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Speech-Language Pathologist
The speech-language pathologist is a key member of the Voice Care Team, and is a certified, licensed healthcare professional, ordinarily with either a Master's degree or Ph.D.
Education-Training-Certification Track
After college, speech-language pathologists generally complete a one or two year Master's degree program, followed by a nine month, supervised "clinical fellowship", similar to a medical internship. At the conclusion of the clinical fellowship year, speech-language pathologists in the United States are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, and use the letters "CCC-SLP" after their names to indicate that they are certified.
Spectrum of Disorders in the Care of a Speech Language Pathologist
Like otolaryngology, speech-language pathology is a broad field that includes care of patients who have:
- strokes or other neurological problems affecting speech and swallowing
- undergone laryngectomy (removal of the larynx)
- swallowing disorders
- articulation problems
- stutter
- craniofacial disorders
- other related fluency disorders of speech
Concept of Subspecialty in Voice – "Voice Pathologist"
Some speech-language pathologists subspecialize in voice, which includes care of the voice disorders, and swallowing disorders. The speech-language pathologist affiliated with a voice team is usually such a subspecialist, and is often referred to as a "voice pathologist" – although the term "voice pathologist" awaits official recognition by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Training Programs
Training as a Voice Team speech language pathologist is evolving to better provide speech-language pathology training programs that provide extensive education in voice and voice disorders. Ideally, voice team speech-language pathologists should have had training in and are comfortable caring for individuals with voice problems. Subspeciality training is usually acquired through apprenticeships, extra courses, symposia, or by obtaining Ph.Ds that include voice-related research.
Scope of Responsibilities
Speech-language pathologists are responsible for voice therapy and rehabilitation which is analogous to physical therapy. The speech-language pathologist analyzes voice use, and teaches proper breath support, relaxation, and voice placement to optimize speaking. A variety of techniques are utilized to accomplish this goal. Speech-language pathologists do not ordinarily work with the singing voice, although they are involved in the treatment of speaking voices of singers.
Perspective on Practice
Speech-language pathologists may be found in universities, private offices, or free-standing speech and hearing centers. In the United States, most are members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its voice-related special interest division (SID-3). Many speech-language pathologists with special interest in voice in the United States and elsewhere are also members of the Voice Foundation.
Role of Sub-Specialization in Voice Care
Like otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists who subspecialize in voice care provide more incisive, state-of-the-art treatment for voice disorders than most general speech-language pathologists who care for patients with various problems encompassing the entire field. So, it is worthwhile for patients with voice disorders to seek out a subspecialist in order to improve the likelihood of a rapid, excellent treatment result. Referrals to speech-language pathologists specializing in voice are usually obtained through a laryngologist or otolaryngologist.
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