A speech therapist, also known as a speech pathologist, is a healthcare professional who helps individuals with communication disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and provide a wide range of services, including assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.
In order to become a speech therapist, one must first earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. The curriculum for this type of program typically includes coursework in anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms, normal and disordered communication development, and assessment and treatment techniques.
In addition to earning a master’s degree, speech therapists must also complete a clinical fellowship, which is a supervised professional experience. This typically involves working with patients under the supervision of a licensed speech therapist, and can last anywhere from 9 to 36 months, depending on the program.
Once a individual has completed their education and clinical fellowship, they must also pass a national examination, known as the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, in order to be licensed. This exam tests the individual’s knowledge and skills in areas such as phonetics, language development, and speech disorders.
Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure as a speech therapist, most states require a certain number of continuing education hours to be completed on a regular basis.
Once licensed, speech therapists can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices. They may also work with patients who have a wide range of communication disorders, including speech and language delays, stuttering, voice disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.
In summary, to become a speech therapist, one must earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, complete a clinical fellowship, pass a national examination, and continue education to maintain licensure. They can work in a variety of settings and help individuals of all ages with communication disorders.