What does a speech pathologist do?
Ever wonder, what is speech pathology? Speech pathologists (also known as a speech therapists), play an important role in helping people who struggle with speech, language, communication, and swallowing. As a speech pathologist, you would help to improve outcomes and the overall quality of life of your patients though personalised treatment plans, therapy and education. Depending on your patient's specific needs, a speech therapy lesson might involve reading a book, playing a game, or oral exercises.
In this profession you have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people in a variety of settings. You might choose to work with adults or as a paediatric speech pathologist specialising in children’s speech therapy. Depending on your interest area, your workplace could be a hospital, school, private practice, or a not-for-profit organisation.
Is a career as a speech pathologist right for me?
If you’re patient, empathetic and have an interest in health, a career as a speech pathologist might suit you. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
- good observation and listening skills
- good interpersonal skills
- the ability to problem-solve
- good written and verbal communication skills
- strong critical thinking abilities.
How to become a speech pathologist
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career as a speech pathologist. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of speech pathology:Average salary per week
$1110
Future demand
Very Strong
Industries
Related careers
Source: yourcareer.gov.au
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
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Speech pathologist FAQs
What are the steps I should take to becoming a Speech Pathologist?
How to become a Speech Pathologist varies depending on your background and level of education, however there there are several paths to reaching your speech pathology career goals. At UniSQ, you can study our Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) and become a qualified Speech Pathologist. You will graduate with a high-quality theoretical and clinical learning experience, ready for professional practice. At UniSQ, you will work alongside healthcare professionals to deliver healthcare plans to improve the lives of those living with communication disorders.
If you don't meet the entry requirements to gain entry into the Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), our Associate Degree of Allied Health could be the right pathway for you. You can use this two year undergraduate qualification as a stepping-stone into a Bachelor's degree.
What type of degree do I need to practice as a Speech Pathologist?
This will vary depending on the type of role you want and where you want to work. Generally speaking to practice as a Speech Pathologist, you need an undergraduate degree specifically in speech/language pathology, which includes both coursework and practical clinical experience.
At UniSQ, our Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) is a 4-year full-time degree with research integrated learning and professional experience placement.
These practical experience courses will provide you with the opportunity to put the theory you learn into practice. When you study an Honours degree you enhance your knowledge by selecting from two Honours pathways with a focus on either partnership with industry or an individual research project.
What are my Speech Pathologist career options?
A Speech Pathologist career path and lead to work in diverse settings, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, research, private practice, and rehabilitation centres.
What is the average salary of a Speech Pathologist?
Salaries for Speech Pathologist vary based on factors such as location, experience, and workplace setting. Refer to the salary information on this page for further details.
What is the future demand like for a Speech Pathologist career path?
The demand for Speech Pathologists is generally expected to rise, with growth driven by an ageing population, early diagnosis of speech conditions, and the integration of speech therapy in educational settings. There is not better time to study a Speech Pathology degree at UniSQ.
How long does it take to become a qualified Speech Pathologist?
Becoming a Speech Pathologist in Australia typically takes a minimum of four years, although everyone’s journey can vary, and there are multiple pathways for you to take at UniSQ, including our Associate Degree of Allied Health which can be used as a pathway into a speech pathology bachelor degree.
At UniSQ our Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) is a four year degree. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.
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