Career Profile: Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with patients and clients across the lifespan and are trained to diagnose and treat a wide breadth of areas, including articulation, stuttering, feeding and swallowing disorders, social and cognitive communication disorders, and voice disorders. SLPs can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to schools. You can visit the national association to learn more.
As an SLP working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), this is a typical day at work:
I am the only full-time SLP at my facility, so I am responsible for evaluations, treatment sessions, discharges, interdisciplinary team communication, and attending nutrition-at-risk meetings regularly.
I have the flexibility to my start and end times; I typically clock in around 8:00 am. Company-set productivity requirements and my caseload primarily dictate my end time.
I look over my schedule and review patients' charts for relevant updates when I arrive. I then outline the tentative order where I'll see patients, grab a computer for point-of-service documentation opportunities, and head out to chat with nurses and CNAs and work with patients.
Lunchtime is typically my busy time since I like to work with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and dementia patients during and around mealtimes.
After taking my lunch break, I continue my day working with patients. My caseload is typically a mix of short-term patients and long-term residents. I commonly treat patients with dementia, dysphagia, language, speech, and other cognitive-communication disorders and related diagnoses.
I also attend weekly meetings to discuss patients' nutrition, weight loss, and other related concerns with case managers, the dietician, and the kitchen.
I review and sign all my notes summarizing my skilled work with patients and their performance and participation during the session. I then check my schedule for the next day and make any scheduling changes as needed to wrap up my work day.
Want to learn more about the ins and outs of a Speech-Language Pathologist’s career?
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists:
earn a median pay of ~$80,000 per year
need a master's degree
job growth is faster than average at 29%
Truity delves more into typical duties, work environments, and licenses, certifications, and registrations offered.
