How to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is an individual who belongs to an integrated healthcare profession. These professionals work with people who have communication issues and find it difficult to speak or hear. SLPs also treat cases of individuals suffering from swallowing disorders. Although SLPs work independently, they collaborate with other professionals if required for better treatment of patients.

Let us understand the role of Speech-Language Pathologists and how you can become an SLP in India.

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What is Speech-Language Pathology?

Speech-language pathology is the study of speech disorder and it deals with the different communication challenges faced by people and finding solutions to overcome them. An SLP is also called a speech therapist and is regarded as a highly skilled professional. These professionals are experts in speech-related conditions and swallowing disorders. They use specialized techniques to treat patients and transform their lives. They develop effective methods to help oral motor disorders to make communication easy for patients.  They also help patients who have difficulty in pronouncing words correctly. Speech disorders may at times affect the ability of patients to pronounce words in the right way. They may also find it difficult to share ideas or organize thoughts, especially people born with speech disorders. Traumatic accidents, brain injury, stroke as well as autism may also cause such conditions.

Roles and Responsibilities of Speech Therapists

Speech pathologists or speech therapists are responsible for diagnosing and executing treatment for people with communication, speech, and swallowing disorders that affect the way they eat or drink. A speech therapist works with people of different age groups including small children and elderly. They treat disorders that result from cognitive conditions, developmental delays, physical deformation, mental disorders, and other injuries.  Here are some responsibilities performed by Speech Therapists:

· Identify speech and swallowing conditions

SLPs are responsible to identify and treat speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. Based on the age and the condition of the patient, speech therapists choose the treatment and start with assessing the difficulties. In some cases, the therapist might use techniques like the Monroe-Sherman test or the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test for speech issues. Swallowing difficulties may be caused due to different neurological and dental issues as well as stroke. SLPs help to diagnose these difficulties by examining the muscles physically and making them perform certain movements.

· Provide a Treatment Plan

Once the difficulties are diagnosed, the next step is to present a treatment plan to cure the condition. If a speech therapist understands the condition of the patient well, it becomes easy to present the best treatment plan as per the requirement.

· Help Patients Deal with Speech Disorders

Many conditions of speech and language disorders may require additional support beyond the plan of treatment. In such cases, speech therapists may counsel patients as well as their family members to deal with their speech ordeal and help them avoid getting depressed.

· Help People Struggling with Fluency

Speech therapists also deal with people suffering from problems like stuttering and similar conditions. Sometimes people develop such conditions due to neurological problems or stroke causing them fluency issues. SLPs help such individuals with different techniques to treat or minimize such problems.

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Skills Required to be a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists should have some crucial skills. Being compassionate and an active listener is among them. SPLs are required to work with different patients of different ages and conditions. Below are other key skills required to be a speech-language pathologist:

• Being Empathetic
• Being Patient
• Active listening skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Decision-making skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Problem-solving skills
• Observation and Analytical Skills
• Good communication skills

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How to become Speech-Language Pathologist: Eligibility Requirement

To pursue a career in speech therapy in India, candidates are required to fulfill certain eligibility criteria.

• Qualifications: The first criterion is the educational qualification. Candidates must complete their Bachelor's program from a recognized university in Speech and Hearing Science or an equivalent field. Here, it is important to note that the degree you pursue should be recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which is the governing body for speech therapy and audiology in India.
• Entrance Tests: Some colleges/universities may require candidates to appear and qualify for entrance examinations to get admission to speech and language therapy programs. These tests assess the candidates in terms of skills, knowledge, and aptitude in this field.
• Practical Knowledge: Once you complete the bachelor’s program, candidates must undergo an internship for six months to one year in an institution approved by RCI. It will help them to gain practical know-how and training under experts.
• RCI-Registration: Candidates are required to mandatorily register with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to practice as a speech therapist in India. They can register after completing the internship.
• Master's Degree: Getting a Bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become an SLP. However, pursuing a Master's degree in this field can provide additional benefits to enhance your career prospects.

Conclusion

Speech-language pathologists can have ample opportunities to work in India in medical facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, in schools, and as private physicians. Also, they can work in speech and hearing centers, rural health centers, state and district rehabilitation institutes, and so on.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field of speech-language pathology, you may join an online bachelor’s or master’s course at Amity Online University.  To know more about the courses, visit the website now.

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