For Those Considering a Career in Communication Sciences and Disorders Joanne P. Lasker, Ph.D., CCC-SLP School of Communication Science and Disorders Florida State University

Who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech/language/hearing scientists? professionals in the area of human communication sciences and disorders who: evaluate treat conduct research work in schools, hospitals, businesses, in private practice, universities, research laboratories, and government agencies work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older people

Audiology study of: typical hearing hearing and balance disorders habilitation/rehabilitation work encompasses: how hearing mechanism works hearing assessment treating children and adults with hearing loss retraining hearing in children and adults, including cochlear implants

What specifically does an audiologist do? identify, assess, and manage disorders of auditory, balance, and other neural systems select, fit, and dispense amplification systems hearing aids prevent hearing loss by providing and fitting hearing protective devices and education work with individuals with cochlear implants assist with speech reading and aural rehabilitation involved in auditory and related research serve as expert witnesses in litigation

Market Trends and Future Outlook: Audiology Positions expected to grow 10% from especially for those with the clinical doctorate in audiology (Bureau of Labor Statistics, edition) U.S. News and World Report ranks Audiologist as 1 of 50 Best Careers of careers/ careers/

What does an audiologist earn? Salaries depend on educational background, experience, work setting, and geographical location. In 2010, median salary: for clinical service provider was $68,000 $79,000 for university faculty $93,000 for administrators employee benefits (e.g., insurance, leave, and professional development) are very competitive

Importance of Language language - our most “human” characteristic the “essence of human life” (Light, 1997) essential to learning, working, enjoying family life and friends multiple ways to express and understand language speaking, sign language, informal gestures, writing, computerized communication

Who are speech-language pathologists? professionals educated to assess and treat speech and language sometimes called speech therapists also assess and treat swallowing disorders because we know the landscape! SLP’s work with full range of human communication and disorders across the lifespan (infants to elderly)

What else do speech-language pathologists do? train future professionals in colleges and universities manage agencies, clinics, or private practices engage in research to enhance knowledge about human communication develop new methods and assess effectiveness of treatment approaches serve as expert witnesses in court

An example of SLP competencies: the “Big 9” Articulation Fluency Voice and resonance Language Hearing Swallowing Cognitive aspects of communication Social aspects of communication Alternate communication modalities

Speech Tasks Look at elements of speech production: Explore the oral cavity... Say /puh tuh kuh/. Investigate your vocal range.

Language/Cognitive Tasks Name objects. Describe how objects are used. List for your partner the steps you would use in washing a car by hand. What are the first five things you did this morning? Read a passage and write a written summary of it.

Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) Communicate to your partner (without speaking): Using only gestures explain the things you did this a.m. Partners may be able to use written choices to support conversation with a person who cannot speak. Individuals who cannot speak may use assistive technology to assist with accomplishing life goals.

Assessment to Treatment Once we determine where problems are, we attempt to teach strategies and skills – Help individuals and families address these problems.

Future Outlook: Speech- Language Pathology Number of positions in speech-language pathology expected to climb 11% between 2006 and (Bureau of Labor Statistics, ) Excellent job opportunities in next 8 years especially if: you speak a second language are willing to work with aging population are willing to relocate to geographic areas with great need

What does a speech-language pathologist earn? Salaries of speech-language pathologists depend on educational background, specialty, experience, work setting, and geographical location. In 2010, median salary in school setting was $60,000 work in health care facilities: $70,000 aries.pdf

What is a speech, language, and hearing scientist? conduct research on which clinicians base their methods of assessment and intervention develop evidence-based methods explore the biological, physical, and physiological processes involved in communication collaborate with related professions (engineers, physicians, dentists, psychologists) train future professionals and scientists

Cycle 1: Trained vs. Untrained Productions

Academic Preparation: Audiology graduate degree required: AuD or PhD undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences anatomy and physiology, basic science, math, auditory processes, balance, normal and abnormal communication development auditory assessment and treatment (hearing aids and appliances, cochlear implants), aural rehabilitation (speech reading, sign), speech production Certificate of Clinical Competence graduate degree 375 hours of supervised clinical experience 36-week postgraduate clinical fellowship written exam

Academic Preparation: Speech-Language Pathologist graduate degree required: MS or MA (or more) undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences linguistics, phonetics, anatomy and physiology, psychology, human development, speech and hearing science, normal and abnormal communication development speech, language, swallowing disorders - assessment and intervention, clinical and research experiences Certificate of Clinical Competence graduate degree 375 hours of supervised clinical experience 36-week postgraduate clinical fellowship written exam

FSU Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders ranked 18th in graduate programs in communication disorders by U.S. News and World Report we don’t offer graduate work in audiology Bachelor of Science (BS) limited entry to program - 47 credit hours also offer the Master of Science (MS), advance masters, and PhD our masters program prepares students for professional careers in clinical, research, and teaching environments after completion of our masters in SLP, students typically get certified and licensed to work professionally

Curriculum Overview Undergraduates: designed to be completed in 4 semesters basic building blocks of speech and language (anatomy, phonetics, neurological bases) Masters: 60 credit program - usually takes 6 semesters, including summers - last summer is internship program covers all areas needed for certification some “lateral entry” students admitted but may take longer Doctoral: can take 3-4 years depending on mentor competencies in teaching, research, and clinical supervision