Speech-Language Pathologists

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
2. 02Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
3. 03Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
4. 04Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
5. 05Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
6. 06Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
7. 07Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
8. 08Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
9. 09Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
10. 10Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
11. 11Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
12. 12Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading