Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) help people with neurological problems such as Cerebral Palsy or Multiple Sclerosis, or people that are deaf or may have speech impairment or disability.
If you are considering a profession in Speech Language Pathology you need to obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Next you need to complete undergraduate programs such as Psychology, Linguistics and Physiology. After this you must obtain a Master's degree. A Master's Degree Program can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years. It includes taking classes in Acoustics, Linguistics, Voice Development and Disorders, Psychology and Neurology. Most of these programs will require practical training as well which can vary depending on the school and location.
Most of the states in the US require SLPs to have a license. In order to obtain one you must have achieved a Master's degree. One must also have a passing score on the National Examinations for Speech Language Pathology Licensing.
Once you have achieved your Master's Degree, you will need to find a job. Even during the bad job market there has been a lot of SLP jobs on the market. You have the option to work in private offices, physician's offices or Speech Therapy Centers. Most of the SLPs work 8-10 hours a day but some also work on the weekends to accommodate their client's schedules.
SLPs make an average salary of $35,000 to $ 70,000 which can vary depending on the location and experience. Speech Language Pathologists provide a better way for the needy to communicate or help them improve the methods they have already been taught. If you are someone who likes to help others and make a difference in someone's life, it is a great choice.
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