Career Focus
Every week a different health care profession will be spotlighted on this web page as seen on careerplanning.com
Cardiovascular Technologists
Weekly Career Profile: Cardiovascular Technologists
October 3, 2012
According to the American Heart Association, death rates due to cardiovascular disease declined over 30% between 1998 and 2008. Early detection and treatment probably contributed to this decline. Cardiovascular technologists assist doctors in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular disease.
Working in this allied health occupation typically requires that one earn an associate degree. Job growth will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics places it among the fastest growing occupations that require an associate degree. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition).
Job Description: A cardiovascular technologist (CVT) helps doctors diagnose and treat cardiac and vascular problems. He or she may use non-invasive procedures, including ultrasound, or invasive procedures, which involve inserting probes, such as catheters, into patients' bodies.
There are sub-specialties that fall under this occupational title. A cardiology technologist monitors and treats problems with the heart. A vascular technologist monitors and treats blood flow abnormalities. An echocardiographer, also called a cardiac sonographer, uses ultrasound equipment to take images of the heart and valves.
Employment Facts: There were approximately 49,000 cardiovascular technologists employed in the United States in 2010. The majority worked in hospitals, but some were employed in medical laboratories, outpatient facilities and doctor's offices.
Heart and vascular illnesses don't adhere to a 9 to 5 schedule and because of this many who work this field can't either. Cardiovascular technologists often work odd hours in order to respond to health emergencies.
Educational Requirements: Most people prepare for this occupation by earning an associate degree at a community college. These two year programs typically consist of coursework and clinical training under the supervision of an experienced technologist. Some choose to instead earn a bachelor's degree which will take four years. Another route is to earn an associate or bachelor's degree in radiologic technology or nursing followed by on-the-job training. Look for an accredited program since that is often required for certification or registration. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits cardiovascular technologist programs.
Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?
Other Requirements: Although states don't currently license cardiovascular technologists, it is difficult to find an employer who doesn't require certification or registration. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is one organization that oversees certification and registration of CVTs. Many employers require their CVTs to have ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
In addition to your classroom and on-the-job training, in order to succeed in this field you need certain characteristics. It is important that you evaluate whether you have these qualities when deciding whether to become a CVT. Are you detail oriented? This quality will allow you to follow physicians' instructions. Do you have good interpersonal skills? This is important because you will have to communicate with your patients. Are you physically fit? You will be required to move and lift patients, as well as stand on your feet for long periods of time.
Job Outlook: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a very bright future for cardiovascular technologists. It will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2020 and will be among the fastest growing careers that require an associate degree.
Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?
Earnings: Cardiovascular technologists earned a median annual salary of $51,020 in 2011 and $24.53 hourly in 2011 (US).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a cardiovascular technologist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Cardiovascular Technologist's Life: On a typical day a cardiovascular technologist's tasks might include:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Cardiovascular Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/cardiovascular-technologists-and-technicians.htm (visited October 01, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Cardiovascular Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-2031.00 (visited October 01, 2012).
October 3, 2012
According to the American Heart Association, death rates due to cardiovascular disease declined over 30% between 1998 and 2008. Early detection and treatment probably contributed to this decline. Cardiovascular technologists assist doctors in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular disease.
Working in this allied health occupation typically requires that one earn an associate degree. Job growth will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics places it among the fastest growing occupations that require an associate degree. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition).
Job Description: A cardiovascular technologist (CVT) helps doctors diagnose and treat cardiac and vascular problems. He or she may use non-invasive procedures, including ultrasound, or invasive procedures, which involve inserting probes, such as catheters, into patients' bodies.
There are sub-specialties that fall under this occupational title. A cardiology technologist monitors and treats problems with the heart. A vascular technologist monitors and treats blood flow abnormalities. An echocardiographer, also called a cardiac sonographer, uses ultrasound equipment to take images of the heart and valves.
Employment Facts: There were approximately 49,000 cardiovascular technologists employed in the United States in 2010. The majority worked in hospitals, but some were employed in medical laboratories, outpatient facilities and doctor's offices.
Heart and vascular illnesses don't adhere to a 9 to 5 schedule and because of this many who work this field can't either. Cardiovascular technologists often work odd hours in order to respond to health emergencies.
Educational Requirements: Most people prepare for this occupation by earning an associate degree at a community college. These two year programs typically consist of coursework and clinical training under the supervision of an experienced technologist. Some choose to instead earn a bachelor's degree which will take four years. Another route is to earn an associate or bachelor's degree in radiologic technology or nursing followed by on-the-job training. Look for an accredited program since that is often required for certification or registration. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits cardiovascular technologist programs.
Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?
Other Requirements: Although states don't currently license cardiovascular technologists, it is difficult to find an employer who doesn't require certification or registration. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is one organization that oversees certification and registration of CVTs. Many employers require their CVTs to have ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
In addition to your classroom and on-the-job training, in order to succeed in this field you need certain characteristics. It is important that you evaluate whether you have these qualities when deciding whether to become a CVT. Are you detail oriented? This quality will allow you to follow physicians' instructions. Do you have good interpersonal skills? This is important because you will have to communicate with your patients. Are you physically fit? You will be required to move and lift patients, as well as stand on your feet for long periods of time.
Job Outlook: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a very bright future for cardiovascular technologists. It will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2020 and will be among the fastest growing careers that require an associate degree.
Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?
Earnings: Cardiovascular technologists earned a median annual salary of $51,020 in 2011 and $24.53 hourly in 2011 (US).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a cardiovascular technologist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Cardiovascular Technologist's Life: On a typical day a cardiovascular technologist's tasks might include:
- using ultrasound equipment to take images
- helping a physician insert a catheter through a patient's artery
- preparing a patient for a diagnostic procedure
- taking patients' medical histories
- analyzing images and discussing them with physicians
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Cardiovascular Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/cardiovascular-technologists-and-technicians.htm (visited October 01, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Cardiovascular Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-2031.00 (visited October 01, 2012).
Optometrist
Weekly Career Profile: Optometrist Wednesday October 17, 2012 Optometrists provide primary vision care. They are also called Doctors of Optometry or ODs. To become an optometrist one must complete a four year program at an accredited optometry school, following at least three years of study at an accredited college or university. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition).
Optometrist Job Description:Optometrists provide primary vision care. Also called Doctors of Optometry or ODs, they diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders. They determine whether vision correction is needed and if it is they prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some optometrists specialize in a particular clientele or type of treatment. For example some treat patients with low vision and others provide post-operative care to patients who have undergone surgery.
Other practitioners who provide vision care are ophthalmologists and opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who, unlike optometrists, can perform eye surgery. Opticians fit eyeglasses and make adjustments to them but do not examine eyes, make diagnoses or treat diseases and conditions.
Employment Facts for Optometrists:There were slightly over 34,000 optometrists employed in 2010. Half of them worked in optometry practices, while others worked in retail stores, medical practices and clinics and hospitals. Under one-quarter was self-employed.Educational Requirements for Optometrists:To become an optometrist one must complete a four year program at an accredited optometry school. You can find a list of programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education on the American Optometric Association website. Although applicants to schools must have completed only three years of study at an accredited college or university, most have earned, or will shortly earn, a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate coursework should include mathematics, English, chemistry, physics and biology. Applicants must take an entrance exam called the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). It is sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
Training combines classroom instruction and clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed optometrist. Those who want to specialize in a particular area of practice will spend an additional year getting advanced clinical training by doing a residency.
Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?
Other Requirements for Optometrists:To practice anywhere in the United States one must become licensed. In addition to earning an OD from an accredited program, one must pass the National Boards of Optometry, a four part exam administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Some states require passing another exam in addition to this. Continuing education coursework is generally required to maintain licensure.Job Outlook for Optometrists:The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of optometrists will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. This increase, however, will not result in many jobs since this is a relatively small occupation.
How Much Do Optometrists Earn?:Optometrists earned a median annual salary of $94,690 in 2011 and median hourly earnings of $45.53.A Day in an Optometrist's Life:On a typical day an optometrist will:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Optometrists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm (visited October 17, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Optometrists, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-1041.00 (visited October 17, 2012)
About.com http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/optometrist.htm
Should You Become an Optometrist? Take a Quiz to Find Out.
Optometrist Job Description:Optometrists provide primary vision care. Also called Doctors of Optometry or ODs, they diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders. They determine whether vision correction is needed and if it is they prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some optometrists specialize in a particular clientele or type of treatment. For example some treat patients with low vision and others provide post-operative care to patients who have undergone surgery.
Other practitioners who provide vision care are ophthalmologists and opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who, unlike optometrists, can perform eye surgery. Opticians fit eyeglasses and make adjustments to them but do not examine eyes, make diagnoses or treat diseases and conditions.
Employment Facts for Optometrists:There were slightly over 34,000 optometrists employed in 2010. Half of them worked in optometry practices, while others worked in retail stores, medical practices and clinics and hospitals. Under one-quarter was self-employed.Educational Requirements for Optometrists:To become an optometrist one must complete a four year program at an accredited optometry school. You can find a list of programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education on the American Optometric Association website. Although applicants to schools must have completed only three years of study at an accredited college or university, most have earned, or will shortly earn, a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate coursework should include mathematics, English, chemistry, physics and biology. Applicants must take an entrance exam called the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). It is sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
Training combines classroom instruction and clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed optometrist. Those who want to specialize in a particular area of practice will spend an additional year getting advanced clinical training by doing a residency.
Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?
Other Requirements for Optometrists:To practice anywhere in the United States one must become licensed. In addition to earning an OD from an accredited program, one must pass the National Boards of Optometry, a four part exam administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Some states require passing another exam in addition to this. Continuing education coursework is generally required to maintain licensure.Job Outlook for Optometrists:The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of optometrists will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. This increase, however, will not result in many jobs since this is a relatively small occupation.
How Much Do Optometrists Earn?:Optometrists earned a median annual salary of $94,690 in 2011 and median hourly earnings of $45.53.A Day in an Optometrist's Life:On a typical day an optometrist will:
- examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases;
- test patients' visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes;
- prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses;
- provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation;
- analyze test results and develop a treatment plan;
- administer drugs to patients to aid in the diagnosis of vision problems and prescribe drugs to treat some eye diseases;
- provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients, as well as patients who have had laser vision correction or other eye surgery;
- diagnose conditions due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure and refer patients to other health practitioners as needed;
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Optometrists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm (visited October 17, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Optometrists, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-1041.00 (visited October 17, 2012)
About.com http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/optometrist.htm
Should You Become an Optometrist? Take a Quiz to Find Out.
Radiologic Technologists
Weekly Career Profile: Radiologic Technologists
October 24, 2012
When a doctor examines a patient, he or she can only see what's on the surface. To reveal what is going on inside an individual, a doctor may refer the patient to a facility that performs diagnostic imaging, for example x rays, CT scans, MRIs and mammography. There the patient will be examined by radiologic technologists who are trained to use diagnostic imaging equipment.
A radiologic technologist must attend a formal program consisting of classroom and clinical training. Upon completion he or she typically earns an associate degree, although there are programs that culminate in one earning a certificate or a bachelor's degree. Job growth in this field will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition).
Job Description: A radiologic technologist uses diagnostic imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose illnesses and injuries. He or she may use x ray equipment, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or mammography to perform x rays, CT scans, MRIs or mammograms.
Radiologic technicians may specialize in one diagnostic imaging technology or in a few. They are often referred to by a title that reflects the technology in which they specialize. For example one who specializes in computed tomography is usually called a CT Technician and one whose speciality is magnetic resonance imaging is known as an MRI technician.
Employment Facts: There were approximately 220,000 radiologic technologists employed in 2010. The majority of them worked in hospitals, but many others worked in doctors' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories and outpatient facilities.
Jobs in this field are usually full-time positions. Since emergencies happen around the clock, those who are responsible for handling them must sometimes work odd hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
Radiologic technologists are at risk for contracting illnesses from their patients, but no more so than are other healthcare professionals. Exposure to radiation is another risk, but the protections that are in place decrease its likelihood.
Educational Requirements: If you want to become a radiologic technologist you must complete a formal training program in radiography. Most people entering this occupation have earned an associate degree, but other options include a certificate or a bachelor's degree. Earning an associate degree generally takes about two years. Programs consist of a combination of classroom and clinical training. Radiography students take courses in pathology, anatomy, radiation physics and protection, image evaluation and patient care.
Other Requirements: Most states require licensure for radiologic technologists. To become licensed you will usually need to have graduated from a program that has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. You will probably have to take a written examination. To learn about your state's licensing requirements use the Licensed Occupation Tool from careeronestop.
In order to succeed in this occupation, you will need to bring to it certain characteristics. Spending many hours on your feet requires a good deal of stamina. You should be detail oriented and hove strong interpersonal skills. In addition, you should be good in science and math.
Job Outlook: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for radiologic technologists will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. They say it will grow more quickly than most other occupations that, like it, also require an associate degree. Those certified in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best opportunities.
Earnings: Radiologic technologists earned a median annual salary of $55,120 in 2011. Median hourly earnings were $26.50.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a radiologic technologist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Radiologic Technologist And Technician's Life: On a typical day a radiologic technologist's tasks might include:
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Radiologic Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited October 24, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Radiologic Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-2034.00 (visited October 24, 2012).
October 24, 2012
When a doctor examines a patient, he or she can only see what's on the surface. To reveal what is going on inside an individual, a doctor may refer the patient to a facility that performs diagnostic imaging, for example x rays, CT scans, MRIs and mammography. There the patient will be examined by radiologic technologists who are trained to use diagnostic imaging equipment.
A radiologic technologist must attend a formal program consisting of classroom and clinical training. Upon completion he or she typically earns an associate degree, although there are programs that culminate in one earning a certificate or a bachelor's degree. Job growth in this field will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition).
Job Description: A radiologic technologist uses diagnostic imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose illnesses and injuries. He or she may use x ray equipment, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or mammography to perform x rays, CT scans, MRIs or mammograms.
Radiologic technicians may specialize in one diagnostic imaging technology or in a few. They are often referred to by a title that reflects the technology in which they specialize. For example one who specializes in computed tomography is usually called a CT Technician and one whose speciality is magnetic resonance imaging is known as an MRI technician.
Employment Facts: There were approximately 220,000 radiologic technologists employed in 2010. The majority of them worked in hospitals, but many others worked in doctors' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories and outpatient facilities.
Jobs in this field are usually full-time positions. Since emergencies happen around the clock, those who are responsible for handling them must sometimes work odd hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
Radiologic technologists are at risk for contracting illnesses from their patients, but no more so than are other healthcare professionals. Exposure to radiation is another risk, but the protections that are in place decrease its likelihood.
Educational Requirements: If you want to become a radiologic technologist you must complete a formal training program in radiography. Most people entering this occupation have earned an associate degree, but other options include a certificate or a bachelor's degree. Earning an associate degree generally takes about two years. Programs consist of a combination of classroom and clinical training. Radiography students take courses in pathology, anatomy, radiation physics and protection, image evaluation and patient care.
Other Requirements: Most states require licensure for radiologic technologists. To become licensed you will usually need to have graduated from a program that has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. You will probably have to take a written examination. To learn about your state's licensing requirements use the Licensed Occupation Tool from careeronestop.
In order to succeed in this occupation, you will need to bring to it certain characteristics. Spending many hours on your feet requires a good deal of stamina. You should be detail oriented and hove strong interpersonal skills. In addition, you should be good in science and math.
Job Outlook: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for radiologic technologists will be faster than the average for all occupations through 2020. They say it will grow more quickly than most other occupations that, like it, also require an associate degree. Those certified in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best opportunities.
Earnings: Radiologic technologists earned a median annual salary of $55,120 in 2011. Median hourly earnings were $26.50.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a radiologic technologist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Radiologic Technologist And Technician's Life: On a typical day a radiologic technologist's tasks might include:
- following physicians' orders regarding the areas of the body of which they need images
- adjusting equipment
- explaining procedures to patients
- positioning patients
- positioning equipment
- following procedures that prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation to himself or herself as well as to the patient
- keeping track of patients' records
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Radiologic Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited October 24, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Radiologic Technologist, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-2034.00 (visited October 24, 2012).
Speech Pathologist
Weekly Career Profile: Speech Pathologist
October 24, 2012
Job Description - Speech Pathologist:Speech pathologists, officially called speech-language pathologists and sometimes called speech therapists, work with people who have a variety of speech-related disorders. These disorders can include the inability to produce certain sounds, speech rhythm and fluency problems, and voice disorders. They also help people who want to modify accents or who have swallowing difficulties. Speech pathologists' work involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of speech-related disorders.Employment Facts - Speech Pathologist:Speech pathologists held about 119,000 jobs in 2008. Approximately half of these jobs were in schools, including pre-schools and elementary and secondary schools. Other speech pathologists worked in hospitals, offices of other health practitioners, including speech-language pathologists, nursing care facilities, home health care services, individual and family services, outpatient care centers and child day care services. Some speech pathologists were self-employed.Educational Requirements - Speech Pathologists:In most states one must have a master's degree in speech-language pathology to work as a speech pathologist. Some states will only license speech pathologists who have graduated from a program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, the nature of disorders and the principles of acoustics. Graduate students recieve supervised clinical training. Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?
Other Requirements - Speech Pathologists:Speech pathologists working in 47 states must be licensed. They must pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, a national exam administered by the Educational Testing Service. Licensing requirements also include 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical practice and nine months of postgraduate clinical experience. Forty-one states also have continuing education requirements for license renewal.Job Outlook - Speech Pathologists:Employment of speech pathologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2018. Bilingual speech pathologists will be most in demand, particularly those who speak Spanish and English. More speech pathologists will work in private practices as hospitals and other health care facilities, as well as schools, will contract out for services. Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?
Earnings - Speech Pathologists:Median annual earnings of salaried speech pathologists were $65,090 in 2009. Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much speech pathologists currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Speech Pathologist's Life: On a typical day a speech pathologist will:
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Speech-Language Pathologists, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-1127.00 (visited December 7, 2010).
October 24, 2012
Job Description - Speech Pathologist:Speech pathologists, officially called speech-language pathologists and sometimes called speech therapists, work with people who have a variety of speech-related disorders. These disorders can include the inability to produce certain sounds, speech rhythm and fluency problems, and voice disorders. They also help people who want to modify accents or who have swallowing difficulties. Speech pathologists' work involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of speech-related disorders.Employment Facts - Speech Pathologist:Speech pathologists held about 119,000 jobs in 2008. Approximately half of these jobs were in schools, including pre-schools and elementary and secondary schools. Other speech pathologists worked in hospitals, offices of other health practitioners, including speech-language pathologists, nursing care facilities, home health care services, individual and family services, outpatient care centers and child day care services. Some speech pathologists were self-employed.Educational Requirements - Speech Pathologists:In most states one must have a master's degree in speech-language pathology to work as a speech pathologist. Some states will only license speech pathologists who have graduated from a program that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, the nature of disorders and the principles of acoustics. Graduate students recieve supervised clinical training. Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?
Other Requirements - Speech Pathologists:Speech pathologists working in 47 states must be licensed. They must pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, a national exam administered by the Educational Testing Service. Licensing requirements also include 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical practice and nine months of postgraduate clinical experience. Forty-one states also have continuing education requirements for license renewal.Job Outlook - Speech Pathologists:Employment of speech pathologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2018. Bilingual speech pathologists will be most in demand, particularly those who speak Spanish and English. More speech pathologists will work in private practices as hospitals and other health care facilities, as well as schools, will contract out for services. Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?
Earnings - Speech Pathologists:Median annual earnings of salaried speech pathologists were $65,090 in 2009. Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much speech pathologists currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Speech Pathologist's Life: On a typical day a speech pathologist will:
- use written and oral tests, as well as special instruments, to diagnose the nature and extent of impairment and to record and analyze speech, language, and swallowing irregularities;
- develop an individualized plan of care tailored to each patient's needs;
- select augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teach their use to individuals with little or no speech capability;
- teach those with little or no speech capability how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively;
- help patients who have suffered loss of speech develop, or recover, reliable communication skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles
- people who cannot make speech sounds, or cannot make them clearly;
- those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering;
- people with voice quality problems,such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice;
- people who have problems understanding and producing language;
- those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent;
- those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders;
- people who have oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Speech-Language Pathologists, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-1127.00 (visited December 7, 2010).