They may also work with people who have oral motor problems that cause eating and swallowing difficulties. Speech-language pathologists work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, personal care facilities, clinics and private practices. They design individualized treatment plans to help patients develop or recover communication skills and counsel patients and their families in dealing with these disabilities. Successful speech-language pathologists are patient, objective yet supportive, and have good communication skills. Doctorate degrees are available for those wishing to become administrators, professors or researchers.
Income varies according to geographic region, experience and employment setting.
The aging of the population, resulting in more hearing impairments and neurological disorders, will play a major role.