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Speech-Language Pathologists/Audiologists

HIGH TECH IN THE JOB

Future SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS (SLPs) and AUDIOLOGISTS will routinely 
use computers to screen the speech and language skills of students and 
adults with communication disabilities and to provide further diagnostic 
testing when needed.  Clients in therapy can use programs between sessions 
that not only present stimuli, but evaluate responses and give immediate 
feedback automatically.

Los Angeles Times medical writer, Thomas Maugh II, reported on January 13, 
1996:  "A bicoastal team of language Researchers has developed a pioneering 
therapy that they believe can correct the language learning disabilities 
that afflict as many as 7,000 U.S. children.  This new therapy uses 
computers to train the brain to recognize hard-to-hear sounds and has been 
shown to accomplish in a month the same goals that takes two years or more 
with conventional therapy.  Some experts say it is like providing glasses 
for the ears."

Computerized communication technology is being used to improve abilities of 
severely disabled individuals with little or no functional speech.  
Computers will also benefit collaborative Research efforts through the rapid 
electronic exchange of information.

Communication disorder professionals will not be displaced by the computer.  
Computers are simply tools that can bring innovative technologies to the 
fingertips of clinicians and practitioners and widen their choices of 
diagnostic and treatment procedures.


THE JOB

Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists evaluate, treat, and Research 
communication disorders.  They help children and adults with language and 
hearing disorders develop the communication skills needed for self 
expression, social interaction, academic success, and employment.  Helping 
others  is the very core of this work.  For example, many children with 
severe hearing impairments can develop appropriate language abilities -- or 
even non-oral communication techniques -- through speech therapy or assistive 
listening (hearing) devices.  Treatment lays the vital groundwork for their 
social and interpersonal skills, feelings of self worth, and the way they 
react to the world around them.

Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat such disorders as 
stuttering, delayed or impaired language, and voice and speaking problems. 
They observe and test speech, language, hearing, and perception.  They use a 
variety of common objects like flash cards and toys, as well as 
sophisticated testing equipment, to identify disorders.  Many of them now 
use computer applications to identify and assist with communication 
disabilities.

SLPs consult with physicians and other health care professionals when speech 
and language problems stem from physical disorders like cleft palate, 
hearing loss, and brain injury.  For emotional or developmental language 
disorders, they consult with psychologists, teachers, social workers, and 
family members.

Audiologists evaluate hearing disorders in children and adults.  These 
evaluations are often used by physicians to determine certain medical 
conditions and the need for surgery.  Audiologists examine them to determine 
the presence and severity of hearing loss.  When a physician determines 
hearing loss is irreversible, audiologists may plan, direct, and participate 
in rehabilitative programs.  They select hearing aids, do auditory and lip 
reading training, and counsel the hearing impaired and their families.  
Audiologists work on health teams with physicians, SLPs, and social workers 
to diagnose disorders and develop individual treatment plans.  They may help 
community and industry leaders develop guidelines to prevent or minimize 
hearing loss caused by occupational or environmental noise pollution.  
Because hearing and speech disorders are frequently interrelated, 
Audiologists and SLPs often work closely together.

SLPs and Audiologists work in laboratories, public and private health care 
centers, hearing clinics, public schools, college and university classrooms, 
clinics, Research laboratories, or in private practice.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Most speech-language pathology and audiology specialists work in bright 
rooms well stocked with testing and treatment equipment and materials.  Many 
of them travel between worksites to serve several clinics or schools.  
Helping others overcome communication disabilities is a constant challenge 
and can be very rewarding, but emotionally taxing.  Often powerful feelings 
of mutual accomplishment can come with the ultimate, sometimes dramatic, 
improvement of disorders.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment 
published by the Labor Market Information Division for the Speech 
Pathologists and Audiologists occupation.

Estimated  number of workers in 1990              4,580
Estimated number of workers in 2005               6,040
Projected Growth 1990-2005                          32%
Estimated new jobs 1990-2005                      1,460
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005     1,760

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

Growth is expected to be faster than average.  Many opportunities will be 
from new jobs, but most will be replacement as workers leave the occupation 
permanently or change careers.  An increasing number of SLPs enter private 
practice; this data is not included in the above information.

According to the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 
continuing shortages exist for SLPs.  Schools are hiring more SLPs to comply 
with the federal law ensuring a free, relevant education provided by 
appropriately trained personnel for children with disabilities.  As the 75 
and older population grows, communication disorder treatments of stroke 
patients and other effects of aging will likely increase.

Only 1,200 Audiologists hold a California license; most of them are in 
private practice.  They contract with schools, clinics and rehabilitation 
agencies.  Some work for hearing aid retailers prescribing and dispensing 
devices.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

The following wages are from the ASHA's 1995 national salary survey.  SLPs 
with 1 to 3 years experience earn a median salary between $27,520 (academic 
year and $34,000 (calendar year) annually.  For Audiologists, the median 
starting salary based on a calendar year was $30,000.  Professionals in 
private practice had median earnings of $40,000; those with certification as 
both SLP and Audiologists had a median salary of $64,000.  SLPs in the 
Pacific region earned a median salary between $39,000 (academic year) and 
$45,000 (calendar year); Audiologists' median salary was $44,200 annually.

Weekdays and daytime hours are common to these careers. School district 
employees usually get summers off.  Common benefits are dental, medical, 
vision and retirement plans.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Many California colleges and universities have MA degree programs in 
communication disorders.  Contact the California Speech-Language-Hearing 
Association in Sacramento for a complete list of schools.

A variety of credential options exist for Speech-Language Pathologists and 
Audiologists whose career goal is in the public schools:

-- Clinical-Rehabilitative Services Credential (CRSC);
-- Special Education Credential-Communication Handicapped (to work with the 
   severely communication-handicapped pupil); and
-- Special Classroom Authorization -- a "tag-on" credential for those who 
   want to teach communication-disabled students in the classroom (preschool 
   through high school).

SLPs and Audiologists employed by private school communication-disorders 
programs must be licensed by the State's Speech Pathology and Audiology 
Examining Committee.  A license is required to work for or contract with 
health services centers and clinics or private schools.

MS degree or the equivalent in speech-language pathology or audiology that 
includes supervised clinical experience, and License Requirements:
Nine months of full-time or 18 months of part-time field experience under 
the supervision of a licensed professional, and qualifying scores on a 
national test within the past five years.


Certification 

Certificate of Clinical Competencies given by ASHA has essentially the same 
requirements as those for a State license.


ADVANCEMENT

SLPs and Audiologists can advance to supervisors, school department chairs, 
or heads of laboratories, hospitals, or clinics.  Some establish private 
practices or join existing group practices as partners.


FINDING THE JOB

Many SLPs and Audiologists go to work for the institution where they served 
their internship.  Job seekers should network with others through ASHA and 
CSHA, register with their school placement office and apply directly to 
schools, colleges and universities, and to State, federal, and private 
health care centers.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA)
825 University Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 921-1568

Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Box 944270 
Sacramento, CA 94244-2700
(916) 445-7254

Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee 
1434 Howe Avenue, Suite 86
Sacramento, CA 95825-3240
(916) 263-2666


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Special Education Teachers                  No. 110
Occupational Therapists                     No. 143


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Audiologist                      076.101-010
Voice Pathologist                076.104-010
Speech Pathologist               076.107-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Speech Pathologists and Audiologists          323140


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department, 
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, 
         (916) 262-2162.