Speech Pathology is a branch of medicine which deals with the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients who have speech or swallowing disorders. It helps these patients to overcome their difficulties in speaking and swallowing properly so that they can communicate easily. Speech Pathologists are also known as speech-language pathologists and their main goal is to help people with communicative disorders so that they can live a normal life.
The main job of a speech pathologist is to evaluate and diagnose the problems of the patient and then come up with a suitable treatment plan for them. They go through various tests; assess and analyze medical history, physical exam, voice sample recordings, speech production sample recordings, swallow function assessment, and other related tests. Then based on all this data they prepare a report after discussing with both the patient as well as their family members to know more about the problem areas.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a health care professional who evaluates, diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent certain speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. These professionals are also known as communication therapists.
SLPs are often employed by schools or hospitals for treating children who have speech problems or learning disabilities. Others work in private practices, offering services to individuals of all ages who have communication disabilities. SLPs also work in nursing homes and other facilities treating adults with speech or cognitive impairment from conditions like stroke or dementia.
The speech pathologist is an individual who works in the areas of communication and language disorders. These professionals work with individuals from birth to adulthood, including children and adolescents. They may also work with individuals with cognitive, physical or emotional disabilities. They diagnose and treat individuals who have language or speech problems. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, private practices, schools and universities.
Speech pathologists can earn their bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from a number of different colleges and universities. Some offer an associate’s degree program as well. Individuals who wish to become speech pathologists should consider an accredited program that offers coursework specific to this field.
The typical speech pathologist degree Texas program lasts for four years, during which time students take courses such as anatomy and physiology, motor development and learning theories, child psychology, child development, cognitive disorders and processes, swallowing physiology, phonetics and acoustics, communication disorders.
Becoming a licensed speech pathologist is a long and involved process. To become a licensed speech pathologist in Texas, you must first receive an undergraduate degree in speech pathology from a four-year college or university. Then it’s time to take the Praxis II exam, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
The next step is to fill out the application for licensure with the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You will need to submit your official transcripts, a current resume, three letters of recommendation, proof of certification from ASHA, proof of passing the Praxis II exam, and application fees.