Speech Pathologist
What's it like to be a Speech Pathologist?
Speech Pathologists help people who have communication impairments, including speaking, listening, language comprehension, reading and writing; or speech impediments such as stutters. They work with people of all ages, often with children who are having problems developing speech.
Speech Pathologists also study, diagnose and administer treatment to people afflicted by brain injuries, stroke, intellectual disabilities, dementia, hearing loss and other issues that affect the brain’s ability to process speech and language.
Speech Pathologists interact with members of the public daily and work in a range of healthcare settings, including public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools and kindergartens, mental health facilities, or in private practices.
What can I earn as a Speech Pathologist?
Find out the average salary for a Speech Pathologist across Australia
Latest Speech Pathologist jobs on SEEK
How to become a Speech Pathologist
- Complete an accredited degree in speech pathology such as a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Alternatively, if you have already completed an undergraduate degree, complete a Master of Speech Pathology.
- Register with Speech Pathology Australia to become a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. To maintain CPSP status, you will need to meet recency of practice and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements as part of the Professional Self-Regulation framework.
- Ensure you have up-to-date immunisations as required and complete any relevant certifications and checks such as a First Aid Certificate, Working with Children Check, Police Check and/or NDIS Worker Screening Check. Some employers may also prefer you to have a current driver’s licence.
Explore related qualifications
SEEK users who have worked as a Speech Pathologist have studied these qualifications.
Bachelor of Speech Pathology
This degree prepares you for a role as a Speech Pathologist with skills to assess and treat people with communication disabilities.
Master of Speech Pathology
This qualification will prepare you for a role as a Speech Pathologist if you already hold a Bachelor degree.
Bachelor of Science
Develop broad skills in science to prepare for opportunities in a range of industries with this qualification.