SLPs work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Their duties include:

• Evaluating and diagnosing speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
• Providing therapy for speech sound disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, language delays, aphasia, and dysphagia.
• Educating and training families, caregivers, and other professionals.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, and occupational therapists.
• Engaging in research, professional advocacy, and supervision of support personnel or students

• A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is typically required
• State licensure is mandatory in all U.S. states, usually requiring clinical experience and passing a national exam.
• Certification from organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is common.
• At least 1-2 years' experience in the profession.