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Masters in Speech Pathology: Career Options for Graduates with a Speech Pathology Masters Degree

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Published Aug 13, 2009

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With a Speech Pathology master's degree, you can work as a speech-language pathologist in a school, nursing home, hospital or other setting. Read on to learn more about professional options for master's degree graduates in Speech Pathology.

Master's Degree in Speech Pathology Career Summary

A master's degree in Speech Pathology is typically the minimum education requirement for aspiring speech-language pathologists, also known as speech pathologists or speech therapists. Approximately 110,000 men and women held Speech Pathology jobs in 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov. Speech-language pathologists develop individual treatment plans for patients with speech impediments and monitor the progress of patients over time. Common impairments treated by speech therapists include stuttering, swallowing difficulties and vocal pitch issues.

Speech Pathology Careers in Schools

According to the Mayo Clinic, www.mayo.edu, about half of all speech-language pathologists work in schools. Speech pathologists are in particularly high demand at the preschool and elementary school levels because young children are constantly learning new words and phrases. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, www.nidcd.nih.gov, states that, in general, five percent of children have speech disorders that require therapy. Speech-language pathologists can help these kids break bad speech habits and learn proper speech techniques from an early age.

Speech Pathology Careers in Health Care Settings

Speech therapists also can find work in hospitals, nursing homes and private practices. These jobs typically involve an older clientele with significant speech problems. Speech-language pathologists employed by hospitals often treat patients who have suffered strokes or have other physical impairments, while nursing home speech therapists might help elderly patients whose speech is deteriorating.

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