The human experience is incomplete without communication. Since prehistoric times, people have been able to share ideas through some sort of verbal or nonverbal gestures. Anthropologists have also discovered graphical representations and alphabets, perhaps used by people centuries ago. The word war has been an essential part of history as communication skills have gained value in all domains of reading, writing and speaking.
Speech is an innate skill for us. However, it can be influenced by a social or biological equation.
It brings us to the question today. Did you ever think of having a career in which you could learn something new and unique, every single day? And if the answer is yes, how about experiencing that interaction with everyday people you meet.
Today, we are going to discuss, one of the most respectable professions in the medical fraternity, known as speech pathology or speech therapists. It is a budding occupation, which has been very rewarding lately. Especially with the advent of online speech pathology undergraduate programs, your path to a promising career isn’t out of reach.
So, if you are planning to pursue this option as a career or already are in the discipline, here are the top qualities and traits that are required to be an elegant and successful speech therapist.
First, let’s take a look at the industries where most speech therapists work:
| Primary and high schools | 41% |
| Offices occupational therapists and audiologists | 17% |
| Health care facilities | 13% |
| Nursing and residential care | 5% |
Besides, working in the mentioned domains, these experts also earn a certificate of competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the examination provides them with a license to practice in their states earn a median annual salary up to $73,410.
Be Passionate
There would be situations, in which you will be required to deal with children and their parents. It is sometimes scary if you think as young parents are uncomfortable whilst taking their child to a therapist. They are unsure and unaware of the delayed speech or language abilities of their little ones. The reason to be passionate is clear, it takes courage and compassion to listen and guide people through despair times. Another thing that works miraculously is empathy. It helps create a special bond between you and the client. The families develop a unique kind of trust in you which you carry through along with your career.
Be Unique, Be You
Certain professions require you to perform discipline, teamwork or be more organized. This one is a combination of all. You can be a part of many paraprofessionals and therapists and this is where your team working skills will be utilized best. Further, you will at times be involved with scheduling and going through much of the paperwork and documentation, which is part of your job. That’s where your organizing skills are sharpened.
Learn From Your Mistakes
To err is human. You learn something new every day, everywhere. No matter, in which field you are, the wise ones learn from their mistakes. But the key is to learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them.
Key Elements for Practitioners
- Communication skills. Keep the jargon aside, and use simple language while interpreting test results and proposed treatments so that the patients and their families can better understand.
- Empathy: It is essential for a therapist to be show empathy, and support emotional demanding clients.
- Critical-thinking: Should be able to find alternative ways to guide their patients.
- Detail-oriented. Intense concentration is required while working as a speech therapist as mostly the person is focusing on listening and hearing what the clients are able to say in order to help them improve.
- Patience: It takes a lot of patience for the therapists while working with clients. The reason for patience being uttermost important is because sometimes despite several interventions, the results are very slow and gradual. However, it recommended to be confident and carry on the process and the results ultimately do show up.
The Final Verdict
If you’re unsure about which career may be suitable for you. Try a career personality profile test such as Holland Codes. Once you select the domain, put all your efforts into that and success will merely be a challenge in life. But if you’re up for a career in speech pathology, it isn’t just a good choice but an excellent one.
