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Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Speech-Language Pathologist & Audiologist
Job description
Speech and Hearing are so interrelated that to be competent in one field, one must be familiar with the other. Speech-language pathology and audiology are concerned with evaluation, treatment, and research in human communication and its disorders.
Speech-language pathologists treat such disorders as stuttering, delayed language development, speech memory loss, and voice and articulation problems. New computer applications developed to assist those with severe communication disabilities, such as individuals who are unable to speak, are among the most exciting research advances in the field.
Audiologists specialize in prevention, identification, assessment, and rehabilitation of hearing disorders. They prescribe and dispense hearing aids and instruct individuals to use them. Audiologists also are involved in programs of hearing conservation, particularly in industry, and serve as consultants to government in such areas as noise abatement. Audiologists conduct research into environmental influences in hearing, new testing methods, and new rehabilitative devices.
Activities may include
●
conduct diagnostic hearing/speaking tests, design and implement remedial programs
●
counsel patients to help them understand their disorder and communicate more effectively
●
use sensitive electronic instruments and equipment to test speech and hearing responses
●
assess benefits of devices such as hearing aids
●
work with persons of all ages from language delayed children to elderly stroke patients
●
assist with developing proper control of the vocal and respiratory systems for correct voice production
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work with teachers, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and other helping professionals to address patient speech and hearing problems
●
consult and act as expert witness on environmental occupational noises and hearing loss in court cases
Salaries and benefits*
Entry rates usually range from $2,947 to $3,323 per month. Experienced workers may earn up to $4,000 to $5,200 per month or more. A Speech Pathologist working for the State of Washington earns $3,082 to $3,852 per month. Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists working for public school districts in the state average $3,372 per month. Statewide, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists average $3,058 to $4,324 per month. In the Pacific Northwest, Speech-Language Pathologists working for health care facilities average $3,734 to $4,240 per month, while Audiologists average $3,635 to $4,038 per month. Nationally, recent college graduates with a bachelor's degree working as Speech Pathologists and Audiologists average $2,528 per month.
Training and requirements
Speech and Hearing Specialists must complete a BA graduate program in speech pathology or audiology, and are encouraged to take additional psychology, biology, physiology and linguistic courses. A master's degree is required by the federal government and by most states for work in public schools and federal programs. In Washington State, a master's degree in speech and hearing from an accredited teacher training institution is required along with an educational staff associate certificate for work in public schools.
In Washington State, training is available at Eastern Washington University, University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University. An Assistant's certificate is available from Shoreline Community College.
Necessary skills
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excellent communication skills
●
flexibility and creativity in finding best solutions
●
ability to learn to use new equipment and perform new tasks
●
good aptitude for science and math
●
ability to make sound judgments
●
ability to see small differences
●
ability to work with patience and understanding
●
ability to work with patients of all ages and with a wide variety of hearing and speech problems
Licensure/Certification
The American Speech Language Hearing Association is the national accreditation for these professions. There currently is no licensing requirement in Washington State.
Helpful high school courses
Include biology, math, physics, psychology, English and speech, and computer science.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Eastern
Washington University
526 5th St.
Cheney, WA 99004
(509) 359-2397
BA and MS programs in Communication Disorders
●
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Ave. N.
Shoreline, WA 98133-5696
(206) 546-4101
Speech Language Pathology Assistant program
●
University of Washington
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
1417 N.E. 42nd St.
Box 354875
Seattle, WA 98105-6246
(206)
685-7400
BA, MS and PhD programs in Speech and Hearing Sciences
●
Washington State University
Department of
Speech and Hearing Sciences
PO Box 642420
Pullman, WA 99164-2420
(509) 335-4525
BA and MS programs in Speech and Hearing Sciences
●
Western
Washington University
516 High St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3000
BA& MS programs in Communication Disorders
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 27 percent by 2008.
Professional Associations
●
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852-3226
(301) 897-5700
(800) 498-2071
http://www.asha.org
●
Washington Speech and Hearing Association
2150 107th St., Suite 205
Seattle, WA 98133-9009
(206) 367-8704
http://www.wslha.org/
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04