Jobs in Speech and Language Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists (SLP) treat disorders connected with speech, language, communication, voice and more. Our SLPs bring intense commitment and expertise to TheraStaff’s client base, and we’re grateful for the service they provide to their patients.
TheraStaff’s Speech Therapists
Our speech-language pathologists have the required academic degrees, licensure, certifications and experience to effectively evaluate patients and establish goals and treatment plans. Many of our SLPs have years of experience but at minimum, have one year of post-education practice in the field. In addition, we ensure all skills, certifications, knowledge of the various legal and regulations related to their field of practice and continuing education requirements are current.
The most common medical settings our professionals in speech and language therapy work at include public and private schools, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, acute and rehabilitation hospitals and more.
Outlook for Speech and Language Therapy Jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for this segment of healthcare to be excellent. Employment of speech-language pathologists is slated to grow 11% in 10 years and in reality, may be much faster as the number of patients and residents in skilled and long-term care facilities grows. This puts the number for SLPs in the workforce at 121,000 by 2016.
The BLS cites the aging population as one reason SLPs will see growth, as neurological disorders that affect speech and communication is set to increase over time. As with other therapy fields, the demand for SLPs will be also born out of medical advancements that will allow more stroke and trauma victims to survive, thus creating an need for rehabilitation services.
About half of the 110,000 speech-language pathologists in 2006 worked in educational services, and BLS says employment in this particular setting will grow as more schools expand with rising student enrollments. This is especially true for enrollments that include special needs children with speech and communication problems, as federal law guarantees services to those with disabilities.
As far as job prospects go, BLS says bilingual speech-language pathologists will have a favorable outlook in the years to come and those willing to relocate to geographic areas that have a hard time attracting healthcare professionals will also fare well. BLS and TheraStaff both expect increased use of SLP contract services by hospitals, schools and nursing care facilities for many years to come.
“Similar to other rehabilitation specialties, the demand for speech and language pathology will outpace the average employment growth due to improved survival rates among stroke patients and those with head and neck trauma,” says Bill Stone, founder and CEO of TheraStaff.
Join TheraStaff’s growing network of speech-language pathologists today and enjoy flexibility and variety in work settings. Submit an application online and gain access to a variety of jobs available only through our therapy staffing agency.