Speech/Language
Pathologist and
Audiologist

Speech/language pathologists are health care professionals educated and trained to evaluate and treat children and adults with speech, language, and swallowing problems. They help children and adolescents with language disorders to understand and give directions, convey ideas, and improve language skills that lead to better academic performance. They also evaluate and treat persons with swallowing disorders that may result from illness, surgery, stroke, or injury.
Audiologists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of patients, ranging from infants to the elderly, who suffer from hearing, central auditory processing, and balance disorders.

Work Environment
The majority of speech/language pathologists and audiologists are employed by public schools; hearing and speech centers; hospitals; rehabilitation centers; home health agencies; ear, nose, and throat physician practices; and long-term-care facilities. Many others are self-employed in private practice. Speech/language pathologists and audiologists may also find work in community clinics, the federal government, the armed forces, and research facilities.

Job Outlook
By the year 2005, the demand for speech/language pathologists and audiologists is expected to grow at a rapid rate of 46 percent nationwide, increasing the new job openings by almost 40,000. In Texas, it is estimated that the growth will be 30 percent for these occupations.

Length of Training/
Requirements
The minimum requirement is a master's degree.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $50,000 - $81,000.

Educational Programs Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral Degrees

Audiology
Lamar University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas Tech University
University of Houston
University of North Texas
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center

Speech/Language Pathology
Baylor University
Our Lady of the Lake University
Lamar University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Texas Christian University
Texas Woman's University
University of Houston
University of North Texas
University of the Incarnate Word
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center

Speech Pathology and Audiology
Lamar University
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Texas Southern University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Woman's University
University of Houston
University of North Texas
The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas Pan American at Edinburg

State Board of Examiners of Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology/Texas Dept. of Health
1100 West 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756-3183
512/834-6677

Texas Speech and Hearing Association
P.O. 140046
Austin, TX 78714
512/452-4571