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Speech Therapist
Role & responsibilities
Evaluates patients, designs individualized treatment plans, and coaches clients and families on exercises and progress.
Key strengths
- Empathy30% (Job)
- Teaching22% (Job)
- Communication20% (Job)
- Patience16% (Job)
- Attention to detail12% (Job)
What this means for you
- Empathy – Understands others' needs and responds sensitively.
- Teaching – Breaks down concepts so others can learn and apply them.
- Communication – Shares information clearly with clients and colleagues.
Typical tasks
- Conduct therapy sessions and adjust techniques based on progress.
- Assess speech, language, and communication disorders.
- Develop individualized therapy plans and goals.
Daily work
- Conducts therapy sessions and tracks speech progress
- Evaluates new referrals and plans individualized therapy goals
- Coordinates with caregivers and educators on home practice
Education & entry routes
Helpful but not mandatory
- AAC (augmentative communication) workshop
- Pediatric dysphagia training
Alternative pathways
- Clinical Therapy Coordinator
- School-based Speech Pathologist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
Work environment
- Team size
- Clinical teams of 5–20 therapists and assistants.
- Typical employers
- Clinics, hospitals, schools, and private practices.
- People contact
- High—direct client interaction and family communication.
- Stress level
- Moderate with emotional and developmental challenges.
- Working hours
- Appointment-based; primarily weekdays with some evenings.
Entry & progression
Common entry roles
- Clinical Intern
- Speech Therapy Assistant
Next career steps
- Rehabilitation Manager
- Senior Speech Therapist