SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS/AUDIOLOGISTS California Occupational Guide Number 453 Interest Area 13 1995
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.
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