Have you been thinking of becoming a Speech pathologists or switching careers to Speech Pathology?
As stated in Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist.
SLPs provide important services in a variety of education and health care settings, including:
Speech pathologists can work in public and private settings.
Public services are provided by government or not for profit organisations. There is often a waiting list for public services.
Private services are provided by speech pathologists working in a sole practice, with other speech pathologists or in multi-disciplinary practices.
What Training do Speech Pathologists Need?
All speech pathologist complete a university qualification. In order to work as a registered speech pathologist anywhere in Australia you will need to study an accredited degree in speech pathology. Some speech therapists choose to study a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and then move into the work force, while others may opt for a Master of Speech Pathology as well.
SPA Registration
Once you have completed your degree, you need to register with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) to become a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP). To continue practising as a speech pathologist in Australia, you will need to enter into SPA’s Professional Self Regulating (PSR) program and complete a minimum number of hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities each year.
Once you are ready, you can browse through the list of Speech pathology jobs available on HealthcareLink here.
