Speech and language therapy

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/undergrad/bslphons.shtml
http://www.cmds.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/undergradadvice.shtml
http://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs/health/speech-language-therapist/

Career opportunities

The speech–language therapy profession offers a range of career opportunities. Graduates are highly employable as clinicians both in New Zealand and overseas.

You can work with people or computers, in a research laboratory, a private clinic or a government agency. You can work with language-delayed children in a school setting or with elderly stroke patients in a large hospital or nursing home. You can be an entrepreneur, developing and marketing new communication devices and tests, or building your own private practice. You can teach at a university, conduct research in a scientific laboratory or be an administrator.

Perhaps best of all, you can combine several of these to establish a challenging and satisfying career which improves the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.

Chances of getting a job are average for newly-qualified speech-language therapists and good for those with experience.

"I always thought, 'I'd like to be a teacher, or I'd like to be a nurse' and I think speech language is all the good parts that I would love about both of those jobs. So it's a perfect fit! It's a very cool job."

Libby French, Speech-Language Therapist

haha her surname is french, it's a sign jokes


Demand for speech-language therapists increasing

Demand for speech-language therapists is increasing because:

• New Zealand's ageing population is more prone to strokes, and speech-language therapists are needed to help stroke victims recover speech and language functions
• more private practices are opening to cater for school children and new entrants who cannot be treated through the public health service.

Most speech-language therapists employed by government agencies

Most speech-language therapists work for the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Health. Other employers include:

• private speech-language therapy practices
• charitable trusts
• universities
• schools, through their board of trustees.

Speech-language therapists may specialise in a particular field of work, or in working with particular groups of people, such as:

• children (paediatrics)
• the elderly
• children and adults who have physical disorders, such as swallowing difficulties or cleft lips or palates.

What you will do

Speech-language therapists may do some of the following:

• assess and diagnose communication disorders such as stuttering or lisps
• co-ordinate and plan treatments
• lead group therapy sessions
• develop and supervise physical therapy plans
• make written and oral reports about their clients
• counsel, support, educate and advise clients and their families and caregivers about speech-language issues.

Skills and knowledge

Speech-language therapists need to have:

• knowledge of speech and language
• knowledge of the human body and its physiology 
• understanding of medical conditions that can affect speech
• knowledge of psychology and education theory, and child development and health
• knowledge of community and family support services, and where to refer their clients.

Working conditions

Speech-language therapists:

• usually work flexible hours and may need to work longer hours to keep up with their caseloads
• work in either a dedicated practice or on-site at locations such as schools, rest homes, hospitals or other private clinics.

What's hot

• The privilege of giving care when people are really vulnerable
• Seeing the best of people as they work on their rehabilitation

What's not

• Not having the luxury of having an 'off' day
• Sometimes not being able to help people who are frustrated by lack of progress