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Profession: Rehabilitation Therapy

Speech-Language Pathologist: Speech-Language Pathologists are concerned with conditions that affect speech, voice and language. Their patients may have trouble with stuttering, swallowing or understanding and using language. Some have lost the ability to speak after a stroke or other trauma. Speech-language pathologists teach sign language, help people strengthen muscles used in speech and swallowing, and work with patients to improve lost or compromised abilities.

Salary Range: $50,330 - $79,620

Salary Notes: Salaries for speech-language pathologists average between $50,330 - $79,620 per year. Experienced speech-language pathologists can earn up to $99,220 per year. In both cases, salary is dependent upon the work setting.

Where you can study:
Emerson College, Boston, MA
University of Connecticut, Department of Communication Sciences, Storrs, CT
University of Maine, Department of Communication Sciences, Orono, Me
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
University of Vermont Dept. of Communication Sciences, Burlington, VT

Where you might work:
Colleges and Universities - Home Health Agencies - Hospitals - Private Practice - Rehabilitation Centers - Research Facilities - School Systems - Speech and Hearing Clinics -

Job Outlook: The demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016.

Education, Licensing and Certification: High school and undergraduate course work should include math and science. It is also possible to focus on areas such as speech, behavioral science and language development at the undergraduate level. A master’s degree is required to work as a speech-language pathologist, as well as a license in the state of Vermont. Certification is available from ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Professional Organizations:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 800-638-8255 www.asha.org
Vermont Speech-Language-Hearing Association www.vsha.org