Speech-Language Pathology?

[SDSorority]

Any Speech-Language Pathologists out there? Anyone have kids that go to one? Do you work in a school or hospital with one?

I have an undergrad degree in Music Education and Flute Performance. I am a private teacher (I LOVE working one on one with kids), and a receptionist at the college I attended (don't love this as much as teaching). I am thinking of getting my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. It's a 2 year program at Ohio State, and I only need 4 classes that are speech specific and to take my GRE before I start. This is a career-switch... kinda. I could incorporate some music therapy into my sessions (I'm assuming) but I'm a little hesitant to do JUST Music Therapy as a Masters because the demand isn't as high.

Any advice? I'm hoping this is a career path that I would love. I need that feeling!!

 

[LuvOrlando]

My DS was just diagnosed with Vocal Chord Dysfunction. It's a new diagnosis that sometimes accompanies Asthma, sometimes it happens alone, same triggers but the lungs don't close, the vocal chords do. According to the Pulmonologist it is a largely under-diagnosed condition that is on the uptick.

Anyway, my DS is seeing a Speech Pathologist affiliated with CHOP for this to help him modify his behaviors so he can get it under control. It's all about controlling his breathing and certain kinds of panting and it already seems to be helping him. She is the only Speech Pathologist in town familiar with the problem. I had to wait 1 1/2 months for the appointment so she must be busy, she's over at Lehigh Valley Hospital. I hope this helps.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I'm currently working on my masters in SLP. I'm in a language and literacy disorders concentration. I plan to work with kids, likely in a school setting when I finish up. It's a really great field, with a LOT of opportunities.

Have you done any observations of therapy sessions, in any setting? These were a requirement for one of my undergrad classes and they were THE reason I chose this field. If you haven't done any, I'd strongly recommend doing one or two before spending the time and money for the classes.

One thing I would caution you about is to take a close look at the required courses. I think a lot of people don't realize just how much science there is. I've never had a problem with the science courses, but I know classmates who didn't really realize what they were getting into have struggled with the neurology and anatomy classes. I'll admit, I'm surprised that there are only 4 classes you have to take to be ready for the master's. I'm at UNH, and students who didn't do a CSD undergrad (or something VERY similar) have a full provisional year with 7 or 8 classes they have to take.

Do you have any specific questions about getting the master's in SLP? I know every program is different, but there are a lot of similarities.

 

[SDSorority]

I'm currently working on my masters in SLP. I'm in a language and literacy disorders concentration. I plan to work with kids, likely in a school setting when I finish up. It's a really great field, with a LOT of opportunities.

Have you done any observations of therapy sessions, in any setting? These were a requirement for one of my undergrad classes and they were THE reason I chose this field. If you haven't done any, I'd strongly recommend doing one or two before spending the time and money for the classes.

One thing I would caution you about is to take a close look at the required courses. I think a lot of people don't realize just how much science there is. I've never had a problem with the science courses, but I know classmates who didn't really realize what they were getting into have struggled with the neurology and anatomy classes. I'll admit, I'm surprised that there are only 4 classes you have to take to be ready for the master's. I'm at UNH, and students who didn't do a CSD undergrad (or something VERY similar) have a full provisional year with 7 or 8 classes they have to take.

Do you have any specific questions about getting the master's in SLP? I know every program is different, but there are a lot of similarities.

Thank you so much for your info!!! I would like to go into a school setting and observe a session or day- and since I live in a big school district, I have multiple people to contact and observe (I'm sure they all have different styles). I have watched some youtube video sessions, but live would be really great.

It all seems a little intimidating to me right now because it's such a new idea, but I think I am ready to make a change. I like working one on one with kids, and would like to be back in the school setting. The idea of getting a Masters degree is a little intimidating because I never saw myself getting one after all of my Undergrad work. Yeah, both programs I am looking at is just a 4 class pre-req and of course the GRE.

 

[SDSorority]

This is one of the programs that I am looking at:

http://omnie.org/Educational Opportunities/DL_FAQ.html

 

[tazdev3225]

My DGS was diagnosed with a speech development delay last year just before he turned 3. He is almost 4 now and the speech therapy he is getting has definetely made some improvement. He now talks on the level of a 2 to 3 y/o. Last year he was at 12-18 months. My DGS calls me MEMO now. Last year he just hit me for my attention. The first time he called me MEMO I cried. I have no experience in the field but thank all of you who are. You make a huge difference in the lives of these kids and their families.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I wouldn't let the degree itself intimidate you. Granted, I went straight from undergrad to grad school, but I don't find the work itself to be any worse than undergrad level. The big difference for me is that, at least in the program I'm in, the grad classes have more papers and group projects and fewer tests, so it's a different kind of time management. My classes also only meet once a week now, for longer periods of time, rather than my undergrad classes that met more, for shorter periods of time. Learning to sit still for as long as necessary has been a challenge. That being said, I'm ready to be done with school.

It looks like you're looking at distance learning options? I have no experience with that, and hadn't even heard of it as an option until last spring; one of the girls that was in my undergrad program was going to be doing a distance learning program through one of the CO schools. I would spend some time REALLY investigating who they do practicum placements with, the availability of practicum placements, and how much assistance they give in placing you. I would do that with all schools, regardless of distance vs traditional, though. One of the (many) reasons I chose to not even look at schools in Boston was because there are so many Boston schools competing for the same practicum sites. I also knocked James Madison off my list because, due to the (rural) setting, I was picturing myself driving hours to get to a placement site.

I would encourage you though, to set up an observation before you put a lot of effort into researching schools.

 

[Judy from Boise]

My boss is a SLP -CCC ! Meaning she is now COO of our rehab hospital. So, you can have a great job as a therapist, but also advance into management, especially in a hospital setting.

 

[Mandychelle79]

My dd has been seeing a SLP for the past 2 yrs. She sees them in the school setting ( and was at the IU prior to that). Her speech is so much clearer now than when we started. Still have a long way to go though.

 

[jekajekalynn]

My ds7 used to see one when he was in K and 1st grade. He used to have troubles with s's and r's. She is a really great therapist , and my son 'graduated' from her class last year. You couldn't even tell he had a problem after he got through with the program.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

If you like working with children (with all types of disablities and handicaps) and have the patience, then go for it! For the kids involved with speech therapy it is often a very slow and frustrating process, the parents can feel helpless, so it's nice that someone with enthusiasm would want this as their career path.

On another note, to supplement your income, a friend of mine who has a similar music degree and has also worked as a therapist is very involved as a Kindermusik teacher. She is wonderful with the kids and gets to use her special talents, as well as be her own boss.

 

[tasha99]

I'm working on my masters in speech language pathology right now. I got my BA in English and had to go a full year to have enough background to be qualified to even apply to the program I'm in (a year of audiology, anatomy for speech, acoustics, some language development courses, phonetics--it worked out to a full year of full time classes). I say go for it, though! It's a great field and there are lots of jobs.

 

[Val]

My youngest DD12 is hearing impaired with severe speech issues- without her aids she sounds like she has a mouth full of marbles! She has been with her private SLP for 10 years, and also has an SLP at school. BECAUSE of these wonderful ladies, my DD12 is a straight A student, she reads at the college level, and she gets along well with peers! Yes, the SLPs have taught her an alternative phonics, worked with social skills, helped with articulation- and basically done miracles. SLPs ROCK!!!!! If this is the kind of career you want- you will be the greatest ever!

We also must thank the audiologist and ENT that works with DD. They are also SO terrific....and you add in the teacher of the deaf (TOD) and we have such and AWESOME team! Thank you to all the SLPs, audis, ENTs and TODs out there......without you, ugh!, I don't even want to think about the alternative.

 

[padams]

Private speech therapy in my area can cost up to $200 per hour. You might want to consider private practice.

 

[kellydizfan]

I had Speech Therapy as a child - I have hearing loss - hereditary. My youngest DD who is now 12 1/2 has had it for years. She started out when she was 3 years old and continued thru most of elementary school. You could not even understand what she was saying. She had it a couple times a week there for awhile. She speaks well now. My DS who is now 9 had it when he was 18 months old as he wasn't speaking at all. He went till he was three. He was just over the threshold and didn't make the program at the next level. We had to wait until he was in Kindegarten to get help again. He now has problems with understanding sounds and is terrible at spelling due to this. His hearing has been tested and he is fine. He no longer has any speech or help with his learning this year.

 

[Pembo]

SD - Go for it! Ohio is in desperate need of SLP's and they have some great programs to get SLP's in place. I'm an Interv. Specialist and work with SLP's. We had one class on it in my grad program and I was very fascinated. I say go and observe an SLP for a day. They can work in many settings. You will have lots of options - one friend has her own business and works in a school. She was just called this year to work at a large Cleveland hospital...but she declined. Best of luck to you.

FYI-I have an old friend who has her music therapy degree. She is now in administration at a nursing home type facility.

 

[minkydog]

My 14yo son Christian has been treated by a SLP since he was 5 months old. He has had Speech in the clinic, on horseback, in the pool and now at school. His current SLP is really gifted with him. Christian is non-verbal and mentally very low functioning(like a 1yo.) But she is undaunted. She speaks to him as though he understands(which is kinda does!) and she engages him in activities that he really loves, like cooking. She helps him make cookies, pancakes, candy, bread, you name it! SHe's got him using a...oh, heck, what do you call that thing. He touches a square and the computer gives his responses--"I need to go to the bathroom" I'd like more drink" "Thank you" "I'm tired", that sort of thing. He's up to about 6 responses now. THey even recorded a teenage boy's voice into the box!

I don't think Christian will ever actually talk, but he is better at getting our attention and communicating through gestures, pointing, and facial expression. Which beats screaming every time.

 

[Forevryoung]

I'm a "new" speech path (just got state license and waiting on ASHA CCC's )

I work for an agency full time... for some reason, SLP jobs here are impossible to get. So I'm waiting my turn and gaining experience. I work with pre-schoolers in their homes/preschools and for the most part I love it. The parts that I hate have little to do with Speech Pathology

I have a specialty in Augmentative and Alternative Communication but I'm not really using it much in my current job .

I love the field and I am hoping I don't have to move far to get a "real" job. Any questions, go for it, there are lots of us on this board.

 

[SueM in MN]

My 14yo son Christian has been treated by a SLP since he was 5 months old. He has had Speech in the clinic, on horseback, in the pool and now at school. His current SLP is really gifted with him. Christian is non-verbal and mentally very low functioning(like a 1yo.) But she is undaunted. She speaks to him as though he understands(which is kinda does!) and she engages him in activities that he really loves, like cooking. She helps him make cookies, pancakes, candy, bread, you name it! SHe's got him using a...oh, heck, what do you call that thing. He touches a square and the computer gives his responses--"I need to go to the bathroom" I'd like more drink" "Thank you" "I'm tired", that sort of thing. He's up to about 6 responses now. THey even recorded a teenage boy's voice into the box!

I don't think Christian will ever actually talk, but he is better at getting our attention and communicating through gestures, pointing, and facial expression. Which beats screaming every time.

Augmentative Communication Device

 

[bean]

I'm an SLP. I graduated with my Masters in 1999. It's a wonderful and flexible career. I have 2 kids and have been staying at home with them for a couple of years, but speech pathology is great if you ever decide to have a family. You can very very easily work part time and do very well. I have a specialty degree in working with children who are deaf and use cochlear implants/hearing aids. It's very rewarding and there aren't enough SLPs who specialize in this area. Most of my working career has been spent working at a private school and a private clinic. Next year I may be working part time at a public school in my neighborhood or in private practice. I haven't found jobs difficult to find at all. In fact I've turned down jobs during the two years that I've been at home with my girls. I enjoy the pediatric population but I like speech pathology because you have the option of working with a wide range of individuals. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about anything. Good luck!