Becoming A Speech-Language Pathologist: Education, Duties, and Salary

Becoming a speech-language pathologist typically requires completing a degree programme in the field of speech, language, and hearing at the undergraduate and/or postgraduate level. You will then need to complete an internship or clinical training programme at an institution approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to gain hands-on skills as a speech-language pathologist. 

The RCI regulates this profession, so you will need to register before you can begin your practice. As a speech-language pathologist, you’ll work with individuals who struggle with communication, speaking, listening, or hearing. You may also work with people with swallowing disorders, voice impairments, or articulation issues. A speech-language pathologist’s job is to diagnose and treat these problems. Discover more about a career as a speech-language pathologist, including the type of work you will do and what skills and education you’ll need for this profession. 

What is speech-language pathology?

Speech-language pathology is the study of disorders in human communication and the various ways in which humans communicate. Researchers in the field aim to discover effective treatment methods for communication and oral motor disorders involving the mouth and throat. These disorders can affect a person's ability to pronounce words correctly, share ideas, follow generally accepted conversation rules, organise thoughts, and more. A speech-language disorder can be present from birth or result from an external trigger like a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or autism spectrum disorder. 

What does a speech-language pathologist do?

Speech-language pathologists diagnose, assess, develop, and execute individualised treatment plans for people experiencing communication problems involving speech and language or swallowing disorders that affect their ability to eat and drink properly. As a speech-language pathologist, you may work with various age groups, from newborns to the elderly. You may also work with a wide range of speech, language, and swallowing/feeding disorders that may result from developmental delay, physical deformation, cognitive disorders, injury, illness, ageing, or mental or emotional disorders. 

Identify speech, language, or swallowing difficulties.

A large part of what you’ll do as a speech-language pathologist involves identifying and diagnosing speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. You may use informal methods like observation, interviewing, or the completion of analogue tasks to identify speech and language disorders and problems. Sometimes you could use formal tools and techniques that involve standardised assessments, such as the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test.

As a speech pathologist, you will choose your method based on a person’s age, cultural background, and values, and the severity of the concerns in question. Most speech-language pathologists begin with an initial assessment that involves a blend of testing and evaluation of voice quality and a physical examination of the mouth. Neurological disorders, stroke, and even dental problems can cause swallowing disorders. You can help identify and treat swallowing difficulties by physically examining the muscles used for swallowing. This examination usually involves the patient performing specific movements and swallowing substances to assess their swallowing ability. 

Provide treatment options.

After identifying the problem and offering a diagnosis, you'll assemble a treatment plan. You will work with people regularly, often navigating difficult situations where a person may become frustrated. You must know your clients and understand the best methods and approaches to help them. 

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the act of making informed and evidence-based decisions using your knowledge as a trained professional and the best practices found in published studies and research. You also may consider individual observations you’ve conducted and the cultural values and expectations of your client and their families or caregivers. When developing a treatment plan, it’s best to use EBP to create a programme that is mindful of the patient's needs and considers all the options to help that patient reach their goal. 

Help individuals cope with speech disorders.

Speech disorders can be a frustrating experience. People who suffer from communication disorders may experience social anxiety, loneliness, problems at work, embarrassment, and even depression. This means that those with language and speech disorders may need additional support beyond a plan of treatment to deal with the frustration and setbacks they may experience.

In this position, you can sometimes act as a counsellor when working with patients who become overwhelmed, frustrated, sad, or angry. Your work can include helping patients with the thoughts, behaviours, and reactions related to the communication disorder. As a speech-language pathologist, you can help individuals cope with speech disorders in the following ways: 

• Help your patient find a counsellor or therapist with experience in supporting people with speech disorders

• Create a relaxed environment when working with the patient

• Inform the family and caregivers on helpful ways of communicating with the patient (i.e., don’t interrupt, reduce background noise, and ask them what would be helpful)

• Use restating and reflection when a patient becomes frustrated; repeat what they say back to them and try to clarify with the patient what they mean and how you can help

• Try to identify negative thoughts when working with your patient and tease those out to discuss the validity of those thoughts

• Refer your patient to peer groups or support groups in your area

• Teach self-advocacy skills so that your patients can better communicate what they need and feel more confident

Teach people how to build and maintain fluency. 

People who struggle with stuttering or similar problems have trouble speaking smoothly at a normal rate of speed, also known as fluency. Sometimes, patients who have suffered a stroke or some other neurological condition may also have trouble with fluency. Techniques like breathing exercises, syllable stretching, and strategies like speaking in shorter sentences can help patients speak confidently and avoid hesitations and filler words in conversation. 

Essential skills of a speech-language pathologist 

Speech-language pathologists must possess several critical skills, including active listening and compassion. These healthcare professionals work with people from different backgrounds, ages, and differing needs or disorders. Some essential speech-language pathologist skills include the following:

• Enthusiasm

• Compassion

• Active listening

• Critical thinking

• Decision-making

• Adaptability

• Leadership

• Creativity

• Verbal and written communication

• Time management

• Dependability

• Teaching

Education and licensing requirements

To become a speech-language pathologist, you must pursue an audiology and speech-language pathology course approved by the RCI, complete a mandatory clinical training programme, and register with the RCI. Explore these eligibility criteria in greater detail in the following sections. 

Bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology

You can choose to become a speech-language pathologist after earning a bachelor’s degree in audiology and speech-language pathology. This takes four years to complete and often includes the period of your clinical training. You may need to complete an entrance exam to be admitted to an audiology and speech-language pathology programme. Common entrance exams include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Speech and Hearing Entrance Exam and the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET). 

Master's in speech-language pathology

You can choose to earn your master’s degree as an integrated programme in audiology and speech-language pathology or choose to specialise in either audiology or speech-language pathology. A master’s programme is research-oriented and explores the topics covered in the bachelor’s programme on a deeper level. Although a master’s degree is not required to become a speech-language pathologist, pursuing one will allow you to add a specialisation or increase your career prospects. 

Registration

After you complete your education, you will need to register with the RCI. You can complete this process online, and this step is crucial if you want to practise as a speech-language pathologist. If you did not complete your clinical training as part of your bachelor’s degree programme, you will be required to complete it before registration. 

Beginning a speech-language pathology career

When you’re ready to start your career as a speech-language pathologist, find a clinical training mentor in a work environment where you can see yourself working for years to come. If you need help deciding where you’d like to work as a speech-language pathologist, who you’d like to work with, or what disorders you want to focus on, consider networking with people in the field and researching your options. Building relationships early in your career has many benefits. 

Get clinical experience

Your clinical experience as a clinical fellow can be an invaluable tool for helping you aim your career trajectory as a speech-language pathologist. This experience acts as a bridge from learner to professional. Take full advantage of this experience. Try to choose a mentor working in an area similar to the one you want to pursue as a speech pathologist. If you plan to work with children, look for school clinical experiences. If you're going to work with neurological disorders or people recovering from a stroke, look for opportunities in hospitals or nursing homes. 

Network with people in the field

Networking with people in speech pathology can be an effective way of finding employment or just learning more about the field and creating relationships with like-minded professionals who may help you get your career started. You can network through social media or LinkedIn, attend networking events and conferences, or reach out via email or other means of communication. Professional speech-language pathology groups also offer meet-ups either online or in person.

How much does a speech-language pathologist earn?

A speech-language pathologist working in India earns an average of ₹4,50,000 a year [1]. Factors like your location, work schedule, work setting, and employer will affect a speech-language pathologist’s average salary.

For example, AmbitionBox reports that your salary as a speech-language pathologist might vary based on where you live. The highest-paying cities, according to their data, are as follows [1]: 

• Chennai: ₹5,00,000 per year

• New Delhi: ₹5,40,000 per year

• Hyderabad: ₹4,30,000 per year

• Bangalore: ₹4,50,000 per year

• Mysore: ₹4,50,000 per year

Job outlook

The job outlook for speech-language pathologists in India is positive. In fact, the country has a shortage of skilled professionals to help treat communication disabilities. Further, you can find even more opportunities as a speech-language pathologist in US, UK, and Canadian clinics. According to the Times of India, about 50 million people in India required the services of speech-language pathologists in 2020 [2]. This underscores the growing demand for skilled speech pathologists. A few reasons for this exceptional growth include an ageing population, increased awareness of communication and neurologic disorders in childhood, and medical advances in cognitive disorders resulting from illness or injury.  

Next steps to becoming a speech-language pathologist

Take the next steps to become a speech-language pathologist by researching the profession and finding out what you’d like to do within the field. As you earn your formal education as a prospective speech pathologist, consider enrolling in courses that may help you learn more about the field and your options. On Coursera, you’ll find programmes specifically designed for future and current professionals in language and audiology, like Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know or Introduction to Hearing Loss. Be proactive and learn as much as you can, whether you are in the middle of your journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist or just getting started.

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