Speech-Language Pathologists

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologists Do?

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• 2Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• 3Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• 4Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• 5Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• 6Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• 7Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• 8Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.

Required Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Active Learning
• Adobe Audition
• Apple Logic Pro
• Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate
• Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE
• Avaaz Innovations Interactive Voice Analysis System IVANS
• Biofeedback software
• Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
• Dropbox
• eClinicalWorks EHR software
• ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources

Speech-Language Pathologists Salary