Your Guide to Language and Speech Therapy Training

January 17, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Language, speech, and communication are probably the most fundamental life skills a person develops.

Our ability to express ourselves and understand those around us depends on language and speech. Speech fluency contributes to the overall being and social life of a person.

In many cases, there can be little stunts of growth or weakening of this ability. Research shows that people with communication disabilities experience a poorer quality of life even in first-world countries. 

Here’s where language and speech therapy comes in use.  

What Is Language and Speech Therapy?

Language and speech therapy assesses and treats various speech disorders and communication issues. It targets skills like enunciation, fluency, voice or sound moderation and production, comprehension, and clarity.

Speech is a combination of multiple techniques used in speaking. It involves articulation and differentiating between various morphemes and phonemes.

Language, in this sense, is the way spoken words are put together, understanding the meaning of words and knowing how to arrange them to create intelligible sentences.

Communication is simply the ability to receive and express language.

The process is personalized and formulated to improve a person’s ability to speak, comprehend and communicate as effectively as they can. 

Who Needs Language and Speech Therapy?

Speech and language therapy is beneficial for individuals who experience speech impediments, communication problems or even hearing impairments.

So, you’re bound to find a wide range of people awaiting language and speech therapy. It’s never too early or late to start speech therapy training.

People need speech therapy if they:

• have difficulty sounding out words correctly
• stutter or stammer frequently
• have struggled to reach typical pediatric speech milestones
• have a noticeable lisp
• suffer from speech apraxia
• experience vocal cord deformity
• suffer from social anxiety
• suffer from neurological disorders and degenerative health conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, and more.
• experience psychological trauma

What Does A Speech Therapist’s Job Entail?

A speech therapist also referred to as a speech-language pathologist or SLP is a trained healthcare professional who works with children and patients with speech, language, and communication-related disorders.

These therapists conduct screening tests, consulting, assessing, diagnosing, and treating while regularly following up with the client. 

They counsel and treat people with special needs. They deal with the parents and caregivers of the patients as well. 

For a parent, a caretaker, or even an aspiring speech pathologist, check out training resources available online to get a head start on your potential responsibilities. 

Is Speech Therapy A Suitable Career For You? 

Before you proceed, answer the following series of questions.

• Do you have an interest in the way the human brain works? 
• Do you enjoy social work? 
• Is helping people an important aspect of your life? 
• Does working with children and senior citizens sound appealing to you? 
• Are you interested in linguistics? 
• Is empathy one of your noticeable characteristics?

If most of your responses are in the affirmative, definitely consider ‘speech-language therapist’ as a career prospect.

Ideally, the life of a speech-language pathologist or therapist is one with a relatively low-stress factor. There are opportunities to get promoted and earn a larger salary while benefiting from a decent work-life balance.

Dedicating oneself to an act that aids many are satisfying in its own way. 

Qualifications And Skills Required

The first step is to complete a Bachelor’s Degree program in Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology from a reputable institution.

The title and duration of the course can differ from institute to institute but it all directs to the same concentration.

While a Bachelor’s Degree is the foundation of the specialization, a Master’s Degree entails both theoretical and practical knowledge and skill.

An approved Master’s Degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is the only gateway to a fully flexed career as a speech therapist.

Depending on your locality, you can choose to intern at existing speech therapy organizations to catch a whiff of your potential professional life. This is also a great way of making connections in the industry.

Apart from professional qualifications, a speech therapist must have:

1. Scientific aptitude
2. Good communication and interpersonal skills
3. An empathetic and motivational nature
4. Strong observational and problem-solving skills

Not everyone has these innate talents. Luckily, there are always opportunities to train yourself to gain these skills. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, drive and passion are the most influential forces for career satisfaction in any field.  

Ending every day knowing you made a difference in somebody’s life is fulfilling and beautiful. 

There will never be enough speech therapists in the world. Someone can always use your help.