communication disorders

information for prospective students

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIELDS

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Video: introduction to the fields

(Quicktime | 11.2 MB)

Video: medical speech-language pathology (Quicktime | 9.7 MB)

Video: school-based speech language pathologist (Quicktime | 9.9 MB)

Video: a word about audiology I (Quicktime | 7.0 MB)

Video: a word about audiology II (Quicktime | 8.4 MB)

Video: closing thoughts

(Quicktime | 10.2 MB)

JOB OUTLOOK FOR THE PROFESSIONS

Future Outlook: Speech-Language Pathology

Excellent job opportunities in speech-language pathology is expected to continue for the next eight years. The expanding population in older age groups is prone to medical conditions that result in speech, language and swallowing problems. Medical advances are also improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma and stroke victims, who then need assessment and possible treatment. An increased emphasis has been placed on early identification of speech and language problems in young children. The combination of growth in the profession and an expected increase in retirements over the coming years should create excellent job opportunities for speech-language pathologists. In addition, many opportunities exists for those with the ability to speak a second language.

Employment in educational services will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Federal law guarantees special education and related services to all eligible children with disabilities. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of speech, language, and swallowing disorders will also increase employment. The number of speech-language pathologists in private practice will rise due to the increasing use of contract services by hospitals, schools, and nursing care facilities.

Future Outlook: Audiology

Job growth for audiology is expected to continue for the next eight years. Because hearing loss is strongly associated with aging, rapid growth in older population groups will cause the number of persons with hearing and balance impairments to increase markedly. In addition, members of the baby boom generation are now entering middle age, when the possibility of neurological disorders and associated hearing impairments increases. Medical advances are also improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma and stroke victims, who then need assessment and possible treatment. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants also will increase employment. Most states now require that all newborns be screened for hearing loss and receive appropriate early intervention services.

Employment in educational services will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Federal law guarantees special education and related services to all eligible children with disabilities. The number of audiologists in private practice will rise due to the increasing demand for direct services to individuals as well as increasing use of contract services by hospitals, schools, and nursing care facilities.