According to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, job opportunities in the occupation of Speech-Language Pathology are expected to grow by 25% from 2019 to 2029, which is a lot faster than average. Despite this rapid increase, many people are still surprisingly unaware of what speech-language pathology is. After all, “Speech-Language and Hearing Science” is a mouthful of a major, and when people ask me what I’m studying, I’m often met with confused looks or a fake smile before they quickly change the subject. I don’t blame them. I’ll admit, before I started my freshman year of college, I was just as dumbfounded as the rest. It wasn’t until I went through a rabbit hole of frantic online searching the month before college that I came across it in a U.S News and World Report article titled “2021’s 100 Best Jobs in America”. That was the moment I discovered just exactly what being a speech-language pathologist was, much less that it was even a career.
What is Speech-Language Pathology?
Simply put, Speech-Language Pathology is the study of communication disorders, and how they affect people. Or in other words “Speech-Language Pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.” Basically, SLP’s work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and clinics, to help address issues such as stuttering, learning disabilities, brain injuries, strokes, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and more. According to Mackenzie Fama, an SLP working at Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital “[SLP] pulls from a variety of backgrounds and it’s so diverse that really you can do a lot of different things within the field. Whether your interest is working with kids or adults; in a school or a hospital setting, or a private practice; there’s really something for everyone.” As you can see, SLP’s have a lot of flexibility and variety in their fields. And since you’re working with people, the most prominent skills an SLP needs are being able to listen and empathize with others. It’s important to put yourself in another person’s shoes in order to better treat and assess a person. Although I am probably the most introverted person alive (and it’s okay if you are too), I love to connect with others, and I find that being introverted can actually be an advantage when it comes to listening and communicating with others effectively. So whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, SLP could still be the perfect career for you. In addition, creativity and problem-solving are also important skills for an SLP.
How do I become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
SLP’s usually major in speech, language, and hearing sciences (my major), communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, or language development. Be warned that grad school is pretty competitive to get into. This is because SLP’s are in high demand yet the number of graduate programs in the U.S is limited, and the number of staff, professors, and funding as well. But don’t fear, there are many factors that funnel into your chances of getting into graduate school, not just GPA.
Is it worth it?
Julia Kuhn, a traveling speech-language pathologist who has worked in her field for over 10 years says one of the top pros of being an SLP is “The ability to help my patients through treatment and make a positive difference in people’s lives. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, you may witness the tears pouring down a parent’s face because you helped their child say their first word. [. . .] Speech pathology is rewarding because you get to help people and their families and make a positive impact in the lives of your patients and students. It is truly a rewarding field.” Ask any SLP and you’ll probably get the same response: being an SLP, you get to use your skills to help people and make a noticeable difference in their lives. Along with a positive job outlook and a gratifying career, the future for SLP seems forward-looking.
So although grad school can be competitive, based on the knowledge above, and my experience so far studying speech, language, and hearing science at Purdue University, I know I for one am excited for my journey when it comes to studying SLHS. I hope in the future others will grow to learn more about it and possibly even take the next step to become an SLP (I’m looking at you girl!). I know nothing is set in stone, but I also know that SLHS (and all the varieties of it) are a great major, so if you’re considering it, right now might be the best time to take that next big leap of faith.