Speech Language Pathology…. What is it, REALLY?
50-70% of the time when someone asks me what I do for a living, my reply is met with a blank stare. For many years, Speech Language Pathology hasn’t been a well-known field, particularly in the Black community (I'll explain more below). On the occasion when someone IS familiar with the field of Speech Language Pathology, they may limit our scope of practice to only working with "people who stutter”, or 'late-talker' toddlers".
Our field is sooooooo much more than that and I want to spread awareness about the career path AND it's clinical impact on society. Below, I'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about becoming and being a Speech Language Pathologist (aka “SLP”).
1. Where do SLPs work? SLPs can work in a variety of settings including but not limited to: hospitals, private practice clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, adult community centers, daycares, schools, physician offices, universities, research institutions, etc.
2. Are there a lot of Black people in the field of Speech Language Pathology? No, according to most recent data, the number of Black SLPs who are licensed to practice is between 3-4%. That statistic hasn't changed much over the years but we are strong 3% who show up and REPRESENT.
3. Do you like being an SLP? I love it. I wouldn’t do anything else….. except maybe be a stay-at-home rich auntie or a professional writer. There is flexibility in the field of SLP so its hard to get bored. You can be a travel therapist, you can work from home, you can change work settings, you can work with different populations, or you can bye bye clinical work and as a Corporate SLP. You can even open your own PRIVATE PRACTICE. The possibilities are endless.
4. What is the salary like for SLPs? SLP salaries depend on where you live, your work setting, your negotiation skills upon hire, how many hours you work, years of experience, what type of employee you are (part time, PRN, or full time, etc. The U.S. Dept of Labor Statistics state that as of May 2021, the median salary for SLPs were $79,000 (~ $38/hour)
5. I have a child who I think needs speech therapy; they don’t say certain words correctly. Can you evaluate him/her? Unfortunately, I cannot. I can recommend some great pediatric SLPs but I can't see your child for several reasons:
a. My specialty area is neurological rehabilitation of adults and teenagers. This means that I work primary with patients who have had brain injuries, strokes, brain tumors, seizure disorders, or any type of neuro degenerative disease such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or ALS.
b. I do NOT have a private practice where I see patients “on the side”
c. I may or may not be licensed in the state you reside
d. In most cases, you need a referral from your doctor to get an evaluation with a Speech Language Pathologist
6. How do you become a Speech Language Pathologist? This is a two part reply. While a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and a license is required to practice SLP, you can get that a variety of ways now. For example, my Bachelor’s degree was NOT in Speech Language Pathology; it was in Psychology. I know several other SLPs who were like me and considered “non background”. NOTE: Many SLP programs have online programs now and -----wait for it---- are waiving GRE requirements. Hence, getting started on the road to becoming an SLP isn't as hard as you may think.
7. What other professions do you all work with? We work closely with doctors, nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists/Psychiatrists, Teachers, Nutritionists, Music Therapists, and so much more. At my current job, I've even worked with an Acupuncturist!
NOTE One of my best friends is an Occupational Therapist and we love bouncing ideas off of each other and teaching each other new things. Interdisciplinary care is vital to optimize patient outcomes.
My bestie Terralynn :) The best OT I know.
8. What led you to the field of Speech Language Pathology? My grandmother died from a brain tumor when I was young. I hated what brain cancer did to my grandmother…. but the older I got, the more I learned about the brain and healthcare, I disliked how few options were presented to my family while caring for my grandmother in her final days. No one told us about how a field by the name of “Speech Language Pathology” could have given us even a little bit of help at the end of her life. (*yes, SLP can be used for end of life needs). Hence, my curiosity about the field eventually turned passion...... and here I am 20+ years later, as a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in NeuroRehabilitation.
9. What can I do if I (or someone else I know) wants to learn more about Speech Language Pathology? Definitely become a part of my online SLP community by following my Instagram www.instagram.com/the.neuro.slp , stay up to date on this website, and reach me at danatheneuroslp@gmail.com with any further questions.
That’s it. I hope these FAQs were helpful. I am passionate about spreading the word about the goodness of Speech Language Pathology, recruiting more wonderful individuals to the field, and overall making this profession even better for future generations. Will you help me? Share this article with a friend or family member today :)
Thank you for reading.
-Dana (The Neuro SLP)
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