Speech-language pathologists are highly trained medical professionals who evaluate patients, establish treatment goals, and oversee treatments. They must have a master's degree in speech-language pathology and a state license. In 2022, there were 171,400 speech-language pathologists in the U.S., according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Skilled nursing facilities employ 13,026 (7.6%) of these professionals.