Speech and Language Pathologists

Speech and language pathology is the study and treatment of communication and its disorders. Speech often refers to the “how-to” of talking, which requires the clinician to address the coordination of the muscles of movement that produce speech. Language refers to the challenge of understanding what is heard, read, or seen. Patients may struggle to find the right words and have difficulty organizing and communicating words and ideas. Speech and language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists or SLPs) are highly trained professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of speech, language, cognitive linguistic, social, swallowing, voice, fluency, and oral motor disorders.

SLPs must complete a specialized education that includes graduate school, a national examination, and the successful completion of a postgraduate clinical fellowship. Careers ...