Speech pathology is a new profession. It is also a somewhat controversial one. Many believe that it has its merits; however there are a few noisy people who believe that speech pathology is a useless ambition. They believe that children suffering from a speech disorder will eventually grow out of it. However, that goes along with the territory of being a relatively new medical profession. It first surfaced in the late 1940s, after World War II. Many soldiers returned from the frontlines with head wounds tha

Almost half of all speech pathologists work within the school setting. The other pathologists work in hospitals, clinics, or with home health care services. The fastest growing area of speech pathology is that of the private practice. The speech pathologists in schools work with children, from elementary through high school levels. Speech pathologists that work in more of a medical backdrop spend their time with children also, but they do a lot of work with older persons. Speech pathologists working in medical facilities deal with head traumas and more severe forms of speech disorders than the speech pathologist located at the local elementary school. Speech pathologists work approximately forty hours a week. While researching, a speech pathologist might be on the job for a much longer period of time. Most available jobs offer typical benefit fringes. These include sick leave, paid vacations, and retirement programs (Hopke).

After attending college and graduating with a degree, the new speech pathologist must pass a written exam to be licensed. This exam, given by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is known as the Certificate of Competence. ASHA is an organization, similar to a labor union, made up by speech pathologists and audiologists. It is approaching the 90,000 mark in members (Danser). The Certificate of Competence is vital and mandatory in most cases. All of these members have not only passed the test, but also have had a yearlong internship. Speech pathologists must have 300-375 hours of clinical experience before licensing, which is mandatory in thirty-six states (Hopke 638). "With such a strong emphasis on education, practical experience, and licensure, entrants to this field must work long and hard" (Princeton). A speech pathologist must be able to concentrate on all of his or her studies, because each and every fact he or she learns will be put to later use.

The ultimate job of the speech pathologist is to help people with speech problems. The pathologist can do this through a number of ways. He or she must assess and address a vast array of problems. By doing this the speech pathologist will have a career that is giving of his or herself to another person. In a tiny way speech pathologists help humanity.

Speech pathologists that work in schools earn about $30,000.00 a year upon exiting college. After some experience, the average wage is about $38,000.00. Speech pathologists that work in hospitals or clinics make around $38,000.00 starting out, but after a few years of work, they earn about $42,000.00. In home health care services, a speech pathologist earns about $50,000.00 annually (Bacon). As the increase for speech pathologists grows, the salary will likely go with it.

Speech pathology is a career that has its ups and downs. Although it is stressful, it is also one that makes not only the patient smile, but the teacher, as well. The hours spent working with individuals are often very rewarding. The classes

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