How to Get a Job as a Speech-Language Pathologist
Janet Brown, director of health care services in speech-language pathology at the ASHA, says speech therapists hoping to work in education need as many field placements as possible during graduate school. And, "if someone knows they want to be in a healthcare setting, I would advise that they look for a degree program that has healthcare placements readily available," she recommends. Job prospects are good, but still, speech-language pathology is a competitive field. For an inside edge, "Ask in advance when looking for your master's program about their available placements," Brown says.
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Speech-Language Pathologists
"What are some standardized tests you are familiar with?" - Progressus Therapy Speech Language Pathologist Candidate (Location Unknown)
"Do you have experience with dysphagia?" - RehabCare Speech Language Pathologist Candidate (Location Unknown)
"How will you handle aggressive or violent family members?" - Life Care Centers Speech-Language Pathologist Candidate (Location Unknown)
What is the Job Like?
Full-time speech-language pathologists put in a minimum of 40 hours a week. And many of them are doing so in the school system. A recent BLS report states that 48 percent of all speech therapists work in education. Similar to elementary school teachers or school counselors, speech-language pathologists working in schools often find that their work environment sways with the emotional fluctuations of the children they see. Brown says gauging parents' concerns and keeping up with a considerable amount of paperwork are additional components to the worklife of a speech-language pathologist working in education. Those who specialize in healthcare frequently work in hospitals, assisted-living communities, and nursing homes. And they, too, must properly manage the expectations of their clients and their clients' families, in addition to keeping diligent records on their treatment plans.
Real Reviews From Speech-Language Pathologists
+ "The patients are the best part of the work. Therapists are also awesome." - HealthSouth Speech Pathologist (Location Unknown)
+ "Provides a variety of populations to work with as well as multiple facilities that will help enhance your skills." - Hearing & Speech Center Speech/Language Pathologist (Yakima, WA)
- "Therapy team feels over-worked/under-valued and does not respect management which leads to mean /bitter attitude." - Aegis Therapy Speech Language Pathologist (Albany, MO)
- "One downside is the lack of paid time off when not delivering services. It can be hard to account for school breaks when not receiving an income." - Sunbelt Staffing Speech Language Pathologist (Location Unknown)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
