Speech pathology involves the scientific study and treatment of speech and language disorders. Becoming a speech pathologist requires obtaining a bachelor's degree in communication disorders, a master's degree in speech language pathology, and certification. Students can join their university's National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association to network. Professors Larry Aslin and Fran Hagstrom encourage daily reading and writing to stay informed on the latest research and developments in the field. There are rewarding career opportunities for speech pathologists in schools, healthcare facilities, and the military.

1. A career in communication disordersA guide to speech pathology writing and reading requirements.By: Dana Byrum

2. Speech PathologyThe scientific study of “malfunctions of speech and voice, as stuttering, lisping, and of language disturbances, as aphasia or delayed language acquisition”(dictionary.com).It is Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of speech defects and disorders. (dictionary.com)

3. Requirements and ResourcesHigh School Diploma.B.S.E. in Communication Disorders.M.S. in Speech Language Pathology.Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language pathology of the American Speech language and Hearing Association. (ASHA)National Student Speech Language and hearing Association. (NSSLA)Dues are $5 locally.Monthly meetings discussing upcoming events in the field.Opportunities to network with other professionals in the field.

4. Wages Expected for SLP’s and the Top Paying Industries.ArkansasHourly mean wage $28.46Annual mean wage $59,200# of SLP’s 1,360New Jersey Hourly mean wage $37.54Annual mean wage $78,080# of SLP’s 3,240http://data.bls.gov/Industry Annual wagesElementary and Secondary Schools $60,970Home Health Care $84,660Nursing Care Facilities $79,640Medical and Diagnostic Lab $100,590http://data.bls.gov

5. Things you will be learning. www.googleimages.com

6. Things you will be learning. www.googleimages.com

7. Things you will learn. www.googleimages.com

8. Helpful Reading MaterialAmerican Journal of AudiologyAmerican Journal of Speech-Language PathologyJournal of Speech, Language, and Hearing ResearchLanguage, Speech, and Hearing Services in SchoolsASHA LeaderLeader Online

9. American Journal of AudiologyEstablished in 1991 the American Journal of Audiology tries to inform people about Audiology. A journal that allows professionals to contribute. They may submit articles with a minimum of 40 pages and must follow certain guidelines.Articles listed in the American Journal of Audiology covers all areas of Audiology including: screening, assessment, treatment, and prevention.

10. ASHA LeaderContains material important to any future speech language pathologist or to an existing SLP.Lists opportunities locally or internationally.Reveals ongoing research and the details.Lists obituaries of the SLP’s we have lost.Is printed twice a month to keep up to date on all Speech Language news.Comes in an easy magazine form that can be delivered to your home.

11. Journal of Speech, Language and HearingPublished in 1991, the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing runs twice a month. Starting in January 1, 2010 it will be online only.Articles in the Journal of SLH talk of the processes and disorders of hearing, language, and speech. It also discusses the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders.People may submit experiments, theoretical, tutorials, and/or review pieces.

12. Reading/Writing Suggestions from Larry Aslin, M.A. SLP/AudiologyProfessor Aslin is the director of CDIS program and will also be you advisor when you are excepted into the program as a Junior.-He reads the newspaper every day, goes online to www.asha.org once a week, reads The ASHA Leader once a month, and continues to read about current research in Communication Disorders through out the year. -He believes students should concentrate on their studies and use The ASHA Leader as a reference for information when looking for a job. Aslin is concerned about the present situation of students and not what they are reading and writing about unless it concerns their studies.

13. More with Larry AslinWriting is an every day thing for Professor Aslin. He teaches an anatomy and audiology class where writing grades, reports, handouts, and tests are constant.He also encourages students to write down notes to help study and keep things fresh in their mind.Aslin is an advisor to many students and writes down schedules for them and what they need to be doing to be accepted into the program.

14. Fran HagstromAssociate Professor of Communication DisordersProfessor Hagstrom is a teacher of Language Development and is an avid reader of current research. She has been published in several journals for her collaboration in research.-Hagstrom enjoys reading the Northwest Arkansas Times every day, APA Monitor once a week, The ASHA Leader twice a month, and American Psychologist Journal throughout the year.She is always writing. There are budgets, reports on AC program and Speech and Hearing Clinic. She does advanced writing on research and online.

15. -Hagstrom likes to choolse journals from a table of content online at American Psychologist to read.More on HagstromProfessor Hagstrom believes students should keep a journal everyday to write in. This will help writing skills in the future. She also thinks students interested in the field should read the handbook of Speech, Language, and Hearing; ASHA leader; and biographies of people who have lived with speech problems and find out if you want to help.

16. Rewards of SLP’sTeaching a child to speak. Giving him confidence to interact with others.

17. RewardsGiving back what someone lost through a stroke, brain trauma, or accident.

18. RewardsHelping people reconnect through speech. Increasing their social environment and giving them confidence to succeed.

19. Other Opportunities for SLP’s www.military.comArmy has many opportunities in their medical corps.Active or ReserveInternational OpportunitiesNeed M.A. and Graduate of American Medical Association.Annual possibility $100,000 plus benefits.

20. BibliographyAslin, Larry. Personal Interview. 02 December 2009American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. ASHA, 1997. Web. 04 Dec. 2009Bureau of Labor Statistics. Washington, D.C, 2009. Web. 04 Dec. 2009Google. Google images, 2009. Web. 04 Dec. 2009

21. Bibliography Hagstrom, Fran. Personal Interview. 23 November 2009Military. 2008. Web.04 December 2009Pratt, Dr. Sheila. University of Pittsburgh. American Journal of Audiology. 2009Schlauch, Dr. Robert. University of Minnesota. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing. 2009