My ideal job as you know is to be a Speech Pathologist (most likely in a school). Some of my daily duties will consist of testing, assessing, and treating students for speech problems. More specifically I would identifiy any speech difficulties and create a treatment plan for and work with the students, while also working with their parents and teachers. Some of these speech problems include stuttering, speech rhythm and fluencey problems, and/or the ability to produce certain sounds. Along with the testing, assessing, and treatment of speech issues I also help with language and/or swallowing issues as well as helping to improve language and communication skills. As a speech pathologist I would be working with students to refine their enunciation skills, provide vocal instructions, work with students who have lost their voices. On top of everything I would definitely need to keep accurate records and reports, while also writing evaluations and education plans. I need to attend all required meetings (i.e. parent confrences). Other duties include:
- evaluating progress to determine if treatment should end
- selecting the appropriate technology and material for the student
- monitoring communication skills of a student in a number of settings
- reffering a student to the approriate agenct or special servies (if needed)
- ordering equipment and suplies an requesting physical facilities
- Scheduling treatment sessions for each students
- Screeing students for speech problems
The average starting salary for a speech pathology is $64K (in Dover, DE), but it can go up to a six-digit salary based on what I decided focus on. As stated in the beginning I would work in a grade school, but I can work anywhere from the NICU in the hospital to a school to and elderly home. My work environment would most likely be independant work, unless I decide to be in an office with other speech pathologist. My work schedule would be based off the schedule of the school (or schools) I work at, so roughly 8 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. As of now I don’t have a “dream company” where I want to work at, but it could change in the future.
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Hey Bria! I see you have a pretty good idea of what you want to do with speech pathology. That’s great! I see you said you don’t have a dream company and still need to choose your concentration for your job, with time that will come though 🙂