By: Maryium Saddique
The medical field has long been praised and recognized for its efforts towards maintaining the health of others around the world. While many specialties like Pediatrics and Oncology receive praise for their advancements in the field, several medical-related positions go unnoticed. Among some of these various occupations, Speech and Language Pathology is a prime example. Not only does this specialty cover a wide range of speaking disorders, but Pathologists dedicate their time towards treating disabled people of all ages.
As with most professions in the medical field, there are various educational requirements. After successfully graduating from high school, earning a bachelor's degree is necessary. A few examples of the popular majors include communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, language development, education, psychology, and English. Some of the best colleges for these majors are NYU, Baylor University, and Emerson College. Although a master's degree is not required, it is highly encouraged when becoming a Speech and Language Pathologist. During the Master's program, students take courses like Normal Language Development, Language Disorders, Phonetics, and several audiology courses. This time is essential, as students begin to explore internships and fully grasp their understanding of the Pathology field. For example, people can work at children's hospitals or public educational facilities. Following the completion of a Master's, students can choose to pursue a Ph.D. It would enable them to become professors in Pathology. Regardless, certification and licensure exams are necessary. One of the prominent certifications is ASHA or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Even after completing their education, Pathologists are required to take annual certification exams and earn 30 hours of continuing education units.
As a pathologist, you meet with patients to prevent, assess, treat, and diagnose speech, language, social communication, and swallowing disorders. For example, when patients struggle to produce sounds correctly, they meet with Pathologists who conduct different diagnostic assessments. Through sessions, pathologists work together with their patients to strengthen their weaknesses like speaking skills and cognitive development.
There are different settings where Speech and Language Pathologists can work. For example, in a public school, pathologists work closely with kids from various backgrounds alongside teachers. It also provides the opportunity for pathologists to work with children across the autism spectrum or who have disorders like Cerebral Palsy. However, pathologists also work in hospitals where they assist patients recovering from a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, or diseases like Parkinson's. When compared to public education, this is a more invasive working experience. For example, pathologists often help people who have difficulty swallowing.
As an underrepresented profession that often goes unnoticed, Speech and Language Pathologists focus on various disorders and dysfunctions. In the field of pathology, people work with different physicians to create the best solution for their patients. So, not only do they work diligently for their patient's health, but they can form meaningful connections while guiding others on a path to strengthen their weaknesses.
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