Will “Speech-Language Pathologists” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 29-1127.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 78,210.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 37.00
• Currently, there are 135,980 people on this job

Also Known As…

• Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped
• Speech/Language Therapist
• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Speech Therapist
• Speech Pathologist
• Speech and Language Specialist
• Speech and Language Clinician
• Educational Speech-Language Clinician
• Communication Specialist
• Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
• Voice Pathologist
• Speech Correction Consultant
• Speech and Hearing Clinic Director
• Oral Therapist
• Language Pathologist

Tasks for “Speech-Language Pathologists”

• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
• Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
• Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
• Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
• Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.

Related Technology & Tools

• Laryngographs
• Recording microphones
• Compact stereo systems
• Speech therapy mirrors
• Video cassette recorders VCR
• Sound booths
• Alternative computer keyboards
• Touch switches
• Digital audio recorders
• Digital video stroboscopy systems
• Desktop computers
• Electromyographs EMG
• Airflow measurement devices
• Compact disk CD players
• Dynamic display devices
• Subglottal air pressure measurement devices
• Sound switches
• Video stroboscopes
• Tablet computers
• Therapeutic voice synthesizers
• Headphones
• Augmentative communication devices
• Infrared switches
• Personal computers
• Electroglottographs EGG
• Laptop computers
• Handheld camcorders
• Tape recorders
• Digital cameras
• Jellybean switches
• Reading pens
• Audiometers
• Closed circuit television systems
• Diagnostic stroboscopes

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• Micro Video Voice Speech Training System
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• Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
• Biofeedback software
• Microsoft Office
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• Propeller Multimedia React2
• Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
• Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE
• Microsoft Excel
• Text to speech software
• ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
• Signal analysis software
• Words+ E Z Keys for Windows
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• Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
• Email software
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• Avaaz Innovations Interactive Voice Analysis System IVANS
• Microsoft Word