In present times, Speech-Language Pathology has become a promising career option. It is a branch of health sciences that deals with the study and treatment of human communication and its disorders of voice, language and speech of an individual.
Speech-Language Pathologists or Speech therapists are the specialists that treat people struggling with speech, swallowing disorders and language-related problems and lack of fluency. They counsel and treat people of all age groups from kids to aged people. They also work with old people who have lost their speaking ability because of accidents, strokes and removal of the larynx.
Speech Pathologists demand has been increased due to growing awareness among people for treatment of speech-related disorders. A career in this field has a high potential for ambitious students. Basically, these experts have to work with people who struggle to speak, form words or sounds, or are recovering from an injury or trauma and have lost their ability to communicate or speak. They usually work as a part of a team that includes physicians, psychologists, audiologists, teachers and social workers.
Skills and Responsibilities of a SLP
- A Speech therapist is expected to have strong interpersonal and communication skills with keen observation.
- A compassionate nature and the ability to work effectively in teams.
- Managing clinics, private practices and agencies.
- Establishing effective treatments by evaluation of problems through developing new ways and equipment.
- Investigating various behavioural patterns that are related to communication disorders.
- Constantly researching human communication processes.
- Preparing the future working professionals who are studying in colleges and universities.
Working Environment
Speech Therapists are required to work in a varied environment like in education setting, health care facilities and private practice. Full-time SLP works for 40 hours a week and some work part-time.
The SLPs have opportunities to
- Counsel and educate the patients, their families and caregivers.
- Use the latest technology to research, identify and treat communication-related disorders.
- Develop the necessary skills to serve as supervisors and mentors.
- Train and monitor support personnel with the provision of counselling and consulting services.
Academic Requirements
- For studying a diploma course in Speech Therapy, the candidates have to complete their 10+2 in science stream from a recognized board of education.
- After completion of a Diploma of 3 years, candidates have to apply for an undergraduate course like B.Sc in Speech and hearing with Masters and Doctoral courses in speech and hearing.
Institutions offering courses in Speech Therapy
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing in Mysore
- University of Bombay, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Health Education, Patna
- Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore
Job Roles for a Speech Therapist
There are many work profiles for an SLP to choose from based on his area of interest. Some of them are listed below:
- General Audiologist or Speech Pathology Assistants
- Speech Pathology Reader
- Clinical Speech Pathology Assistants
- Lecturer in special schools
- Educational Audiologists
- Researcher
- Certified Hearing Aid Audiologists
Employment Sector or Job Areas for a SLP
There are enormous employment opportunities for Speech therapists in various sectors. Some of the top employment industries are mentioned below:
- Government and Private Hospitals
- Hearing Aid Industries
- Health Care Establishments
- Colleges and Universities
- Government Health Departments
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Special Schools
- Nursing Care facilities
- NGOs
Pay scale of a Speech Therapist
In India, on an average a Speech language pathologist earns around 2.5 -3 LPA. As you gain experience as a therapist, your pay scale also grows up. A private organization offers better pay scale and benefits than a government organization. Most of the speech therapists set up their own private clinics and earn an average income of Rs 10LPA to Rs 18 LPA.
In abroad, speech therapists earn much when in India. Their annual average salary is $52,000 and the highest salary is $80,000.
Books and suggested study material for speech therapy
Some of the best books that aspiring students of speech therapy can study are:
- Speech and Language Therapy bookby Myra Kersner, Jannet A. Wright
- Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology by M.N. Hegde
- Treating Phonological Disorders In Childrenby Howell & Dean
- Resource Guide for the Early Hearing Detection with Intervention by NCHAM
- Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool children byS. Preventive Services Task Force
The employment opportunities for SPL are expected to grow by 19% compared to other professions by the year 2022.
As a speech therapist, you can make a positive change in someone’s life. The joy of helping a person get their voice back is overwhelming.
– Samiya Firdous
