Speech/Language Pathologists assess and treat patients with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They work with people who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly, those with speech rhythm and fluency problems like stuttering, people with speech quality problems like inappropriate pitch or harsh voice, and those with problems understanding and producing language. They may also work with people who have oral motor problems that cause eating and swallowing difficulties. Most Speech-Language Pathologists provide direct clinical services to individuals with communication disorders. In speech, language, and hearing clinics, they may independently develop and carry out a treatment program. In medical facilities, they may work with physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other therapists to develop and execute a treatment plan.
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology, including 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, is the minimum educational requirement for speech-language pathologists. After completing a 9-month full-time postgraduate fellowship and passing the national examination administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, one is awarded Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Doctorate degrees are available for those wishing to become administrators, professors or researchers. An applicant for a license to practice Audiology and speech-language pathology must be at least 19 years of age, have a masters degree in Audiology or speech-language pathology from an approved program, complete a Clinical Fellowship Year, and pass the licensure or obtain an endorsement by a nationwide professional accrediting organization.
- Alabama A&M University – Department of Special Education
- Auburn University – Department of Communication Disorders
- University of Alabama – Dept. of Communicative Disorders
- University of Montevallo – Dept. of Communication Science & Disorders
- University of South Alabama – College of Allied Health Professions