Speech Therapists

Focus on the little things and get paid well for it

Speech-language pathologists, or speech therapists as they are often called, diagnose and treat individuals with problems related to speech, language, and swallowing disorders that are a result of ailments such as brain injury, stroke, developmental delays or disorders, learning disabilities among other causes.

Good communication skills and patience are a must to be successful as one of these healthcare providers. They are most often found in educational institutions, helping students to overcome speech-related disorders that could hinder social development compared to their peers.  The outlook for speech-language pathologists is promising, and even more opportunities are expected as a result of a rapidly growing multi-lingual population in the Gulf Coast Region. 

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The number of Speech-Language Pathologists is projected grow at 33 percent with an annual job opening of 273!

 

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These professionals can earn nearly $85,000 per year.

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Start Early and Be Prepared!

High School Endorsement: Public Service | STEM

Students should strive for the highest GPA possible in undergrad to provide them with the edge needed for acceptance into graduate schools where seating is limited and many students are turned away (minimum GPA of 3.5 for some).

High school students interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist should take courses in biology, physics, chemistry, geometry, algebra, English, health occupations/medical professions education, sociology, psychology, computer skills, social studies, and speech.

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Does this career match you?

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career as a speech therapist. The following data describes the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area from the opinion of those in the industry.

95.2%

Language

Knowledge of the structure, content, composition, grammar, spelling, pronunciation, and intonation of the common language.

83.5%

Oral Comprehension, Expression, and Clarity

The ability to listen, understand, and convey speech between individuals.

79.2%

Psychology

The ability to pinpoint and evaluate a current or future problem, finding its source, causation, and a potential solution

77.6%

Customer & Personal Service

Meeting the expected quality of customer satisfaction when interacting with customer and potential customers

  

*Source: Texas Career Check.

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Pathway to Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

To begin, becoming a speech-language pathologist requires a master's degree from a program approved by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Speech-language pathologists are regulated and licensed by the state in a way like registered nurses and doctors. So, how does a person become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Texas?

• Earn a 4-year bachelor's degree (preferably in communication sciences and/or disorders but there is no undergraduate degree requirement, though certain courses must be taken)
• Complete a master's degree program in speech language pathology (2 to 3 years) which includes a minimum of 375 hours of clinical experience
• Obtain an intern license from the Texas Department of State Health Services
• Take and pass the national Praxis exam coordinated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) scoring a 600 or better
• Apply for official license at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

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For Licensing and Additional Information

State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
(512) 834-6627

 

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Gulf Coast Region Speech-Language Pathologist Programs

Universities

• Texas Woman’s University
• University of Houston

 Where to Find Employment in the Gulf Coast Region

• Clinics
• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation Centers

 

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

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