John Stephen asked:
Speech and language pathology is the area of study that deals with the speech disorders seen in human beings. The role of speech language pathologists is to diagnose the speech disorders in individuals, in their language, voice and fluency, also to identify problems in their eating habits and swallowing, and to treat them to overcome these disorders.
Before securing a position as a speech language pathologist, you must understand the importance of being in this profession, and what it demands. Speech-language pathologists should be able to communicate in a way which can be understood by the clients. They must be bold enough to face the challenges of the job, and to support the clients and their families. Speech language pathologist jobs demand utmost attention, concentration and listening skills through which the treatment can be made successful.
The main advantages of becoming speech language pathologists are:
•   They are able to communicate and maintain contact with many individuals, families, groups, and associations through their different activities.
•   They can promote the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle which helps to prevent the problems of communication, hearing, swallowing and other disorders.
•   They can deliver awareness programs to families, professionals and others, as well as train the future speech language pathologists.
•   They are able to develop good listening skills and patience in behavior patterns as individuals.
Another advantage of becoming speech-language pathologists is that direct clinical services can be provided to individuals suffering with communication or swallowing disorders. As speech language pathologist, you can perform your job along with physicians, psychologists and social workers. As a speech language pathologist in schools, it is possible to interact with teachers, special educators, interpreters and parents to discuss and implement development programs for children to help them communicate effectively.