Assesses and treats people with communication disorders, such as speech, language, voice, fluency and literacy difficulties, and people who have physical problems with eating or swallowing.
Previously referred to in ASCO as:
2386-11 Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists diagnose, treat and provide management services to people
of all ages with communication disorders, including speech, language, voice,
fluency, social communication and literacy difficulties. They also work with
people who have problems with chewing or swallowing.
Speech pathologists work closely with other health professionals as part of a
team.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Speech Pathologist earn an average of $1347 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $70044 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
good listening and interpersonal skills
enjoy language and communication
able to inspire confidence and cooperation
enjoy working with people
a patient and tactful approach to people’s problems
able to deal with complex and unusual situations.
This job also involves:
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Professional Jobs
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree,
or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study,
such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Biology
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
English
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Languages
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists may perform the following tasks:
establish the exact nature and severity of each client’s communication and/or swallowing problems, which may require the use of special equipment and tests
plan and carry out treatment and management, taking into account age, social, educational and workplace needs, and physical and intellectual abilities
prescribe electronic and non-electronic alternatives, and communication aids and devices
work with children who are unable to communicate effectively due to intellectual disability, developmental delays, physical disability and/or learning difficulties
treat adults whose language, speech or voice has been affected by surgery, disease or disorders of the nervous system, brain injury, dementia or hearing loss
help children and adults to overcome stuttering
assess and treat children and adults who have difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
act as a consultant to education, medical, dental and other health professionals
provide ongoing support, advice and information to clients, families and other significant persons (such as friends, carers and educators) in order to support successful communication interactions and safe and effective mealtimes.