Speech-Language Pathologist

 

Career Description

Speech-language pathologists are professionals concerned with the research, evaluation and treatment of communication problems. They work with people of all ages and all types of symptoms, including stuttering, harsh voice, inappropriate pitch and eating or swallowing difficulties. Their patients also may have problems producing and understanding language. For all patients, the speech-language pathologist determines the exact nature of the disability and decides an adequate treatment regimen.

Annual Salary

Entry: $40,872	Mean: $51,438	Experienced: $62,712
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Hourly Wage

Entry: $19.65	Mean: $24.73	Experienced: $30.15
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Academic Requirements

To be a practicing speech-language pathologist generally requires a master’s degree from an institution accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Schools

KU School of Allied Health (Kansas City, Kan.)
913/588-5235

Rockhurst University
800/842-6776

Professional Associations

National
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

State
Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Missouri State Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists

Additional Information

Learn More About Therapy and Rehabilitation
Read Personal Accounts of Current Speech-Language Pathologists