Audiologist/Speech Therapist
from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_audiologist.htm
Audiologists and speech therapists are specialists who diagnose and treat hearing impairments and other disorders that prevent people from being able to communicate effectively. Depending on the situation, they develop individualized treatment programs for patients and may educate clients and their families about available aids or alternative ways of communicating. They are also involved in ongoing research and public education.
Full-time audiologists/speech therapists are often independent consultants. Work often requires travel to a variety of settings, such as homes, schools or clinics. A wide variety of instruments and equipment is used to test clients and therapists must stay up to date on the latest tools and methods available. Their work can be emotionally exhausting because many clients have other physical or emotional difficulties and progress can be slow.
Master’s Degree in Audiology, Speech Pathology, or related field
Length of Study/Training: 6 years post-secondary
Certification (s):
National: Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA)
In Ontario: College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
Growth in the elderly population will result in increased numbers of older people with hearing loss, requiring audiology services.
Average annual salaries for beginning therapists: $37,000 to $50,000 and may increase to over $60,000 with experience.
The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
http://www.caslpa.ca
Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
http://www.osla.on.ca
Ontario Council of University Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences
http://ohs.cou.on.ca/_bin/home/ocuprs.cfm
The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
http://www.caslpo.com
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (US)
http://www.asha.org
American Academy of Audiology (US)
http://www.audiology.org