Speech-language pathologists evaluate a patient's communication, thinking processes, and swallowing abilities. Therapy provides patients with skills to improve their attention, memory, reasoning, and understanding of language and speaking, as well as help the patient to eat and swallow safely. Therapy is individualized to meet a patient's needs. Family education is an integral part of treatment. The goal of therapy is to help patients communicate effectively at home, in the community, and in the work or school setting.

The field of Speech-Language Pathology is broad and dynamic. The study of language, it's use and understanding, as well as the processes needed to produce language is encompassed in this occupation. The ability to communicate with others is essential to the human existence. When an individual is unable to communicate, there is a decrease in the quality of life of that particular individual. The Speech-Language Pathologist Is trained to appreciate the impact of communication disorders and to assist individuals In overcoming and/or minimizing barriers in their lives as a result of these disorders.

The Speech-Language Pathologist's role is to evaluate, understand and treat communication impairments. These impairments include hearing loss, language disorders, speech fluency impairments, articulation deficits, cognitive dysfunction and vocal disturbances. The pathologist's also undertake the evaluation and management of dysphagia (swallowing disorders).

Study in this area involves coursework that covers normal human development, acquisition of language processes, disorders of communication and treatment principles and skills. A Master's degree and state licensure are necessary to practice in the field. Clinical experience is accrued during schooling and the Required Profession Experience (first year of practice with approved supervision). Special Class Authorizations and Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential can be obtained for employment in schools, including special day classes for severely language impaired children.

For more information or questions call (916) 734-6700.

Settings in which Speech-Language Pathologists are employed include private practices, public schools, universities, skilled nursing facilities, acute care hospitals, rehabilitational hospitals, home health agencies, and research facilities.

The following list of universities are some of the schools offering a program in the field of Speech-Language Pathology:

• Arizona State University
• Arkansas State University
• Auburn University, Alabama
• Baylor University
• Boston University
• Bowling Green State University, Ohio
• Brigham Young University
• Brooklyn College, NY
• California State University, Chico
• California State University, Sacramento
• California State University, Fresno
• California State University, Fullerton
• California State University, Hayward
• California State University, Long Beach
• California State University, Los Angeles
• California State University, Northridge
• California State University, San Jose
• Colorado State University
• Eastern Kentucky University
• Florida State University
• George Washington University
• Hofstra University, NY
• Idaho State University
• Illinois State University
• Howard University
• Indiana State University
• Kansas State University
• Kent State University
• Louisiana State University
• Loyola University
• Marquette University, WV
• Memphis State University
• Michigan State University
• Minot State University, ND
• Montclair State College, NJ
• Moorhead State University, Minnesota
• New Mexico State University
• Northeast Louisiana University
• Northeastern University, Mass.
• Northern Illinois University
• Northwestern University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Portland State University
• Purdue University
• Radford University
• San Diego State University, CA
• San Francisco State University
• San Jose State University, CA
• Southern Illinois University
• St. John's University, NY
• St. Louis University, Missouri
• Syracuse University, NY
• Temple University
• Towson State University, MD
• Trenton State College, NJ
• University of Alabama
• University of Arizona
• University of Arkansas
• Univ. of CA, Santa Barbara
• University of Central Florida
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado
• University of Connecticut
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of Hawaii, Manoa
• University of Illinois
• University of Indiana
• University of Kansas
• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville
• University of Maine
• University of Maryland
• University of Minnesota
• University of Mississippi
• University of Missouri, Columbia
• University of Nebraska
• University of Nevada, Reno
• University of New Hampshire
• University of New Mexico
• University of North Carolina
• University of North Dakota
• University of Northern Colorado
• University of Northern Iowa
• University of Ohio
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of the Pacific
• University of Puerto Rico
• University of Redlands
• University of Rhode Island
• University of South Alabama
• University of South Carolina
• >University of South Dakota
• University of Southern Mississippi
• University of Tennessee
• University of Texas
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia
• Missouri, Columbia
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Wyoming
• Utah State University
• Vanderbilt University, TN
• Wayne State University, Michigan
• Western Michigan University
• William Patterson College, NJ