A speech-language pathologist diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work in hospitals helping patients with medical conditions that cause impairments, in schools helping children with language difficulties, and in private practice with both children and adults. To work as a speech pathologist in North Carolina requires obtaining a master's degree and passing a state licensure exam. The field is expected to experience 16% growth by 2016 with average salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 or higher depending on location and private practice.