Running Head: Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

Jordan Allyssabeth Orozco
University of Texas at El Paso
RWS 1301

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

To: Esther Al-Tabaa

From: Jordan Orozco
Date: 3/15/2015
Subject:
The subject of this project is Speech-Language Pathology as a career. The
issues that will be discussed are the demand for pathologists, work
environment, and several other important issues that will support my choice
of pursuing this career.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to determine whether or not being a SpeechLanguage Pathologist is the career I want to pursue for the rest of my life, as
well as persuading readers to join my field.
Main Point:
After gathering all of my research, if I come to find that being a SpeechLanguage Pathologist is what I want to do, the lasting effect of my efforts is a
good paying and fun job for the rest of my life. The demand for pathologists
across the country is so high that there is almost a guarantee on getting a
job with a degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Background Information:
The first speech pathologists in America were not certified. In fact people
called them quacks; people who claimed they had a technique to cure
speech disorders. Speech pathologists attempt to fix children and adults
communication and swallowing disorders. Therapy can take place in public
schools, private lessons, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private
practices. In order to become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist an
individual must obtain a masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology, pass
a nation wide test, and have a certain number of hours in training.
Significance:
My subject is so important because between the years of 2010-2020 there
will be a 23% increase in job openings. American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association states, 28,800 Speech Language Pathologists will be needed to
fill the increasing demand, (ASHA,2004). Everyday children around the
world are diagnosed with communication disorders. Effective and proper

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

communication is so important throughout life, which is why pathologists

have always played an important role.
Problem:
There are pros and cons that come along with pursuing a career in speechlanguage pathology. Money, workload, caseload, and working environment
all play a huge role in whether or not I decide to pursue this career. However,
the job outlook and income is great. My problem is trying to decide whether
or not to pursue this career and this decision will be made after doing
intense research and writing my final paper.
Discussion:
Throughout my paper I will touch many subjects dealing with speechlanguage pathology (SLP). This proposal will work to establish whether or not
this career is right for me. This research paper will also give my audience and
readers well rounded knowledge about majoring in SLP and what it consists
of.
Audience:
1. Gatekeeper: Professor Al-Tabaa may accept or reject my proposal.
2. Secondary: Students in my class that will provide feedback and
suggestions for the revision of my proposal.
3. Watchdog: Professor Al-Tabaas final decision on my project approval.
Topics to be investigated:
1. What is the demand and job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists
in the next 5-10 years?
2. Does speech therapy really work?
3. Why is there a shortage of Speech-Language Pathologists in public
schools?
4. What is the history behind the methods of Speech-Language
Pathology?
Resources (4 of the 10 resources I have):

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

Duchan, J.F. (2002, December 24). What Do You Know About Your Professions
History?
Why Is It Important?. The ASHA Leader. Retrieved from
http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2002/021224/021224a.htm

Edgar, D. L., & Rosa-Lugo, L. I. (2007). The critical shortage of speechlanguage pathologists
in the public school setting: features of the work environment that
affect recruitment and retention. Language, Speech, and Hearing
Services in Schools, Vol. 38, 31-46. Retrieved from
http://lshss.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=1762934

Enderby, P., & Emerson, J. (1996). Speech and Language Therapy: Does It
Work? BMJ:
British Medical Journal, Vol. 312, No. 7047, pp. 1655-1658. Retrieved
from http://www.jstor.org.lib.utep.edu/stable/29732116

Hoffman, L. M., Ireland, M., Hall-Mills, S., Flynn, P., Nippold, M., & Marinellie,
S. (2013).
Evidence-based speech-language pathology practices in schools:
findings from a national survey. EBSCO Host, Vol. 44 Issue 3 p. 266280. Retrieved from
http://0-web.a.ebscohost.com.lib.utep.edu/ehost

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

Qualifications:
I will provide the necessary research to decide whether or not this career
choice is the right one for me. My research will support my decision and give
valid points as to why I made that choice.
Work Schedule:
The week of April 13th through April 19th, 2015 the research for my paper
should be complete and the final draft is due if there is no further changes or
revision requested by professor Al-Tabaa.

Call to Action:
I am extremely confident that with my research I can come to a decision with
my career choice and be able to give a valid explanation of why or why not I
choose to pursue this career.

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

Continued Annotated Bibliography (these 4 complete my 10

resources)
Reference G:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Knowledge and
skills in business
practices for speech-language pathologists who are managers and
leaders in health care organizations [Knowledge and Skills]. Retrieved
from www.asha.org/policy.
Summary: This article is an official statement of the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association. This article focuses on the knowledge and
leadership skills a speech-language pathologist needs in order to run the
best practice (definition word). Many pathologists open their own private
practices but may not have had proper management and leadership skills.
This document explains what a pathologists needs in order to have a
successful private practice.

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

Evaluation: I will use this article to show my readers the importance of

operating your own private practice. Its not as simple as getting your degree
and treating patients, a speech pathologists wanting to open their own clinic
must have the correct skills and knowledge in order to do so. This article can
give support and evidence as to why I should or shouldnt pursue a career in
speech-language pathology.
Cited by: 0
Direct Quote #1: ASHA (2004), writes that in order to be successful in
private practice one must obtain leadership knowledge and skills, The key
principles of leadership (e.g., vision, communication, motivation), (ASHA,
2004).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #1: In order to successfully run a business of
any sort, you must have leadership skills. These skills can include
communicating well with all employees, having a dream or vision for what
you want to achieve, and lastly staying motivated and sticking to what you
say (ASHA, 2004).
Direct Quote #2: ASHA (2004), believes that skills in leadership are just as
important as knowledge, stating, Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
(e.g., respect, active listening, empathy) and ability to work strategically
within the organization to achieve objectives, (ASHA, 2004).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #2: Having specific skills is extremely important
as a leader, especially when trying to successfully run your own business.
Being able to communicate with other individuals effectively is a very

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

important leadership skill to have. Respecting and listening to the people you
work with will not only make you look like a great leader but your employees
will show you the same respect in return. When working as a team it will
allow your private practice to achieve your goals (ASHA, 2004).
Block Quote #1: ASHA (2004), believes improving your performance will
lead to a successful business, stating,
Performance improvement process (e.g., JCAHO's Dimensions of
Performance Improvement).
1 Outcome measurement tools (e.g., National Outcomes
Measurement System [NOMS], Functional Independence
Measures [FIM], patient satisfaction surveys).
How to benchmark and apply performance improvement data
to operational areas (e.g., clinical services,
marketing, risk management) in order to achieve best
practice.
The importance of evidence-based practice in developing
clinical protocols and practice policy documents (e.g.,
ASHA position statements, guidelines). (ASHA, 2004).
Block Quote #2: ASHA (2004), writes about the importance of making sure
your staff is well informed about all the policies and procedures, stating,
Implement all applicable regulations related to
voluntary and mandatory accreditation or certification

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

processes for the facility/organization.

Apply and ensure compliance with all
facility/corporate policies and procedures.
Prepare, implement, amend, or delete policies and
procedures.
Ensure adherence with Corporate Compliance rules.
Comply with HIPAA regulations and all other
regulations for privacy protection in electronic records and
data management, and in all other documentation and
communication.
Participate in and ensure compliance with the
facility/organization risk management program and processes.
Follow the due process requirements for oversight
and reporting violations in compliance or professional
practices.(ASHA, 2004).
Definition Word:
Best practice procedures an decision-making supported by efficacy,
effectiveness, and efficiency data; the consensus opinions of experts;
or outcome data.
Reference H:

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

10

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, (2004). Roles and

responsibilities of
speech-language pathologists with respect to augmentative and
alternative communication; technical report [Technical Report].
Available from www.asha.org/policy.
Summary: This technical report is about the Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) for the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA). The report gives background information of the ACC as
well as the research they have done to establish a foundation for SpeechLanguage pathology (SLP). Not only do they bring up good argumentative
points they are also very informative as to why SLP is what it is today.
Evaluation: I will use this research in my paper to inform my audience
about the roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists. I will
also use this research to inform my readers of the ACC and what it stands for
and why it is so important.
Cited by: 156
Direct Quote #1: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA) (2004), developed an Argumentative and Alternative Communication
(AAC) system, which includes, rules for combining symbols to create
messages that are maximally intelligible and comprehensible for the
broadest audience of communication partners. Directed at maximizing

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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individuals' abilities to communicate effectively and efficiently with as many

persons, in as many circumstances, (ASHA, 2004).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #1: Basically AAC is a helping hand to those
with communication disorders. It is like your own personal speech therapist
with you at all times. AAC uses symbols to make messages comprehendible
to a wide range of audiences in different situation (ASHA, 2004).
Direct Quote #2: Although ASHA (2004), is what is know across the nation
the true workers behind this association are the AAC, which is, an area of
research as well as a set of clinical and educational practices, (ASHA, 2004).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #2: The AAC works behind the scenes to study
and figure out new methods that will help and individuals with severe
communication disorders. They do research on individuals in attempts to find
answers and new solutions (ASHA, 2004).
Block Quote #1: AAC (2004), stresses the importance in the differences
among the words speech, communication, and language, stating,
It is important to distinguish between the terms speech,
communication, and language if we are to understand the
concept of augmentative and alternative communication.
Speech refers to a method of communication that relies on
vocal production and auditory comprehension (ASHA, 2001).
It relies on effective use and coordination of five
primary subsystems: phonation, articulation, resonance,
respiration, and prosody. Like speech, AAC systems

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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constitute methods of communication in that they involve

the transmission of meaningful information from one
person to another. Messages are often conveyed through
the use of one or more different types of symbols that
represent ideas, entities and events in the world. The
selection and combination of symbols are governed by a
set of rules, or, language. Rules correspond to three
dimensions of language: form, content, and use. (ASHA,
2004).
Block Quote #2: According to ASHA (2004), there is a great use for AAC
throughout the United States,
Demographic studies in North America have indicated that an
estimated two million Americans have severe communication
impairments to the extent that they are unable to use speech
and/or handwriting to meet their daily communication needs
(ASHA, 1991; Burd, Hammes, Bornhoeft, & Fisher, 1988; Matas,
Mathy-Laikko, Beukelman, & Legresley, 1985; NIDRR, 1992).
The U. S. Census Bureau's report (1996) indicated even
higher prevalence, estimating that 2,521,000 Americans older
than 15 years of age experience difficulty having their
speech understood; this constitutes 1.3% of the population.
Beukelman and Ansel (1995) reviewed existing demographic
data and estimated that between 0.8% and 1.2% of the U.S.

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

13

population have communication impairments severe enough to

warrant AAC. (ASHA, 2004).
R
Definition Word:
Symbols (AAC) - A variety of symbol types are available: graphic, auditory,
gestural, and textured or tactile. Symbols can be unaided (e.g., signs,
manual gestures, and facial expressions), when there is no need for any
prosthetic support, or aided (e.g., actual objects, pictures, line drawings, and
traditional orthography), when the individual must rely on supports beyond
those, which are available naturally.

Reference I:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2014). Supply and demand
resources list
for speech-language pathologists. Retrieved from http://www.asha.org
Summary: This reference by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA) will inform my readers of the job outlook for SpeechLanguage Pathologists (SLPs). This article goes into detail about the demand
for pathologists through the year 2020; it is expected to grow faster than
average. The article also provides results of surveys taken by the ASHA such
as first year enrollment for SLP at colleges and the public school employment
for pathologists. The job outlook and pay for SLPs is great and continues to
give positive results.

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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Evaluation: I will use this reference in my paper to show the pros of

pursuing a career in Speech-Language Pathology. The results from each
survey will provide evidence and support my reasoning as to why I want to
pursue SLP.
Cited by: 0
Direct Quote #1: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
(2014), through their studies found that, Respondents who reported that
there was a shortage of SLPs in their type of school setting and geographic
area were asked to indicate the impact of the shortage. Most (77%) indicated
increased caseload or workload, (ASHA, 2014).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #1: ASHA sent out a survey to find out the
balance of job seekers to job openings, through this survey they found that
individuals who reported a scarcity in SLPs also found an increase in work
and children to treat. This increase doesnt allow the Speech-Language
Pathologist to give proper intense treatment to each individual child since
there are so many to work with, this can become a serious problem (ASHA,
2014).
Direct Quote #2: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2014)
discovered that, more job openings were reported by SLPs in the New
England states (36%) than in other states. More openings were also reported
by SLPs in rural areas (37%) compared with those in suburban and
metropolitan/urban areas, (ASHA, 2014).

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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Paraphrase Direct Quote #2: ASHA found that there was a higher demand
for SLPs in rural areas over suburban (city) areas. This is because in the
suburban area individuals have multiple clinics and access to the treatment
they need. Whereas individuals living in less populated areas only have
schools where they can get treatment. As we know public schools are in
desperate need of SLPs (ASHA, 2014).
Block Quote #1: ASHA (2014), took a survey on the U.S. Department of
Education and found,
Public school employment data are collected by the U.S.
Department of Education (ED) and disseminated through the
Annual Reports to Congress on the Implementation of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
According to the 31st Annual Report to Congress, 53,624
full-time equivalent (FTE), fully certified SLPs were
employed to provide related services for children and
students ages 3 through 21 served under IDEA, Part B, in the
50 states and the District of Columbia, Bureau of Indian
Education schools, Puerto Rico, and the outlying areas in
fall 2006. An additional 1,883 FTE not fully certified
SLPs were employed as well. Note that EDs definition of
certified differs from the ASHA definition. (ASHA, 2014).
Block Quote #2: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2014),
discovered the future status of the supply and demand for speech-language
pathologists in the United States, stating,

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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Data from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

(ASHA) and external sources, such as the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS), are presented. BLS monitors the
supply and demand for hundreds of occupations. According to
BLS, the national employment rate of SLPs is expected to
grow faster than average through the year 2020. An
additional 28,800 SLPs will be needed to fill the demand
between 2010 and 2020a 23% increase in job openings. In
occupational projection estimates for 2004 to 2014, speechlanguage pathology ranked 17th out of the 20 large- growth
occupations that usually require a masters, doctoral, or
first-professional degree. (ASHA, 2014).
Definition Word:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) national
professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 182,000 members
and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speechlanguage and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology
support personnel, and students.

Reference J:
Lubinski, R. 2010. Speech Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology. In: JH
Stone, M Blouin,

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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editors. International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation. Retrieved from

http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/encyclopedia/en/article/333/.
Summary: This article by Rosemary Lubinski is about a multitude of topics
regarding speech-language pathology but the one I am going to focus on is
the education, certification and liability of speech pathologists. This article
goes into detail about the education needed in order to become a certified
speech-language pathologist as well as the things a pathologist is held
ethical and liable to.
Evaluation: I will use this research to give my readers more knowledge
about speech-language pathology and the educational background an
individual must obtain. This article will be useful because it will support my
decision on whether or not I want to pursue a career in speech-language
pathology.
Cited by: 0
Direct Quote #1: Lubinski (2010), informs the readers of what it takes in
order to become a speech-language pathologist in the United States, stating,
SLPs may begin their pre-professional education at the undergraduate level
which emphasizes basic sciences, liberal arts, linguistics, normal
development, and introductory courses in speech, language, and hearing
assessment and disordersat the master's degree level, (Lubinski, 2010).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #1: If an individual wants to pursue a career in
speech-language pathology they must obtain their masters degree in

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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speech-language-hearing disorders. This major emphasizes language,

development of a normal individual, and basic science (Lubinski, 2010).
Direct Quote #2: Lubinski (2010), elaborates on the focus of certification,
stating, Standards focus on degree earned, college or university
accreditation and resources, knowledge outcomes, skills outcomes,
assessment, a clinical fellowship year following graduation, and maintenance
of certification, (Lubinski, 2010).
Paraphrase Direct Quote #2: Although the United States has a
certification test given by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA) they also focus on areas other than just the test. They
look at the degree you have earned, the university you studied at, your
knowledge during diagnosis, pervious experience and resources, and the
ability to maintain certification (Lubinski, 2010).
Block Quote #1: Lubinski (2010), explains the code of ethics speechlanguage pathologists abide to, stating,
The maturing profession of SLP in the US recognized that it
needed a Code of Ethics to define standards of practice and
provide a framework for professional behavior and
responsibilities. In 1930 the American Speech-Language and
Hearing Association created the first Code of Ethics that is
binding for all members, certified nonmembers, applicants,
and clinical fellows. This document has gone through a
number of revisions as scope of practice expanded. ASHA also

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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has documented procedures for filing and reviewing

complaints against professionals who may have committed
ethical violations, an appeals process, and a variety of
sanctions for those who have committed unethical practices.
Codes of Ethics may also be promulgated by state and local
associations in addition to ASHA. See Resources for
reference to ASHA's Code of Ethics.(Lubinski, 2010).
Block Quote #2: Lubinski (2010), discusses the certain things speechlanguage pathologists are held liable for, stating,
At times, speech-language pathologists may provide services
that are substandard and may be held legally liable for
their professional misconduct or lack of skill. Speechlanguage pathologists have a professional duty to know what
duties they may perform, their level of skill to implement
these competently, the state and national laws that affect
their service delivery, and how to prevent the possibility
of a malpractice lawsuit. Many speech-language pathologists
obtain professional liability insurance from their
employer, ASHA, or other insurers.(Lubinski, 2010).
Definition Word:
Professionally liable responsible by law for the lack of skill or professional
misconduct

Proposal for Speech-Language Pathology as a Career

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NOTE: Some of the resources are cited a particular way because that
is how the writer asked for it to be cited.