Speech-Language Pathologist

Contracted position: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate the residents' speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing abilities. Analyze results and diagnose the nature and extent of communication difficulties.

• Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.