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What might a second grader with a lisp

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and an elderly person

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recovering from a stroke

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share in common?

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They both may need the services

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of a speech-language pathologist

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to improve their ability to speak

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and to pronounce words clearly.

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Speech-language pathologists

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—sometimes called speech therapists—

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diagnose and treat communication

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and swallowing disorders

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in children and adults

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who may be unable to speak,

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or have rhythm and fluency problems,

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such as stuttering.

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Speech-language pathologists

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evaluate the specifics of speech, language,

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or swallowing problems.

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Then speech therapists develop

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an individualized treatment plan

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to address functional needs—

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from pronunciation issues or harsh tones

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to improving vocabulary

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and sentence structure.

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Speech-language pathologists

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also guide patients through exercises

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that strengthen or develop the muscles

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used to swallow.

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They counsel patients and their families

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on coping with the patient’s condition.

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Most speech-language pathologists

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work full time,

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though a number of positions are part time.

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Most work in schools—

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where it’s typical to travel

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between schools during the week—

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or in healthcare facilities.

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Speech-language pathologists

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typically need at least a master’s degree,

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including supervised clinical experience.

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Specific coursework

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—but not a particular college major—

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may be required to enter

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a graduate program.

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All states require credentialing

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for speech-language pathologists—

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either licensure or registration,

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depending on the state.