speech language pathologist definition in healthcare

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Medical Speech-Language Pathologist

What does a medical speech-language pathologist do.

A medical speech-language pathologist works in health care and diagnoses and treats a wide range of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. They work with patients affected by a variety of neurological events, such as brain damage, stroke, seizure, or cancer. They may also work with patients who suffer from chronic diseases or who have experienced a trauma.

Speech pathologists examine patients and create treatment plans tailored to their needs. These patients may have speech articulation issues, voice quality problems, or language disorders. Treatment could be modifying a patient’s diet or prescribing a speech-generating device.

Scope of practice

Medical speech-language pathologists work with doctors and audiologists to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. This role holds a wide range of responsibilities and can do a variety of tasks each day, including:

• Diagnosing and treating speech, language, cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders
• Evaluating swallowing ability and prescribing an appropriate diet (foods may need to be pureed or liquids may need to be thickened)
• Helping patients with aphasia find ways to communicate
• Training family members or caregivers, as well as other professionals
• Collaborating with other members of the care team
• Conducting research to develop new treatment methods

Work environment

Medical speech-language pathologists typically work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. They typically work 40 hours per week during normal business hours. The work they do may differ slightly depending on where they work.

Speech-language pathologists that work in a hospital may do more diagnosis, counseling, and educating. Whereas medical speech-language pathologists that work in a rehabilitation facility typically work on improving skills to function more independently.

Speech-language pathologists that do not work in health care, may work in education providing services to school-age children with a wide range of disabilities. They may also work in government, or even in the corporate world.  

Becoming a medical speech-language pathologist

Compassionate, detail-oriented people with good communication skills and a passion for science might be interested in a career as a medical speech-language pathologist. This role will keep you on your toes and allow you to do something different every day. Speech–language pathologists spend a lot of time with patients evaluating and treating their conditions, as well as time with caretakers and other members of the health care team to explain diet changes and other care instructions.

Higher education requirements

To become a medical speech-language pathologist, you must complete:

• A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (or related field with certain prerequisites completed for graduate school admission)
• A graduate degree in speech-language pathology
• A postgraduate fellowship
• A national licensing exam

Certification process

You can get certified by the  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council for Clinical Certification once you’ve completed a speech-language pathology graduate degree and fellowship, and passed the Praxis exam.

Career opportunities and outlook

A medical speech-language pathologist can expect a median annual salary of $ 79,060 .

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of speech-language pathologists to grow much faster than average. This is due to the large baby-boom population ages, there will be more instances of health conditions that cause speech or language impairments, such as strokes and hearing loss. Secondly, medical advances are improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma victims, who may benefit from speech therapy.

With further education, some speech-language pathologists can become educators or researchers. Others can advance into management or administrative positions with greater responsibilities.

By the numbers

median annual salary

years of higher education

job growth projected from 2020-2030

Medical speech-language pathologist programs at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic offers several internships and a fellowship to prepare students for a career as a medical speech-language pathologist, including:

• Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (Arizona)
• Speech Pathology Internship (Arizona)
• Speech Pathology Internship (Florida)

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Also Known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Speech Therapist

• What They Do
• Conditions Treated

Training for Speech Pathologists

• When to See an SLP

A speech pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who helps you improve your speech and communication if you have been ill, injured, or have a chronic disability. Speech pathologists may also be called speech-language pathologists (SLP).

Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food or drink to help them stay safe while eating.

This article examines the important work that speech pathologists do as part of a rehabilitation team of professionals. You will learn what conditions they treat and when you should seek out the services of an SLP.

What a Speech Pathologist Does

A speech pathologist is a trained medical professional who works with patients who are injured or ill and are having difficulty speaking or swallowing. They work to prevent, assess, and treat these disorders in adults and children.

Speech pathologists help people communicate, and this may involve:

• Expressive communication : The ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally
• Receptive communication : The ability to understand verbal and nonverbal communications

Some speech therapists work closely with audiologists (healthcare professionals who treat hearing and balance problems) to ensure that you can hear and understand language correctly. Others work with otolaryngologists , also called ear, nose, and throat physicians (ENTs), to help patients swallow food and drink safely and to assist patients with oral motor function.

Common Specialty Areas

Some speech pathologists have a more generalized practice, while others have a more narrow focus on specific areas or problems such as:

• Social communication
• Voice and vocal hygiene
• Speech sound disorders

Some of the official certifications that a speech pathologist may receive include:

•  Intraoperative monitoring
•  Fluency disorders
•  Swallowing and feeding disorders
•  Child language disorders

Speech pathologists seeking specialty certification have to meet education, experience, and clinical practice requirements as established by independent specialty certification boards.

Where Speech Therapists Work

There are a variety of settings in which speech pathologists work. This may include:

• Schools: Speech therapists working in schools help children with speech disorders learn to overcome their communication challenges.
• Nursing homes: Speech therapists in nursing homes help patients with dementia or communication issues caused by other conditions like stroke learn communication strategies. They also work with staff on ways to help residents communicate more effectively.
• Hospitals: A speech pathologist working in a hospital may help diagnose and treat language communication problems and swallowing disorders in hospitalized patients. 
• Private practices: Speech pathologists may also work in private practices where they may specialize in one or more language problems or health conditions in specific populations.

Speech pathologists can also work as educators in colleges and universities, and they may be involved in research.

Conditions Speech Therapists Treat

Speech pathologists work with people of various ages and with a variety of conditions. They sometimes work with young children who are having problems speaking properly, or they may help older adults with cognitive communication (communication that is affected by memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving, which are examples of executive functioning ).

A stroke can cause damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and communication. Depending on the extent of the stroke, this loss of ability may be short-term or long-term. A speech pathologist can help someone who is recovering from a stroke regain their ability to speak and understand language.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition of the brain that affects how you communicate with others. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and can affect your ability to speak and understand what is being said.

Hearing Loss

A speech pathologist may work with other professionals such as audiologists and ENTs to help assess, manage, and treat someone with hearing loss. Some of the things a speech pathologist might do to help someone with hearing loss include evaluating the person's speech, helping them improve listening skills, and working with them to develop alternative communication strategies.

Vocal Damage

Vocal cords can become damaged in various ways including persistent coughing and voice overuse. A speech pathologist can teach you muscle strengthing and voice rehabilitation excercises and other strategies to help your vocal cords heal (such as cough modification). 

English Language Learners

If you are learning a new language and wish to alter your accent, you may benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist, as well. They can help you form words and sounds correctly to alter your normal speech in learning a new language.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury after a blow to the head or an accident that affects the parts of the brain that control language can also lead to problems with communication. A speech therapist can help someone with this type of injury recover lost speech and language skills.

Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by several different medical conditions including muscular problems, a narrowed esophagus, damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or esophageal cancer. 

Untreated dysphagia can lead to problems eating and drinking including choking. A speech pathologist can help you develop strategies for safe chewing and swallowing, including exercises, correct body position, and food preparation recommendations. 

People with autism can have difficulty with both written and spoken communication as well as body-language forms of communication such as pointing and waving. Autism is also associated with difficulties relating to and socializing with other people. 

A speech pathologist can help people with autism understand communication norms and improve their written and spoken communication skills. They can also work with the families of people with autism on strategies that can help develop communication skills.

Alzheimer's Disease

People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may develop communication problems as the disease progresses. A speech therapist can help the person develop memory skills and other strategies that will help them communicate.

Speech pathologists also work with the family and caregivers of people with dementia so they can help the person implement communication tools and strategies.   

Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorder describes speech patterns characterized by differences in rate and rhythm compared to how most people speak. 

Stuttering is the most common example of a fluency disorder. Another example is cluttering, which describes speech that is atypically fast and irregular.

Speech pathologists usually develop an individualized treatment plan for someone with a fluency disorder, which may include strategies such as:

• Minimizing negative reactions to the problem
• Increasing the person's acceptance of the problem
• Improving confidence
• Reducing avoidance behavior

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders describe problems articulating words. People with speech sound disorders may be hard for others to understand. This can result in problems with social relationships, at work, or at school. 

Speech sound disorders are common in childhood and can be treated with the help of a speech pathologist. The pathologist will look at how the person moves their tongue, lips and jaw and help them learn the correct way to make sounds. 

People with speech sound disorders often have other problems with language; their speech therapist can also help them develop strategies to overcome these problems.

Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

Voice therapy for transgender people can be an important part of gender-affirming healthcare. Learning to speak in ways that align with gender identity can improve a transgender person's quality of life as well as their social and psychological well-being.

A speech pathologist can help a transgender person learn to modify the pitch of their voice in ways that limit fatigue and damage to the vocal cords. They can also help the person learn nonverbal communication, articulation, and other strategies that can help their voice align with their gender identity.

To be a speech pathologist, a person must have a master's degree in communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Many undergraduate and graduate programs in speech pathology require time spent observing a speech therapist at work prior to admission. This satisfies the requirement for entry into school and provides a good understanding of what a speech pathologist's job is like.

The first year of work as a speech therapist is called a clinical fellowship year. During this time, aspiring speech pathologists will work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.

Additional steps to becoming a speech pathologist include:

• Obtaining a certificate of clinical competence in SLP (CCC-SLP)
• Passing a national Praxis examination for Speech-Language Pathology
• Applying for SLP licensure in the state in which you will be working

A speech pathologist's education does not end when they leave school and pass the national examination. They must also fulfill continuing education requirements from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to maintain their license.

When to See a Speech Pathologist

There are certain instances in which you may need to see a speech pathologist. For example, parents commonly notice small speech or language impairments in their children and seek out an SLP.

Adults may want to work with a speech pathologist to help with new or existing communication or language problems.

If you become hospitalized, you may have a speech pathologist come to your room and work with you at your bedside. They can help you with speech and language, swallowing and diet issues, and can work with other members of a rehab team to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to return home.

When to see a medical professional

Many speech and language disorders benefit from the help of a speech therapist, but some are more urgent than others. Any sudden onset of impaired speech should be considered an emergency, as the person may be experiencing a life-threatening problem such as a stroke.

Children should be closely monitored for speech and language development. If your child does not have the language skills expected for their age, it is a good idea to see a speech pathologist as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one is having trouble communicating or understanding language, then working with a speech pathologist may be a good idea.

SLPs treat children and adults with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, neurological injuries, autism, and more. They are trained to assess your condition and offer strategies to improve your expressive and receptive communication and swallowing function.

Pascoe A, Breen LJ, Cocks N. What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in adult palliative care?: What is needed to prepare SPs to work in adult palliative care? .  International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 2018;53(3):542-549. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12367

American Speech Language Hearing Association. Who are speech pathologists, and what do they do? .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Social communication .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech sound disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical specialty certification .

Reilly S, Harper M, Goldfeld S. The demand for speech pathology services for children: Do we need more or just different? . J Paediatr Child Health . 2016;52(12):1057-1061. doi:10.1111/jpc.13318

National Aphasia Association. Stroke .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Aphasia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing loss in adults .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Autism (autism spectrum disorder) .

Alzheimer's Association. Strategies to support changes in memory, language and behavior in the early stages of dementia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Fluency disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Gender-affirming voice therapy advocacy .

SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org. How to become a speech pathologist .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Identifying speech and language concerns about your child and when should you seek help?  

Salary.com. Speech Pathologist Salary in the United States .

By Brett Sears, PT Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.

What is an SLP & What do they do?

Speech-language pathology is the scientific study of speech, fluency, feeding and swallowing, and all the mechanisms of speech and language, along with the therapeutic application of corrective and augmentative measures to help people with speech disorders speak and communicate better. It falls under the communication sciences and disorders discipline, which also include the closely aligned—but separate—study of audiology.

Speech-language pathology is focused on a range of human communication and swallowing disorders affecting people of all ages.

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• Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
• NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
• Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.

According to The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association , the following disorders fall under the umbrella of speech-language pathology:

• Speech Disorders : Occurs when individuals have difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or fluently (e.g., stuttering)
• Language Disorders : Occurs when individuals have difficulty understanding others, sharing thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and/or using language in functional and socially appropriate ways; language disorders may also be in the written form
• Communicating with others socially (e.g., greeting others, asking questions, etc.)
• Changing their way of communicating depending on the listener or setting
• Following socially acceptable rules of conversation and story telling
• Cognitive-Communication Disorders : Occurs when individuals have difficulties paying attention, planning, problem-solving, or organizing their thoughts. Many times, these disorders occur as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or dementia.
• Swallowing Disorders: Occurs when individuals have difficulty eating and swallowing. Swallowing disorders are often a result of an illness, injury, or stroke.

The practice of speech-language pathology includes those who want to learn how to communicate more effectively, such as those who want to work on accent modification or improve their communication skills. It also includes the treatment of people with tracheostomies and ventilators.

Speech-Language Pathology: The Synthesis of Two Fields of Study

Language differs from speech, which is why speech-language pathology is actually the study of two fields.

Speech is the verbal means of communication. It consists of:

• Articulation: How speech sounds are made
• Voice: The use of breathing and vocal cords to produce sounds
• Fluency: The rhythm of speech

Speech problems often occur because a person has difficulty producing sounds due to the incorrect movement of the lips, tongue, and mouth.

Speech problems include:

• Childhood speech apraxia : Neurological childhood speech sound disorder resulting from neuromuscular difficulties, such as abnormal reflexes or abnormal tone
• Adult speech apraxia : Speech disorder caused by neuromuscular difficulties, such as abnormal reflexes or abnormal tone; usually as a result of stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, or other progressive neurological disorders
• Dysarthia : Impaired movement of the muscles used for speech production, including the vocal cords, tongue, lips, and/or diaphragm
• Stuttering : Involuntary repetition of sounds
• Speech sound disorders : Includes articulation and phonological processes difficulties
• Orofacial myofunctional disorders : Tongue moves forward in an exaggerated way during speech or swallowing (called tongue thrusts)
• Voice disorders : Includes vocal cord nodules and polyps, vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia, and paradoxical vocal fold movement

Language consists of socially shared rules that include how to put words together, how to make new words, what words mean, and what word combinations are best in what situations. Language disorders include:

• Difficulty understanding others: receptive language disorder
• Difficulty sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings: expressive language disorder

Although speech and language disorders can occur by themselves, they often exist together, which is why speech-language pathology is a combined field of study.

Speech and language disorders are often a result of medical conditions, such as:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Laryngeal and oral cancers
• Right hemisphere brain injury
• Traumatic brain injury

In children, this may also include selective mutism and language-based learning disabilities resulting from:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Syndromes, such as Down’s syndrome and Fragile X syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Failure to thrive
• Low birth weight or premature birth
• Hearing loss
• Intellectual disabilities
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Stroke/brain injury
• Cleft lip/palate

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. These highly trained clinicians work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of professionals, which includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, teachers, physicians, audiologists, and psychologists, among others.

Their job duties include:

• Developing and implementing treat plans based on their professional assessment and recommendation from members of the interdisciplinary team
• Monitoring their patients’ progress and adjusting their treatment plans accordingly
• Documenting patient care and writing reports regarding patient evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge
• Ordering, conducting, and evaluating hearing, speech, and language tests and examinations
• Educating patients and family members on treatment plans, communication techniques, and strategies for coping with speech/language barriers
• Designing, developing, and employing diagnostic and communication devices or strategies
• Developing and implementing speech and language programs

Though a majority of speech-language pathologists are involved in direct patient care, these professionals also fulfill a number of other roles in areas such as:

• Program coordination and administration
• Teaching at the post-secondary level
• Supervision
• Product development and evaluation
• Consultation

Speech-Language Pathologist Education and Certification

Speech-language pathologists are highly educated and trained clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators. Speech-language pathologists, at a minimum, hold a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

Most master’s degrees in CSD are Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) programs. Master of Education (MEd) programs prepare speech-language pathology educators.

National certification and states licensure require the completion of a program that has been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA) .

In most states, additional state licensure requirements include completing a supervised postgraduate professional experience and passing a national exam.

Language-speech pathologists can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Certification requirements are similar to state licensing requirements, so state licensed language-speech pathologists generally qualify for the CCC-SLP designation.

The History of Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-pathology as a recognized field of study had its origins in the early part of the twentieth century, when the scientific, academic, and clinical foundations began to take shape and a number of organizations (such as the American Academy of Speech Correction in 1926) focused on speech disorders and speech correction were established.

From 1945 to 1965, speech-language pathology began to evolve, thanks to the introduction of a number of assessment and therapy approaches focused on underlying communication disorders. It was during this time that speech-language pathology researchers and clinicians began focusing their attention on the many WWII soldiers returning from war with brain injuries resulting in aphasia.

This period also gave rise to brain studies, technological advances, and the development of standardized testing procedures, including receptive and expressive language assessment and treatment techniques.

Between 1965 and 1975, advancements in linguistics spurred researchers to begin distinguishing language disorders from speech disorders. Their work enhanced the work of speech-language pathologists, allowing them to begin more effectively treating a variety of language delays and disorders.

Today, speech-language pathology continues to evolve as high-quality research evidence is integrated into practitioner expertise and clinical decision making. The increased national and international exchange of professional knowledge, information, and education in communication sciences and disorders continues to strengthen research collaboration and improve clinical services.

Speech-Language Pathology Resources

• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA)
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology
• International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association
• National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
• National Aphasia Foundation
• Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America
• The Cherab Foundation
• The Voice Foundation
• Selective Mutism Foundation
• Stuttering Foundation of America
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Back to Top

• Career Resources
• How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
• Both Sides of the Frenectomy Debate
• Certification
• State Licensing Overview
• Student Resources
• What is Speech-Language Pathology?
• CAA-Accredited Graduate Programs
• Directory of CSD and SLP Undergraduate Programs
• Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
• SLP Clinical Fellowship
• SLP Thesis Track
• 2022 SLP Scholarship Guide
• 2022 Top SLP Master’s Programs
• Practice Settings
• Private Practice
• Telepractice
• Specialty Areas and Disorders
• Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) and Lip-Tie Issues
• Aphasia (Post Stroke)
• Apraxia of Speech
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Child Language Disorders
• Communication Competency Assessment
• Early Intervention
• Fluency Disorders
• Forensic Speech-Language Pathology
• Laryngeal Imaging
• Late Talkers
• Low-Incidence Disorders
• Multilingual Patients
• Occupational Therapy
• Otoacoustic Emissions Screening
• Patients with Autism
• Patients with Cochlear Implants
• Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation
• Spasmodic Dysphonia
• Stuttering and Cluttering
• Swallowing and Feeding Disorders (Dysphagia)
• Transnasal Esophagoscopy and Pharyngeal/Esophageal Manometry
• Transgender Voice Modification Therapy
• Voice Therapy
• Dual Certification in SLP and Lactation Consultancy
• Continuing Education is Key to Career Versatility and Longevity in This Field
• Do You Speak with an Accent? … You Can Still Be an Outstanding SLP
• The Challenges and Rewards of Working with English Language Learners
• Some Advice on How to Approach Your Clinical Fellowship
• 4 Things a Job Description Can’t Tell You About the Profession
• 5 Things I Love Most About Being an SLP
• Your Guide to Getting Started in Telepractice
• Why Team Player SLPs are Even More Effective Than Superstars
• Why Working With the Entire Family Gets the Best Results in Kids Struggling with Speech-Language Issues

• Application Requirements
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Clinical Placements
• Planning Your Studies
• How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist: Step-by-Step Instructions

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

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Speech@Emerson / Resources

August 20, 2020 

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide care to people with speech, language, cognition or swallowing impairments, from infants to older adults and everyone in between. If you are interested in a health care career that offers an array of specialties, practice settings or clientele, speech-language pathology may be the field for you. This resource will outline what a career in speech-language pathology entails, highlight the differences between a speech-language pathologist and speech therapist, and describe the different settings where SLPs offer their services.

What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, treating and developing plans of care to help improve, maintain and restore certain skills and functions in their clients. Such functions include:

• Articulation or phonological disorders, such as dysarthria or apraxia of speech.
• Language processing challenges.
• Language fluency, including stuttering.
• Feeding and swallowing difficulties due to dysphagia.
• Social communication pragmatics.

Licensing requirements to practice as an SLP vary by state, but most require supervised clinical experience and at least a  Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.).  The  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)  offers certification once individuals have passed the  Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.

So, why become an SLP? The path to becoming a speech-language pathologist requires hard work. But the career comes with the opportunity to improve an individual’s overall quality of life, and that can be rewarding.

Working in a high-growth field is another reason some people might consider a career as an SLP.  Speech-language pathologists held about 153,700 jobs in 2018,  according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By 2028, the BLS projects that the number of speech-language pathology jobs will reach 195,600.

Speech Pathologist vs. Speech Therapist

What’s the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist? Actually, there isn’t one. Speech-language pathology is the official profession of an individual who is commonly known as a speech therapist or a speech teacher. The terms are used interchangeably to refer to someone who evaluates clients’ unique communication impairments or disorders and determines a specialized course of treatment to help them improve over time.

Job Description of a Speech Pathologist

The day-to-day duties of a speech-language pathologist may vary based on the work setting and area of specialization. However, some key responsibilities SLPs share are as follows:

• Conduct screenings to assess a client’s speech and swallowing challenges.
• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language and communication disorders.
• Develop an appropriate treatment plan.
• Provide rehabilitation or communication strategies for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Train, communicate and educate family and caregivers of those with communication or swallowing disorders.
• Offer augmentative and alternative communication systems for clients who experience challenges with severe social expression or language comprehension disorders, such as those on the autism spectrum.
• Use an interdisciplinary approach to address a client’s communication and swallowing needs.
• Complete administrative tasks, including the recording of a client’s progress during and after treatment and the maintenance of client records.

There are a variety of work settings that a speech-language pathologist can choose from. SLPs can work in nursing and residential care facilities, offices of audiologists and physical therapists or have offices of their own.

Some SLPs choose to specialize in treating and supporting clients of a specific age group, such as young children or older adults.  Our Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.) program includes applied courses,  such as CD642-Autism: Social Communication Development and Disorder, which introduces students to the development of social communication skills in children. By the time students graduate and become licensed, they will be prepared to work with children with autism and help them to build communication and social skills outside of the typical classroom setting. The knowledge and skills acquired during applied courses may also enable students to support adults with autism who may be joining the workforce. In those cases, the SLP provides direction when it comes to writing cover letters and preparing for job interviews.

Our program also includes  clinical placements . During in-person placements, our students have the opportunity to grow their practical understanding of the communication disorders that they study in the virtual classroom. They also gain exposure to clinical settings and can decide whether they’d like to work in such an environment once they become licensed.

Speech-Language Pathologists in Hospitals vs. in Schools

Hospitals and schools are two of the  most common work settings for speech-language pathologists,  according to ASHA. Both settings come with unique challenges and opportunities.

What Does an SLP Do in a Hospital?

Medical speech-language pathologists work in health care facilities such as hospitals. They belong to an interdisciplinary treatment team that designs and implements a client’s acute or rehabilitation care plan. They may collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, audiologists, or physical and occupational therapists to get the job done. The BLS indicates that  hospital-based SLPs make up 14% of all practicing SLPs.

A hospital-based or medical SLP’s main job functions may include the following:

• Diagnosing and treating cognitive, language, communication and swallowing disorders.
• Working with a range of clients who suffer from chronic diseases or have been affected by neurological events causing trauma to the brain, such as stroke, seizure, cancer or physical trauma.
• Prescribing modified diet plans for clients experiencing difficulty swallowing and symptoms of dysphagia.
• Conducting periodic screenings.
• Providing guidance, support and education to clients and their primary caregivers.
• Informing clinical staff about communication disorders to provide clients with a holistic health treatment plan.
• Conducting research on treatment methods for communication and swallowing disorders.

What Does an SLP Do in a School?

Speech-language pathologists working in education settings constitute 38% of all SLPs,  according to the BLS. Education settings include pre-kindergarten, K–12 public and private schools, and colleges and universities.

SLPs who work in early childhood education settings employ intervention strategies and support students throughout their learning cycles. It is also important for school-based SLPs to advise and work with educators and administrators. This ensures that students’ communication challenges are addressed holistically, so as not to disrupt their learning.

A school-based SLP or speech teacher’s key responsibilities may include the following:

• Conducting diagnostic evaluations and assessing students’ communication skills.
• Working with school-age children or college students with a range of learning, physical and auditory disabilities or disorders that adversely affect their educational performance.
• Identifying students who may be at risk for future communication and swallowing disorders or challenges.
• Consulting with and informing teachers, administrators and families about the prevention of and treatment for communication disorders.
• Performing classroom-based services as well as facilitating small-group and individual speech sessions.
• Working collaboratively to develop a treatment plan tailored to an individual student’s communication and swallowing challenges.
• Developing and implementing Individualized Family Service Plans and Individualized Education Programs.
• Documenting as required by federal, state and local agencies.
• Supervising clinical practicums for students working toward their SLP certification.
• Participating in schoolwide curriculum and literacy teams.

The first step to  becoming an SLP  and achieving your career goals is earning a Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.). To learn more about the Speech@Emerson program, including its length, a look into our online campus and what to expect of immersion experiences, visit our  Speech@Emerson program page , contact the admissions team by phone at 855-997-0407 or send an email to  [email protected] .

Citation for this content:  Speech@Emerson, Emerson College’s online Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.)

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What does a speech language pathologist do?

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What is a Speech Language Pathologist?

Speech language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating various communication and swallowing disorders that can affect individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They work with patients who experience difficulties in speech articulation, language development, voice production, fluency (stuttering), and cognitive communication skills. They also assist individuals who have challenges with swallowing or feeding due to medical conditions or developmental issues.

Speech language pathologists collaborate closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to create tailored treatment plans that address specific communication or swallowing goals. Their expertise extends beyond assessment and therapy, encompassing research, education, and advocacy to promote effective communication and enhance the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.

What does a Speech Language Pathologist do?

Speech language pathologists play an important role in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. They employ a range of evidence-based techniques and technologies to help their clients improve their communication and swallowing abilities. By providing personalized therapy plans, counseling, and education, SLPs help individuals with communication and swallowing disorders achieve their fullest potential and enhance their quality of life.

Duties and Responsibilities Some of the key duties and responsibilities of a speech language pathologist include:

• Assessment and Evaluation: SLPs conduct thorough assessments to identify communication and swallowing disorders in patients. They use standardized tests, observations, interviews, and clinical observations to gather information about a patient's speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing abilities.
• Diagnosis: Based on assessment results, SLPs diagnose the specific communication or swallowing disorder affecting a patient. They analyze the collected data and provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual's challenges and needs.
• Treatment Planning: SLPs develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals. These plans may include strategies to improve speech articulation, language development, voice production, fluency, cognitive communication, or swallowing function.
• Therapeutic Interventions: SLPs administer therapeutic interventions to address communication and swallowing difficulties. They guide patients through exercises, activities, and techniques designed to improve their speech clarity, language comprehension, expression, voice quality, and fluency.
• Patient Education: SLPs educate patients and their families about the nature of the disorder, treatment options, and strategies for managing communication challenges in everyday life. They empower individuals to actively participate in their treatment journey.
• Collaboration: SLPs collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, audiologists, educators, and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach to treatment.
• Progress Monitoring: SLPs regularly assess and document their patients' progress throughout the treatment process. They adjust treatment plans as needed based on ongoing evaluations and discussions with patients and their families.
• Adaptive Technology: In some cases, SLPs may recommend and assist patients in using adaptive communication devices or technologies to enhance their ability to communicate effectively.
• Swallowing Assessment and Treatment: SLPs evaluate and treat patients with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). They may develop strategies to improve safe swallowing and prevent aspiration during eating and drinking.
• Research and Education: Some SLPs engage in research to contribute to the advancement of their field's knowledge and practices. They may also provide training and education to students, colleagues, and the community.
• Advocacy: SLPs advocate for individuals with communication disorders, raising awareness about the importance of effective communication and access to appropriate services.
• Documentation: SLPs maintain accurate records of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and outcomes to ensure effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Types of Speech Language Pathologists Speech language pathologists can specialize in various areas within their field to address specific communication and swallowing challenges. Here are some types of specialized speech language pathologists:

• Pediatric Speech Language Pathologists: These professionals work primarily with children, addressing speech and language disorders that can arise from developmental delays, speech sound disorders, language impairments, and early communication difficulties. They may work in schools, early intervention programs, clinics, or private practice.
• Adult Speech Language Pathologists: Adult-focused speech language pathologists work with individuals who have communication and swallowing difficulties due to neurological conditions, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or degenerative diseases like Parkinson's. They help adults regain or maintain their communication abilities and improve swallowing safety.
• Accent Modification Speech Language Pathologists: Accent modification specialists assist individuals who wish to modify their speech patterns to improve communication clarity and reduce accent-related misunderstandings, often in professional or academic settings.
• Voice Disorder Speech Language Pathologists: Speech language pathologists specializing in voice disorders work with individuals who have conditions affecting their vocal cords, pitch, volume, or quality of voice. They provide therapy to improve voice production and prevent vocal strain.
• Fluency Disorder Speech Language Pathologists: These professionals focus on treating individuals with fluency disorders, commonly known as stuttering. They use techniques to help individuals improve their speech fluency and manage their disfluencies.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Speech Language Pathologists: AAC specialists work with individuals who have complex communication needs and may require alternative methods of communication, such as communication devices, symbols, or gestures.
• Swallowing and Dysphagia Speech Language Pathologists: These speech language pathologists specialize in evaluating and treating individuals with swallowing disorders (dysphagia) caused by various medical conditions. They help patients safely consume food and liquids.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Speech Language Pathologists: Speech language pathologists with expertise in traumatic brain injuries provide therapy to individuals recovering from head injuries, helping them regain language, cognitive, and communication skills.
• Neonatal Speech Language Pathologists: Neonatal speech language pathologists work with infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), addressing feeding and swallowing difficulties in premature or medically fragile newborns.
• Geriatric Speech Language Pathologists: Geriatric speech language pathologists specialize in addressing communication and swallowing issues in older adults, often dealing with age-related conditions such as dementia and age-related changes in speech and swallowing function.
• Educational Speech Language Pathologists: These professionals work in educational settings, such as schools, to provide speech and language therapy to students with communication disorders, supporting their academic success.

Are you suited to be a speech language pathologist?

Speech language pathologists have distinct personalities . They tend to be social individuals, which means they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. They excel at socializing, helping others, and teaching. Some of them are also investigative, meaning they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if speech language pathologist is one of your top career matches.

What is the workplace of a Speech Language Pathologist like?

Speech language pathologists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.

In a hospital setting, speech language pathologists may work in acute care or rehabilitation settings, providing assessment and treatment for patients with speech and language disorders resulting from medical conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and cancer. They may also work with patients who have difficulty swallowing, which can be a common issue for individuals who have had strokes or are recovering from surgery.

In schools, speech language pathologists work with children who have communication disorders, such as stuttering, articulation problems, or language delays. They work with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized education plans for students. They may also work with students who have hearing impairments, providing assistance with hearing aids and other assistive devices.

In private clinics, speech language pathologists may work with clients of all ages who have a variety of communication disorders. They may specialize in working with specific populations, such as children with autism or adults who have had strokes. In these settings, speech language pathologists work closely with clients and their families to develop treatment plans tailored to the client's specific needs and goals.

Rehabilitation centers and nursing homes may also employ speech language pathologists to work with patients who have suffered from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other medical conditions that affect speech and language. In these settings, speech language pathologists may work with patients to improve their ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally.

Speech Language Pathologists are also known as: SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Medical Speech-Language Pathology: The SLP’s Role in Healthcare

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If you have a shared interest in both science and communication, medical speech-language pathology may be the career for you. 

While many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) choose to work in an educational setting , there is a need and an opportunity to use a degree in speech-language pathology within various healthcare settings. In fact, 39 percent of SLPs work in a hospital, residential healthcare facility, or non-residential healthcare facility. In the healthcare industry, speech and language services are instrumental in acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. 

Below, we take a look at the topic of medical speech-language pathology and explore the role that SLPs play in modern healthcare. 

What is medical speech-language pathology?

Medical speech-language pathology is where the medical world meets the communication field. Medical SLPs are communication experts who work in medical settings to help patients with communication and swallowing conditions. Medical speech-language pathologists work collaboratively with a patient’s medical team and contribute crucial information to the overall treatment plan.

“In other words, speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages who have a primary medical diagnosis that has left them with problems in areas of function related to communication and/or swallowing ,” says Liz Martin, assistant clinical professor at Northeastern’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program . 

Interested in a Speech-Language Pathology Career?

Learn how an SLP degree can give you the skills you need to make a difference in educational and healthcare settings.

What does a medical speech-language pathologist do?

As a medical speech-language pathologist, you’ll diagnose and treat cognitive communication, speech, language, and swallowing disorders as part of a multidisciplinary or interprofessional treatment team.

A medical SLP helps patients that have trouble voicing, speaking, producing, or understanding language—as these difficulties consequently affect communication skills. Medical SLPs also support patients with difficulty eating food or drinking liquids resulting from a neurological event, chronic disease, or trauma. Whether it’s building a tailored diet or prescribing a device that generates speech, medical SLPs will create unique treatment plans specific to the needs and goals of the patient.

Medical speech-language pathologists work directly with patients and their families to provide education, counseling, and support. They also work alongside other healthcare professionals treating the same patient. For example, as a medical SLP, you may need to collaborate cross-functionally with neurologists, audiologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, and dieticians. Collaborating with diverse health care teams offers access to other disciplines you can learn from in real-time. Growing your skillset and broadening your experience as an SLP will increase your value to patients and your employer. The more specialized your skillset, the more leverage you’ll have in landing the job environment you want most. 

While the specific duties will depend on your primary setting, medical SLPs take a patient-centered approach to providing patients with the services they need. Once you’re employed as a medical speech-language pathologist, your duties may include:

• Evaluating patients for language, speech, voice, and swallowing disorders
• Conducting tests such as modified barium swallow study (MBSS) or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES)
• Generating treatment plans for patients
• Educating patients and their families
• Coordinating with other medical professionals
• Participating in departmental and university-wide committees or task forces

Typically, the work environment for a medical SLP is very collaborative, as you’ll join and participate in a number of committees or task forces. These groups are assembled to study topics such as fall prevention, interpreter services, outcomes of aspiration pneumonia, and the benefits of a tracheostomy tube team.

Who do medical SLPs work with?

Medical SLPs work with patients across a span of medical conditions in any medical setting where patients may be suffering from a language, speech, or swallowing disorder. 

These settings can include acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals or facilities, skilled nursing facilities (short-term rehab or long-term care facilities), outpatient departments, or private practices. 

Some specific examples of the kinds of patients that a medical SLP might work with include:

• Infants born with a cleft lip or palate in neonatal intensive care units
• Individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injury
• Individuals who have experienced a neurological event, such as a stroke
• Individuals diagnosed with a progressive illness such as Parkinson’s disease
• Individuals who have experienced trauma to their vocal cords or other structures related to speech

What education and training do medical SLPs need?

To become a speech-language pathologist either in the medical or education field, you must earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology , Master of Education, or Master of Arts. Some programs may offer a concentration in medical SLP, which can be a great way of gaining the foundations required for this work.

If the program you are enrolled in does not have a specialized medical SLP track, you can also gain that knowledge by taking medical SLP courses offered by your university. Additionally, you can gain experience during your clinical fellowship by finding employment at a medical facility. 

So, if you want to become a speech-language pathologist—but you’re still not sure if the medical, educational, or a different setting is right for you—that’s okay. Ultimately, no matter which location you end up working in, every SLP needs a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Depending on which concentrations your college or university offers, along with real-world clinical training opportunities, you can choose where you’d like to allocate your efforts as you learn about and experience the different industries that employ speech-language pathologists.

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University.

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Department of Hearing and Speech

What is a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist? What type of work they do? Find out here.

A speech-language pathologist, also referred to as a speech therapist, evaluates and treats speech, language and swallowing difficulties, which may have resulted from trauma, stroke, hearing loss, developmental delay, birth abnormalities and emotional problems in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

As an integral part of the health care team they:

• evaluate the person's level of difficulty in communication
• improve vocal ability
• provide alternative communication methods such as sign-language
• prepare a treatment plan
• help patients follow through to see improvement

Speech-language pathologists often work with:

• social workers
• psychologists
• teachers and school staff
• other health care professionals

The role of speech-language pathologist requires a master’s degree, and a current state license is required to see patients. Licensing requirements vary by state.

Speech-language pathologists are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association ( ASHA ). The ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is the internationally recognized professional credentialing body for speech-language pathologists. Certification satisfies some or all of the requirements for licensure and may be required by some employers.

KU grads go on to find career success

The high level of education and training provided to students at the University of Kansas prepares you well for a successful career in speech-language pathology. Our graduates secure leading roles in clinical practice, in school settings, in academia and many other areas.

See below the remarkable number of positions currently or formerly held by our graduates.

Graduates of our speech-language pathology program currently hold or have previously held the following positions in clinical and research settings:

• Bilingual Pediatric Therapy
• Boston Medical Center, speech-language pathologist
• Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Tallahassee, FL and Myrtle Beach, SC
• Henry Ford, Detroit, MI
• Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
• National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, program officer
• Northern Navaho Medical Center, New Mexico, speech-language pathologist
• Swedish Hospital, Englewood, CO, Speech-language pathologist
• University of Kansas Medical Center
• US Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Madison, Wisconsin

Graduates of our speech-language pathology program currently hold or have previously held the following positions in school settings:

• Kansas City School District, speech-language pathologist
• Los Angeles Unified School District, speech-language pathologist
• Topeka Public School District, speech-language pathologist

Graduates of our speech-language pathology program currently hold or have previously held the following positions in academic settings:

• Baylor University, Waco, Texas, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders
• California State University, Fullerton, assistant professor
• Florida Atlantic University, assistant professor
• Maryville University of St. Louis, program director of SLP
• University of Missouri-Columbia, assistant professor
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, assistant professor
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, lecturer and clinical supervisor in the Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pediatric speech-language pathologist for the Floortime Center
• Utah State University, assistant professor
• Yeshiva University, New York City, clinical assistant professor

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What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?

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If you are looking for a career that will enable you to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of others, becoming a speech-language pathologist could be an excellent choice for you. Not only do SLPs help their clients and patients lead more fulfilling lives, but they also earn a substantial salary for their efforts.

To become a speech-language pathologist, you will ultimately need to earn a relevant degree, such as a  Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology . Of course, earning an advanced degree will take an investment of time, effort, and money, so it’s only natural to research the field before making such a commitment. 

With this in mind, below, we explore common questions about becoming an SLP, including what a speech-language pathologist is, what they do, where they work, and more. 

What is a speech-language pathologist?

A  speech-language pathologist  (often abbreviated to  SLP ) is a professional trained to be an expert in all aspects of speech and communication. As such, SLPs provide a range of services to their patients and clients. The most well-known of these services revolve around speech (speech sounds, language, literacy, fluency). SLPs also provide a number of services focused on social communication, cognition, and issues related to feeding and swallowing.

Speech-Language Pathologist vs. Speech Therapist

Ultimately, the terms speech-language pathologist, speech pathologist, speech therapist, speech teacher, and speech correctionist can all be used interchangeably to refer to a practicing SLP. However, the terms speech-language pathologist and speech pathologist are most commonly used in professional settings, while the others are more often used informally. 

What do speech-language pathologists do?

Speech-language pathologists perform a range of roles and duties depending on where they are employed and the specific patient populations that they work with. For example, those working in a hospital setting will perform different activities and treatments than those who work in a school or private practice. 

“It really depends on the setting that a speech-language pathologist is working in,” says Lorraine Book, department chair and associate clinical professor of Northeastern’s  MS in Speech-Language Pathology program . “That being said, their primary role revolves around the assessment and treatment of speech-language disorders and swallowing disorders.”

SLPs dedicate the majority of their time to:

• Evaluating patients
• Diagnosing disorders, such as speech, communication, language, or swallowing disorders
• Creating individualized treatment plans for their patients
• Implementing treatments and interventions
• Training family members or caregivers to oversee treatment in everyday life
• Collaborating with other medical professionals as needed

While speech-language pathologists are perhaps most well-known for working with children in a school setting, they can—and often do—work with patients of all ages. 

“As an allied health profession, SLPs are trained to treat across the lifespan, which means birth to death,” Book says. 

Conditions Addressed by Speech-Language Pathologists

Because the role of SLP can be so broad, the easiest way to understand it is to explore the specific types of conditions and “problems” that SLPs treat. These include:

• Speech disorders:  This category includes any disorder or condition which causes an individual to have difficulty producing sounds. Stuttering, dysarthria, and ataxia of speech can all be considered speech disorders.
• Language disorders:  These include any condition which causes an individual difficulty communicating with others. Language disorders include receptive as well as expressive language and can involve spoken or written language. Phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics are all involved. 
• Social communication disorders:  Individuals with these conditions have difficulty understanding and adhering to the “rules” of social communication, such as taking turns during a conversation or not interrupting others while they are speaking. Those on the autism spectrum or who have experienced traumatic brain injury commonly exhibit issues around social communication.
• Cognitive-communication disorders:  These disorders cause individuals to have difficulty remembering, organizing their thoughts, paying attention, or problem-solving. Stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury are often common causes. 
• Swallowing disorders:  Difficulty feeding and swallowing, known as dysphagia, is common in those who have suffered from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or certain illnesses or other injuries. 

Speech-Language Pathology Careers

Where do speech-language pathologists work.

Speech-language pathologists can work in any setting where they interact with patients experiencing issues or disorders related to language, speech, or swallowing. Typical workplaces include schools, clinics, private practice, and hospitals, among others. 

How much do speech-language pathologists make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), speech-language pathologists earn an average salary of approximately  $80,500 per year . The number of SLPs is expected to grow roughly 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, adding more than 40,000 positions. This growth is much faster than the four percent growth expected for all occupations in total over the same timeframe. 

Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

If the role described above aligns with your personal and professional goals, then a career as a speech-language pathologist could be the right one for you. In addition to enjoying competitive wages and significant job growth over the coming decade and beyond, you will be able to make a real difference for the individuals that you treat.

To become an SLP, you will first need to earn an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as a  BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology  or a BS in Communication Disorders). You will then need to complete a graduate degree, such as a  Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology , a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. After completing a post-graduate fellowship, you will then need to pass the national exam in speech-language pathology and apply for licensure in the field in which you wish to practice.

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the  Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders  at Northeastern University.

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What Is Speech Therapy?

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Speech therapy is a form of healthcare that helps improve communication and speech. It can also help improve swallowing function and other behaviors related to feeding.

About one in 12 children in the United States has a speech or swallowing disorder. Disorders are most common in young children, but many adults have a related condition. For example, about one million adults in the United States have aphasia (difficulty expressing or comprehending written and verbal language).

Speech therapists (STs) or speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess and treat people of all ages. They use various techniques to help people with challenges related to speech production, language comprehension, hearing, voice quality, fluency, and swallowing. 

What Does Speech Therapy Treat?

Speech therapy treats various disorders involving hearing, speech, language, literacy, social communication, voice quality, executive functioning (for example, memory and problem-solving), feeding, and swallowing.

Specific speech disorders include:

• Articulation disorders: Difficulty pronouncing words or sounds such as the “s” sound (for example, saying “thun” rather than “sun”). This can occur during childhood language development or with structural problems like tongue-tie. A tongue tie is when a small band of skin connects the tip of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. It is congenital, meaning it's present at birth.
• Dysarthria: Slow, slurred, or unclear speech. This occurs with oral (mouth) muscle control decline due to neurological conditions (related to the brain or nervous system), such as multiple sclerosis (MS) —a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the covering wrapped around nerve cells.
• Apraxia: Knowing what you want to say but having difficulty producing the correct sounds or words. Apraxia can cause slow, error-prone speech or the need to intentionally move your tongue and lips in order to produce sounds and words. Apraxia can be present at birth, but it can also occur as a result of brain injuries, brain tumors , or a stroke .
• Fluency disorders: Speech flow disruptions like stuttering. Stuttering is experiencing interruptions in speech and repeating sounds, syllables, or words. Researchers are still exploring possible causes of dysfluency, but they seem to include genetics, developmental components, neurological factors (how the brain processes), and brain injury. Many children outgrow fluency disorders, but they can persist into adulthood.
• Voice disorders: Vocal cord spasming (choppy voice), hoarseness, pitch problems, or voice fatigue are examples of voice disorders. This can result from infection, overusing the vocal cords, or neurological disorders. 

Language or communication disorders include:

• Aphasia : Aphasia is a language disorder in which you have difficulty expressing or comprehending written and verbal language. Receptive aphasia is difficulty understanding written or verbal words. Expressive aphasia is difficulty communicating thoughts and ideas with language components like vocabulary, grammar, and sentence formation. Aphasia can occur with childhood development, language impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), brain injury, or neurological disorders.
• Pragmatic language disorder: This relates to social communication. Signs include misunderstanding social cues like eye contact, body language, and personal space. It can occur during childhood development or with underlying neurodivergence (brain variation), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) , a brain development condition that affects how a person perceives and socializes with other people.
• Accent or tone: While this is not a disorder, speech therapists can also work with people who wish to modify their accent or an unusual speech rhythm, pitch, or tone. For example, a high-pitched, sing-song, or robotic tone can occur with ASD.
• Executive functioning: Executive functioning challenges include difficulty with memory, planning, organization, problem-solving, and attention. This can occur due to brain injuries or conditions like ASD and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention (being distracted), hyperactivity (feeling restless), and impulsivity (making hasty decisions).
• Auditory processing disorder: This is a neurological condition that makes it difficult to make sense of sounds. 

Feeding and swallowing disorders affect how you suck, chew, and swallow food and drinks. Difficulty swallowing is also known as dysphagia , which can result in choking during meals—and lung infections if food or liquid enters the airways.  It can occur with structural abnormalities, muscular weakness, or neurological conditions like a stroke.  

How Does Speech Therapy Work?

Speech therapy involves techniques like language practice, pronunciation exercises, voice therapy, and swallowing exercises. It begins with a thorough assessment, including observation of communication strategies, challenges, and frustrations.

Speech therapy for infants, toddlers, and children involves fun and engaging activities like play, language exercises, reading, picture cards, and modeling correct sounds. This helps make learning more enjoyable.  

Parents or caregivers often attend sessions and learn ways to support children at home. The ST or SLP will tailor the treatment plan to the child’s developmental stage. Early recognition and intervention (treatment) can help improve outcomes.

With adults, the ST or SLP will begin with an assessment to identify specific challenges. They will then create a specific care plan that addresses underlying concerns such as:

• Medical conditions
• Accent modification
• Voice challenges
• Pronunciation
• Conversational language
• Problem-solving
• Memory exercises

What To Expect During Speech Therapy

Speech therapy can occur in a class, small group, online, or one-on-one. Speech therapists typically assign exercises to practice at home in order to reinforce what you learn. Activities might include:

• Vocal warm-ups like humming 
• Tongue twisters to improve articulation
• Breaking words into syllables to improve clarity
• Contrasting word exercises—for example, "ship" versus "sheep"
• “Pausing” practice (for stuttering)
• Repetition after listening to a native speaker 
• Repetition exercises for sounds like “s” 
• Speech rate control—for example, by tapping hands to a beat
• Pitch exercises
• Breathing and posture exercises

Receptive language exercises include:

• Memory or problem-solving exercises
• Reading comprehension (similar to a book report)
• Speech supplementation (written, gestural, voice amplifier, speech-generating devices)
• Word association
• Communication partner exercises, such as practicing eye contact and active listening

Exercises for swallowing and feeding include:

• Diet modification (pureed to solid foods)
• Oral muscle strengthening (like tongue “push-ups”)
• Swallowing exercises

Benefits of Speech Therapy

One of the main goals of speech therapy is to enhance a person’s ability to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively. This can lead to a greater sense of self-expression, meaningful interactions with others, and less frustration. Other benefits include:

• Greater self-confidence: Gaining more control over language and communication can increase confidence and boost self-esteem. As a result, you might be more willing and excited to engage in social activities. 
• Improved academic or professional performance: Clear speech and language can lead to enhanced skills in comprehension, reading, and writing. This can support academic success. Better articulation, language, and presentation abilities can help with career development.
• Greater independence: Speech therapy can lead to greater self-reliance, especially if you have severe communication challenges. For example, augmented and alternative communication (AAC) methods , such as speech-generating devices (SGDs), can allow you to express yourself more independently.

How Successful Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy's “success” depends on your goals. The meaning of success can vary based on your underlying communication or medical condition and its severity, as well as your motivation and commitment to therapy, the therapist's expertise, and your support systems. The time it takes to reach your goals also varies based on underlying factors like these.

For example, you may define success as improved pronunciation, or you may work towards more effective communication, more skilled accent modification, or swallowing without choking. If you stutter, your goal might be improved fluency or feeling more comfortable communicating openly with a stutter. For most people, what’s most important is to set realistic expectations and recognize that any improvement in communication is a success.

How To Find a Speech Therapist

A qualified speech therapist or speech-language pathologist holds a master's degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure to practice in your area. You can find speech therapists in settings like:

• Home health agencies
• Rehabilitation centers
• Private practice
• Telehealth (online)

You can also ask for recommendations from healthcare providers or school personnel who may know local speech therapists. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) also offers an online directory of certified speech therapies to help you locate someone in your area.

Check with your health insurance provider to see if they cover speech therapy. They can provide you with information about your co-payments and deductibles. If your insurance doesn't cover the cost, the clinic or speech therapist may offer payment plans. Some children may also qualify for:

• Individualized education programs (IEPs) that cover speech therapy costs as a service from the school district
• Early intervention (EI) or Preschool on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) programs for infants and toddlers for little or no cost to families
• State and federal programs, like Medicaid
• Financial assistance programs from non-profit and advocate organizations

A Quick Review

Speech therapy is a specialized healthcare field in which trained professionals help improve speech, language, hearing, swallowing, and feeding for people of all ages. Speech therapists (STs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) thoroughly assess and develop specific treatment plans for a wide range of conditions including difficulty communicating or processing language, stuttering, and voice disorders.

Speech therapy takes place in locations like schools, hospitals, and private practice. It can be one-on-one or in a group setting. Success depends on underlying factors such as the severity of the condition. It also depends on personal goals and your definition of success—which can vary widely from person to person.

Many people who have speech therapy experience powerful benefits that affect them in nearly every aspect of life, including greater self-confidence and self-reliance.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick statistics about voice, speech, language .

Houtrow A, Murphy N. Prescribing physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for children with disabilities . Pediatrics ; 143 (4): e20190285. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-0285

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Who are speech-language pathologists, and what do they do? .

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Stuttering .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Stuttering .

Law J, Dennis JA, Charlton JJ. Speech and language therapy interventions for children with primary speech and/or language disorders . The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 2017 (1). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012490

Krekeler BN, Weycker JM, Connor NP. Effects of tongue exercise frequency on tongue muscle biology and swallowing physiology in a rat Model . Dysphagia . 2020; 35 (6):918. doi:10.1007/s00455-020-10105-2

National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Speech and language developmental milestones .

National Institute of Health Clinical Center. Speech and language pathology .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dysarthria in adult

Brady MC, Kelly H, Godwin J, Enderby P, Campbell P. Speech and language therapy for aphasia following stroke . The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 2016 (6). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000425.pub4

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Scope of practice in speech-language pathology .

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Related Articles

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Future audiologist to come full circle on Cochlear Implant journey

When she was five years old, Priyanka Gupte received her first cochlear implant at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Fast forward a couple of decades, and she’s returning to Chicago to become a provider in the same audiology clinic, caring for pediatric patients with hearing loss.

Gupte, in her third year of the #2 ranked University of Iowa Doctor of Audiology program, begins her externship in the summer, working alongside clinical audiologists treating patients and counseling their families. 

“It will be exciting to return to my roots and the personal connection I have with the Cochlear Implant Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital,” she said. 

Gupte was diagnosed with bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss just before her second birthday. After initially wearing hearing aids, she was fitted with a CI in her left ear and received a second CI in her right ear several years later.

“Initially, my right ear was not a candidate for the CI, as I was still getting benefit from my hearing aid. However, my hearing loss was progressive, and ultimately my residual hearing was gone,” she said. “The surgeon who first operated on me agreed it was time for the second surgery to happen.”

Living with hearing aids -- and later CIs -- pointed her to a communication sciences and disorders undergraduate major at New York University. While she initially leaned toward a career as a speech-language pathologist, an influential NYU professor encouraged her to consider audiology. 

The paradigm shift from audiology patient to audiology provider was impactful, Gupte said, as was the care she received from the CI audiologist at Lurie Children’s Hospital, a clinician she calls not only an advocate, but a role model. 

“(As a patient) she always kept me up to date on CI technology, but what I really appreciated was how she listened to me. She knew my parents had their own opinions, but she put my opinions first as I got older. She helped teach me how to maintain my CIs and urged me to be honest about my hearing.” she said. “I must credit this audiologist for being so supportive and incredible in her care.”

As a future audiologist, Gupte knows her own journey with hearing loss helps her relate to clients she treats at Iowa’s Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic, the training clinic within Iowa's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). ”Patients appreciate hearing stories similar to what they face, which an audiologist with a hearing loss can tell them,” she said.

Her mentors agree.

“Our pediatric patients with cochlear implants are delighted to encounter Priyanka, a clinician who wears devices just like them,” said Julie Jeon, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor in CSD. “Their faces light up as they point to Priyanka’s sound processors, excited to share this connection with their parents.”

Within the audiology profession, Gupte is among the minority of clinicians with a hearing loss, and that brings inevitable challenges. Most testing equipment and protocols were developed with an assumption that the audiologist can use normal hearing. For example, listening checks on patients’ hearing aids usually require a special stethoscope, which didn’t work well with Gupte’s CIs.

However, she did not face these difficulties alone and is quick to credit the clinical faculty in CSD for troubleshooting and cheering her on.

“My supervisors at Wendell Johnson were so helpful. They reached out to Iowa’s former audiology students with hearing loss to find out what has worked for them. Using their experiences, I figured out what would work for me. Having a supportive team of clinical instructors really helped me grow my confidence as a clinician,” she said. 

As her teacher, Jeon believes any effort spent in clinical trouble-shooting is far outweighed by Gupte’s role in  creating an environment where others can be authentically themselves.  

“ Priyanka's unique perspective as an audiologist with a cochlear implant has truly enriched our cultural competence within the healthcare sector, fostering a more inclusive environment for all individuals seeking care,” she said. 

“Leveraging the expertise of audiologists with personal experience of cochlear implants can lead to a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to patient care, ultimately fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape for all.”

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

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Publications, addressing real- world health issues.

It was 2000, and I was practicing speech-language pathology in a rural hospital outside Boise, on the Oregon border. There, I met a 5-year-old boy (we’ll call him Ben) who was getting ready to start kindergarten. There was a problem: Ben was still not talking in complete sentences, and he communicated mainly by echoing others’ words.

After my first session with Ben, it was clear he had autism spectrum disorder. Since the rural community did not have available expertise, Ben missed critical years of early language intervention. It took consultations with a multidisciplinary team of teachers and allied health specialists, but he progressed in basic communication skills and language expression.

With Ben on my mind, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. I was ultimately interested in being a university professor to prepare future health and education providers to support language-literacy in children with developmental disorders, including those in underserved communities. 

Almost 25 years later, I’m proud to say I saw great success with those goals, achieving funding through the National Institutes of Health to study new clinical methods and a grant through the U.S. Department of Education to fund health students to stay and serve in their rural communities. A great privilege was seeing one of the funded graduates fill a position that had been vacant for more than two decades in a rural Native American school district.

Today, my passions expand to encompass the multidisciplinary aspects of health and to create new opportunities for education and clinical research.

Already steeped in the Jesuit value of cura personalis (whole- person care), the school has a strong history of community engagement, experiential learning, and excellent faculty, programs and students. We are now expanding from nursing and human physiology to broader health programming so that any potential student who wants to help others but may not be seeking a career in direct patient care can find a rewarding path.

The University of Washington-Gonzaga University Health Partnership affords a natural connection to UW’s well- established rural medicine training and research. As the Gonzaga arm of the Health Partnership, GU’s School of Health Sciences is ready to drive applied implementation science research and work alongside UW medical students to build interprofessional health teams. Imagine the potential we have to support communities that historically have been underserved and provide them the same quality care available to others!

Indeed, I am honored to be part of Gonzaga’s vital humanistic mission, helping to develop students who will become health science leaders who treat mentees, clients and patients with the same whole-person care they receive in their education. It is a privilege to spearhead the launch of new programs, including the Public Health department (undergraduate degree starting in fall 2024 and the distance-accessible graduate degree in the coming year).

I look forward to more conversations with community partners to study and address real-world health challenges, continuing a journey that all started with Ben.