046 in 1992 with the median earning being between $27,404- $42,120. Those working in hospitals earned approximately $33,936 in 1992 with salaries varying based on the geographic location of the employment. The median annual income of the speech-language pathologist in May 2004 is stated at $51,410 with the mid-50% earning in the range of $42,090 and $65,750. Stated as the median annual earnings in the industries that employ speech-language pathologists as of May 2004 are those as follows: Median Annual Earning - By Industry by Income

Offices of other health practitioners

General medical and surgical hospitals

Elementary and secondary schools

Source: U.S. Department of Labor (2004)

VI. Nature of the Work in Speech Pathology Field

The nature of the work of the speech-language pathologist is the identification speech, language, voice and fluency disorders as well as evaluation of causative factors. The speech-language pathologist will develop and conduct therapy as well as making a provision of counseling to patients and their families. The speech-language pathologist will consult with other professionals and as well will make referrals of patients to other specialists in treating disorders and sometimes in diagnosis of disorders. The speech-language pathologist will be responsible for recording information pertaining to the method of treatment used and the response of the patient to the treatment. Furthermore the speech-language pathologist will be involved in research in the field and will offer consulting to schools, hospitals, clinics and other professional groups as well as teaching in colleges and universities. Stated to be machines and equipments used by the speech-language pathologists are the following:

1. Tape recorders;

2. Electrolarynxes;

3. Graphs/Charts;

4. Sound level mete;

5. Mirrors and hearing aids;

6. Computerized and other augmentative communication systems;

7. Electronic and computer equipment for speech;

9. Videocassettes recorders;

10. Biofeedback instruments;

11. Acoustic impedance bridges;

12. Respirometers; and 13. Audiometers

VII. Working Conditions in Speech Pathology Career

The speech-language pathologist generally works at a desk in a comfortable and clean environment with little in terms of physical demands although intense concentration and attention to detail are both requirements in this career. The emotional needs of clients and families may be taxing and frustration...

40 hours a week and some part time. If working on contract basis substantial amount of time spent traveling in between facilities.
VIII. Typical Day Informational Interview

According to Molly Joss in the work entitled: "Careers in: Speech-Language Pathology" (2006) the typical day for a speech-language pathologists who is employed as a staff member at a medical facility includes staff meetings with other professional to discuss cases and for purposes of evaluation as well as counseling with patients. The SLP employed by a school system might travel from school to school each day in assessing differences cases and developing plans and treatments. In the private practice the SLP might spend time coaching someone with a speech problem on pronunciation and might travel to a nursing facility to assess clients. The research SLP might spend their time in evaluating new programs or equipment or making data analysis on case studies under conduction.

Summary & Conclusion

The career of the speech-language pathologist is one that is time-consuming in terms of acquiring a master's degree and certification however, the earning potential, the working conditions the employment outlook and the positive accomplishments that are possible for the speech-language pathologists overshadow these elements and make the pursuit well worthwhile on an individual and professional level for the aspiring speech-language pathologist.

Bibliography

Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (1997) U.S. Department of Labor - Educational Online Inc. Available online at http://www.edonline.com/collegecompass/oohb0098.htm.

315 Speech-Language Pathologist & Audiologist (2006)Health Careers - Michigan Careers, Colleges, Training. Online available at http://www.michigan.gov/healthcareers/0,1607,7-221-39742-64293 -- ,00.html

Alabama A&M (2006) Fees and Tuition Speech-Language Pathologist Online available at http://www.asha.org/gradguide/grad_guide.cfm?SchoolKey=76

University of Alabama (2006) Fees and Tuition Speech-Language Pathologist Online available at http://www.asha.org/gradguide/grad_guide.cfm?SchoolKey=75

University of Montevallo (2006) Fees and Tuition Speech-Language Pathologist Online available at http://www.asha.org/gradguide/grad_guide.cfm?SchoolKey=74.

Joss, Molly (2006) Careers in: Speech-Language Pathology - Diversity Allied Health Careers. Online available at http://www.diversityalliedhealth.com/features/05-04-05c.html.

Speech Language Pathology Career: Education & Employment Research