Speech/Language Pathologists & Audiologists Description OES Code: 32314 Examine and provide remedial services for persons with speech and hearing disorders. Perform research related to speech and language problems. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: $17.31 $12.47 – $21.94 New, experienced: $19.30 $16.78 – $37.29 3 yrs+ experience: $22.36 $16.78 – $37.88 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $13.00 $12.00 – $17.00 New, experienced: $18.00 $14.00 – $23.00 3 yrs+ experience: $19.00 $15.00 – $23.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Weekdays and daytime hours are common to these careers. School district employees usually get summers off. Common benefits are dental, medical, vision and retirement plans. Employment Trends Employment 1996 7,580 Projected Employment 2006 12,120 Growth Rate 1996-2006 59.9% Openings due to Separations 1,080 Employment Trends by California County Growth is expected to be faster than average. Many opportunities will be from new jobs, but most will be replacement as workers leave the occupation permanently or change careers. An increasing number of SLPs enter private practice; this data is not included in the above information. According to the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), continuing shortages exist for SLPs. Schools are hiring more SLPs to comply with the federal law ensuring a free, relevant education provided by appropriately trained personnel for children with disabilities. As the 75 and older population grows, communication disorder treatments of stroke patients and other effects of aging will likely increase. Advancement SLPs and Audiologists can advance to supervisors, school department chairs, or heads of laboratories, hospitals, or clinics. Some establish private practices or join existing group practices as partners. Getting the Job & Other Information Many SLPs and Audiologists go to work for the institution where they served their internship. Job seekers should network with others through ASHA and CSHA, register with their school placement office and apply directly to schools, colleges and universities, and to State, federal, and private health care centers. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists #453 Related Occupation: Teachers - Special Education #110, Occupational Therapists #143 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Many California colleges and universities have MA degree programs in communication disorders. Contact the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Sacramento for a complete list of schools. A variety of credential options exist for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists whose career goal is in the public schools: Clinical-Rehabilitative Services Credential (CRSC); Special Education Credential-Communication Handicapped (to work with the severely communication-handicapped pupil); and Special Classroom Authorization -- a "tag-on" credential for those who want to teach communication-disabled students in the classroom (preschool through high school). SLPs and Audiologists employed by private school communication-disorders programs must be licensed by the State's Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee. A license is required to work for or contract with health services centers and clinics or private schools. MS degree or the equivalent in speech-language pathology or audiology that includes supervised clinical experience, and License Requirements: Nine months of full time or 18 months of part time field experience under the supervision of a licensed professional, and qualifying scores on a national test within the past five years. Certification Certificate of Clinical Competencies given by ASHA has essentially the same requirements as those for a State license. Skills & Other Requirements Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists evaluate, treat, and research communication disorders. They help children and adults with language and hearing disorders develop the communication skills needed for self expression, social interaction, academic success, and employment. Helping others is the very core of this work. For example, many children with severe hearing impairments can develop appropriate language abilities -- or even non-oral communication techniques -- through speech therapy or assistive listening (hearing) devices. Treatment lays the vital groundwork for their social and interpersonal skills, feelings of self worth, and the way they react to the world around them. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat such disorders as stuttering, delayed or impaired language, and voice and speaking problems. They observe and test speech, language, hearing, and perception. They use a variety of common objects like flash cards and toys, as well as sophisticated testing equipment, to identify disorders. Many of them now use computer applications to identify and assist with communication disabilities. SLPs consult with physicians and other health care professionals when speech and language problems stem from physical disorders like cleft palate, hearing loss, and brain injury. For emotional or developmental language disorders, they consult with psychologists, teachers, social workers, and family members. Audiologists evaluate hearing disorders in children and adults. These evaluations are often used by physicians to determine certain medical conditions and the need for surgery. Audiologists examine them to determine the presence and severity of hearing loss. When a physician determines hearing loss is irreversible, audiologists may plan, direct, and participate in rehabilitative programs. They select hearing aids, do auditory and lip reading training, and counsel the hearing impaired and their families. Audiologists work on health teams with physicians, SLPs, and social workers to diagnose disorders and develop individual treatment plans. They may help community and industry leaders develop guidelines to prevent or minimize hearing loss caused by occupational or environmental noise pollution. Because hearing and speech disorders are frequently interrelated, Audiologists and SLPs often work closely together. SLPs and Audiologists work in laboratories, public and private health care centers, hearing clinics, public schools, college and university classrooms, clinics, research laboratories, or in private practice.