passed masters programs in speech pathology are expected to rise faster than the median for all other careers through to 2018. Those who are bilingual will be in higher demand, especially those who are fluent in English and Spanish. An increasing number will work in schools, private practices, hospitals, clinics, and other heath care facilities, while some will work independently. The average annual income is between US$41,085 and $92,300.

Online masters programs in speech pathology and human services degrees