Speech Pathology is a University degree that has a medical background in communication and swallowing issues.
Within the speech pathology program/degree course, all participants have to study subjects related to communication, swallowing, anatomy and physiology, as well as conduct assessments and therapy with clients whilst being supervised by a qualified Speech language pathologist or SPL.
On graduation, each Speech Pathologist can become a member of Speech Pathology Australia, which is the national body for Australian Speech Pathologists. To become a member of Speech Pathology Australia, an SLP must receive certification making them a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP). This is achieved through ongoing education, attendances at conferences, providing presentation, supervising students etc.
Speech Pathologists, or as sometimes referred to as Speech Language Pathologists, assess and treat people across a range of problems. These include:
- Speech issues, such as people with Parkinson’s Disease who may speak with a flat tone and talk really slowly.
- Language issues, for example people who have had a head injury or a stroke and then has difficulty either understanding what is being said, has difficulty talking or both.
- Voice issues, for example, teachers who have rough and hoarse voices because they are talking so much all day long.
- Swallowing issues, for example after a stroke or due to breathing difficulties and these issues makes it hard to eat certain foods or difficult to drink.
If any of these issues affect you, please contact Nikki for more information or to make an appointment and see how we can help you.