News from ASHA - Reward Yourself with a Career that Helps Others

What would you do if you couldn't communicate with family and friends, neighbors, and colleagues? What if you couldn't let others know what you need, what you want, or how you feel? One in every six Americans lives with some type of communication disorder. By working in audiology, speech-language pathology, or the related sciences, you can help people not only address a specific disorder, but help them meet their human potential.

Careers in Communication Sciences

Speech-language pathologists are the professionals who identify, assess, and treat speech, language and swallowing problems. They address problems like stuttering, a person's ability to understand language, and voice disorders. They also address issues related to education including problems with learning and literacy.

Audiologists are hearing health care professionals who specialize in preventing, identifying and assessing hearing and balance disorders. They provide treatment for hearing loss including properly fitting hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

Speech, language and hearing scientists explore trends in communication sciences, research methods to help diagnose and treat individuals with speech, language, and hearing problems, and explore the psychological and social impact of communication disorders on individuals and their families.

These professionals work in a variety of work settings including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, universities, research laboratories, and government agencies, and work with clients of all ages.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has developed a brochure and information booklet on careers in audiology, speech-language pathology and speech, language and hearing sciences. The information is designed for those considering careers in the communication sciences and provides information on preparation, finding accredited programs, and financial aid.

For more information or to order a brochure, consumers may call ASHA's Action Center at 1-800-638-8255 (Spanish-speaking operators available) or e-mail careers@asha.org.

Why Pursue a PhD? ASHA Explores Doctoral Shortages

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognizes a shortage of faculty members in higher education who hold a PhD degree in communication sciences and disorders and has set aside additional resources to address the issue.

According to Loretta Nunez, ASHA's director of academic affairs, pursuing the PhD affords professionals the opportunity to prepare for a career in higher education as a teacher-researcher at a university, to work with and be mentored by established experts within the discipline, and the personal and professional satisfaction of attaining the highest degree awarded within the discipline.

By focusing additional resources ASHA is hoping to increase the number of people pursing the PhD that choose higher education as a career, create new education models that allow students to begin preparing for PhD education early in their careers, and create a data collection system that would allow for a better exchange of information.

There are a number of resources available for those interested in pursuing a PhD in communication sciences and disorders. ASHA's Web site offers a breadth of information including: a guide to doctoral programs in communication sciences and disorders and a resource list on funding for doctoral students.

For more information on doctoral shortages or the professions of audiology, speech-language pathology, or speech, language and hearing science, go to www.asha.org or call 1-800-638-8255 (Spanish-speaking operators available).

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 114,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language, and hearing scientists.