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Communication Sciences and Disorders Outcomes & Career Options
Outcomes & Career Options
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders. They use specialized tools to evaluate impairments, develop treatment plans, and introduce alternative communication methods like sign language or assistive devices. SLPs also provide counseling, collaborate with healthcare professionals, and educate families on communication strategies.
Audiologists diagnose and manage hearing and balance disorders, using specialized testing to assess hearing loss and recommend interventions like hearing aids or auditory training. They may also conduct workplace noise assessments and develop hearing conservation programs.
Both SLPs and audiologists work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, and research institutions, contributing to patient care, advocacy, and education.
Educational Qualifications
After finishing two years of prerequisites at La Sierra University, students will then apply and get accepted to a communication sciences and disorder school of their choice where they will receive their Bachelor’s degree. The master’s degree or its equivalent is required for the certificate of clinical competence and California licensing. In many states, credentials for working in schools are also required. Requirements for licensing and school credentials vary from state to state.
Job Outlook
19% Job Market Growth
$89,290 Median Salary
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $89,290 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,930.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for speech-language pathologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Nursing and residential care facilities $105,030
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $100,130
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists $94,990
- Educational services; state, local, and private $79,960
Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm (visited April 17, 2024).
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