Speech-Language Pathologists
Human Advantage 83%
Strongly human-essential role
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.4 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Also Known As: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP), Home Health SLP (Home Health Speech Language Pathologist), Language Pathologist, Oral Therapist, Pediatric SLP (Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist), Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (Pediatric SLP), Public School Speech Clinician, Public School Speech Therapist +17 more
Core Tasks
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
- Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
- Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
- Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
- Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
- Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
- Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
- Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
Supplemental Tasks (6)
- Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
- Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
- Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
- Supervise students or assistants.
- Communicate with students who use an alternative method of communications, using sign language or computer technology.
- Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
Education & Training
Job Zone 5 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Relevant College Majors
- Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist CIP 51.2306Communication disorders and swallowing treatment.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (27)
Tools & Equipment (34)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Personal Care Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Zone 2
Home Health Aides 76% match
Zone 3
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants 79% match
Zone 5
Speech-Language Pathologists You are here
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Speech-Language Pathologists positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Speech-Language Pathologistss about their work: