Menu
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work with people of all ages to identify, assess and treat a wide range of communication disorders.
In addition to working in clinical settings, speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in research, education, advocacy, policy development and health administration.
Speech-language pathologists are health professionals who identify, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
More than you think!
When most people think about speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) they probably think of someone who helps people who stutter or have a lisp. While it’s true that they do help with those issues, their scope of practice is a whole lot broader.
Speech-language pathologists are highly-educated professionals who have a minimum of a master’s degree in their field. As in any health-care related profession, S-LPs are required to study anatomy and physiology, but they also study neuroanatomy, genetics, human and language development, linguistics, psychology, acoustics and more, which is why they are qualified to evaluate, diagnose (restricted in some provinces/territories) and treat a broad range of delays and disorders.
If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a master’s in speech-language pathology in two or three years (depending on the program).
Drive, perseverence, passion…and:
Optional: Earn SAC Certification, a nationally and internationally-recognized standard of excellence as set by your peers. Learn more.
Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you. However, doing a volunteer placement with an S-LP before you apply to a university program is probably the best way to find out. And, when you do, be sure to ask a lot of questions. Find out as much as you can about, not only that particular S-LP’s job, but other career avenues as well.
As an S-LP, you can work in many different environments, with a wide variety of issues and disorders across all age groups. Just because one particular path in the field isn’t right for you, doesn’t mean the profession isn’t right for you.
Audiologists are hearing health professionals who identify, diagnose and manage individuals with peripheral or central hearing loss, tinnitus, vestibular and balance disorders and other communication disorders across the lifespan.
More than you think!
When most people think about audiologists, they probably think of someone who tests hearing and fits hearing aids. While it’s true that they can help with those issues, their expertise and the services they provide are a whole lot broader.
Audiologists are highly-educated professionals who must have a minimum of a master’s degree in their field to practice in Canada, which is why they are qualified to assess, diagnose (restricted in some provinces/territories) and treat a broad range of hearing and balance disorders.
A master’s degree in Audiology is the minimum requirement for an audiologist to practice in Canada. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a master’s in audiology in two or three years (depending on the program).
Drive, perseverence, passion…and:
Optional: Earn SAC Certification, a nationally and internationally-recognized standard of excellence as set by your peers. Learn more.
Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you. However, doing a volunteer placement with an audiologist before you apply to a university program is probably the best way to find out. And, when you do, be sure to ask a lot of questions. Find out as much as you can about, not only that particular audiologist’s job, but about what other worksettings are available to audiologists as well.
As an audiologist, you can work in many different environments, with a wide variety of issues and disorders across all age groups. Just because one particular path in the profession isn’t right for you, doesn’t mean the profession isn’t right for you.
Communication health assistants are specifically trained to provide clinical services under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
Download the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Guidelines to learn more.
Download the Audiology Assistant Guidelines to learn more.
Copyright © 2023 Speech-Language & Audiology Canada. All Rights Reserved.
