How to Be Speech and Language Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 9, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Speech and language therapists work with people who have difficulty communicating or understanding language. This can be due to a range of conditions, including autism, hearing impairment, stroke, dyslexia, and developmental delay. The effects of these disorders can be far-reaching, with poor communication having a significant impact on a person's ability to interact socially, access education and employment, and maintain relationships.

A speech and language therapist will use a variety of techniques to assess and treat communication problems, such as listening therapy, articulation therapy, and sign language. With the help of these therapists, people with communication difficulties can improve their communication skills, allowing them to lead more independent and successful lives.

Steps How to Become

Complete a bachelor's degree program. To become a speech and language therapist, you must first complete a bachelors degree program in the field of communication sciences and disorders, speech pathology, audiology or a related field.
Gain relevant experience. You should also seek to gain relevant experience in the field of speech and language therapy. This can include internships, volunteer work, and clinical experience in local hospitals or clinics.
Take the Praxis exam. After completing your bachelor's degree, you must take and pass the Praxis exam. This is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge of the field of speech and language therapy.
Earn your master's degree. Once you have passed the Praxis exam, you must then pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology or a related field. This degree typically takes two years to complete and will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a speech and language therapist.
Obtain a license. To practice as a speech and language therapist, you must obtain a license from your state. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so it is important to research the specific requirements for your state.
Stay current on best practices. Once you are licensed, you must stay current on best practices and advancements in the field of speech and language therapy. This can include continuing education classes, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals in the field.

Good speech and language therapy is essential for reliable and competent communication. This is because speech and language therapists can help individuals to develop their communication skills and assess any difficulties they may have. Speech and language therapists are able to evaluate a patients communication ability, identify any issues, and provide interventions to improve their communication.

They can also provide guidance on how to communicate more effectively and confidently. As a result of this, individuals can become more reliable and competent communicators, and this can lead to better social interactions, improved self-esteem, and enhanced academic performance.

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Job Description

Develop and implement individual therapy plans for clients with speech and language disorders.
Evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech and language delays, impairments, and disorders.
Conduct assessments of communication skills, including speech, language, and fluency.
Monitor and track patient progress, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Collaborate with other healthcare personnel to plan and coordinate services for clients.
Educate clients, families, and caregivers about communication development and strategies for enhancing communication.
Provide counseling to clients and their families about communication disorders and treatment options.
Provide support and resources to assist patients in carrying out goals and activities.
Stay up to date on current developments in the field of speech-language pathology by attending seminars and conferences.
Develop and instruct therapy programs to improve reading, writing, memory, and problem-solving skills.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of language disorders and associated speech, language, and communication difficulties
Understanding of the principles of normal language and speech development
Ability to assess communication skills and identify communication deficits
Knowledge of the principles of evidence-based treatment for communication disorders
Ability to plan, implement, and monitor treatment plans for speech and language disorders
Understanding of augmentative and alternative communication systems
Ability to collaborate with other health professionals, families, and caregivers
Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations related to speech and language therapy
Ability to design and deliver educational programs to clients, families, caregivers, and other professionals
Ability to document assessment results and treatment outcomes
Knowledge of the use of technology in speech and language therapy
Ability to provide counseling and support to clients and families

Good communication skills are essential for Speech and Language Therapists. Effective communication is critical for connecting with clients, establishing trust, and effectively treating communication and swallowing disorders. Without good communication skills, Speech and Language Therapists cannot properly diagnose and treat clients, leading to ineffective treatment and decreased client satisfaction.

To be successful, Speech and Language Therapists must have excellent listening, questioning, non-verbal, and verbal communication skills. They must also stay up to date on the latest research and advancements in the field, be patient with clients, and have empathy for their situation. Without these essential skills, Speech and Language Therapists will not be able to provide the best possible care to their clients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Speech and Language Therapist?
How do you handle challenging cases in your practice?
Describe a successful intervention youve implemented with a client.
What strategies do you use to establish a rapport with your clients?
How do you measure progress when working with clients?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest research and clinical practices in the field?
What techniques do you use to assess a patients communication needs?
In what ways have you collaborated with other professionals to provide comprehensive care?
What strategies do you use to motivate clients to work on their communication goals?
What do you think are the most important attributes for a successful Speech and Language Therapist?

Common Tools in Industry

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices. Devices used to assist with communication, including picture boards, voice output devices, and speech-generating devices. (Eg: DynaVox Vmax, Proloquo2Go)
Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). Electronic devices used to enable individuals with limited or no speech to communicate. (Eg: Tobii Dynavox I-Series)
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). A system using pictures or symbols to communicate with others. (Eg: Boardmaker Software)
Language Therapy Software. Computer-based programs designed to help improve language skills. (Eg: Lingraphica, Language Builder Series)
AAC Apps. Mobile applications designed to provide communication support for individuals with speech and language impairments. (Eg: AAC Speech Buddy, Grabbit AAC)
Sign Language Systems. Systems used to supplement or replace spoken language by visually expressing words and phrases. (Eg: Signing Exact English, American Sign Language)
Articulation Therapy Software. Computer-based programs designed to help improve articulation skills. (Eg: Articulation Station, Articulation Time)
Social Skills Apps. Mobile applications designed to help individuals practice and improve their social skills. (Eg: Social Express, Social Skill Builder)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH)
National Association of Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NASLPA)
International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Private Practice (ASLTIP)
International Association for the Study of Child Language (IASCL)
British Stammering Association (BSA)
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)

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Common Important Terms

Articulation. The ability to produce speech sounds correctly and clearly.
Phonology. The study of the sound system of a language, including the rules of pronunciation, syllable stress, and intonation.
Pragmatics. The study of how language is used in social contexts, such as how people communicate with each other in conversations.
Fluency. The ability to speak in a smooth and continuous way.
Voice Disorders. Any disorder that affects the production, quality, or pitch of a persons voice.
Aphasia. A language disorder that affects the ability to understand and use language.
Dysarthria. A disorder that affects the muscles used for speaking and can make speech sound slurred or slow.
Apraxia. A motor speech disorder that affects the ability to plan and execute movement of the muscles used for speaking.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). A method of communication that uses alternative forms to supplement or replace speech.
Augmentative and Alternative Language (AAL). A method of communication that uses alternative forms to supplement or replace verbal language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Speech and Language Therapist?

Speech and Language Therapists are health care professionals who help people with communication disorders, including difficulty with speaking, understanding language, fluency, voice, and reading and writing.

What qualifications are needed to become a Speech and Language Therapist?

To become a Speech and Language Therapist, you must complete a minimum of three years of university-level training in speech language pathology and have a master's degree in speech-language pathology.

What types of disorders do Speech and Language Therapists treat?

Speech and Language Therapists treat a wide range of communication disorders, including articulation disorders, voice disorders, stuttering, autism spectrum disorder, aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, and fluency disorders.