Speech-language Pathologist

Career Description

Speech-Language pathologists’ work involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of speech and language disorders. Speech delays and disorders include articulation, phonology and motor speech disorders, accent reduction, fluency disorders such as stuttering, and voice and resonance disorders. Language disorders include problems in the production
and comprehension of oral and/or written language. Cognitive-communicative disorders including social communication skills, reasoning, problem solving and executive functions. Pre-literacy and literacy skills including phonological awareness, decoding, reading comprehension and writing. Communication and swallowing disorders related to other issues. For example, hearing impairments, traumatic brain injury, dementia, developmental, intellectual or genetic disorders and neurological impairments.

Speech-language pathologists work as part of a team that includes physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and counsellors.

Academic and Licensing Requirements

• Completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a B+/3.3 GPA
• An honours program is strongly recommended
• Completion of MSc in Speech-Language Pathology

Certification as an SLP or Audiologist is available through provincial regulatory colleges such as Nscaslp.ca

Where to study in Nova Scotia

• Dalhousie University

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