Occupational Speech Therapy
By: Raven
February 6th, 2015
So, we have already given our pitch, and I think it went quite well. The reason why I chose Occupational Speech Therapy was because I have a cousin that is Autistic and also Deaf. I've grown up with him almost like a brother. I have always watched my Aunt and Uncle find ways to communicate with him. Right now, for him, he only knows a couple of signs and he recognizes facial expressions. You can't really communicate with him very well on any levels. It's difficult to find out what he needs and how badly he needs it. The only things you will know is if he is happy or if he is frustrated(which happens a lot). In the term, "Actions speak louder than words," it is a literal idea in his life.
Here are some statistics on getting jobs in Speech Pathology:
- There were 121,690 total employees in 2010
- The estimated job openings in 2020 are up to 52,300
- It is expected to grow by 23.4%
- You are required to have a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology
- There is no required work experience
- $75,000 on Lower End
- $90,000 on Average
- $110,000 on Upper End
- Your salary depends on where you work(schools, hospitals, private, etc.), and how hard of a worker you are. If you dedicate a lot of time and effort into this and you make your own schedule, you can make up to $84 an hour.
There are so many benefits to this job. First of all, it is such a rewarding career, who wouldn't want to do it? You get to help people learn how to use such a valuable skill and not only do you help them, but you get to go home after work and really say you have accomplished something.
Here is a video I also watched about the connection between the two fields. It interests me. I feel like it would be a great advantage to major in both fields after watching this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXJpeBRHQyw
(Copy and Paste; link will not work)
"Dizziness & Balance FAQ | Avada Audiology & Hearing Care." 2012. 27 Feb. 2015 <http://www.avada.com/faq-dizziness-balance.html>
February 9th, 2015
This week I learned Speech Pathology is related to Audiology, which is the major that works with people that have hearing difficulties. The difference between SLPs and Audiologists is that SLPs deal with neurological issues; Audiologists deal with hearing loss and evaluate the type of loss to see if they are suitable for hearing aids. These majors work together with people that could have deafness, or mental disorders; sometimes Autism. Audiology also has to do with your balance. All of your balance actually comes from your inner ears. They help with Vertigo disorders, or a fistula, which is a hole in your ear. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXJpeBRHQyw
(Copy and Paste; link will not work)
"Speech Language Pathologists Audiologists - Big Future." 2012. 27 Feb. 2015 <https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/health-diagnosis-treatment-speech-language-pathologists-audiologists>
"Speech Pathology - The Princeton Review." 2011. 27 Feb. 2015 <http://www.princetonreview.com/Majors.aspx?cip=510203> "Dizziness & Balance FAQ | Avada Audiology & Hearing Care." 2012. 27 Feb. 2015 <http://www.avada.com/faq-dizziness-balance.html>
February 26th, 2015
We have had SO many snow days! I just now remembered I have been needing to catch up on my blog! I have been researching the requirements to become a Speech Pathologist lately and here are some of my results:
- You have to have a Graduate Degree in Speech Pathology from a state institution and a passing score on the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology.
- It has to be a valid license issued by the state of Tennessee or an out-of state licensing board of communication disorders
- Speech Pathologists who have a Master's equivalence in this major and hold a valid teaching license for Tennessee may be given the license.
