(Rockville, MD - May 1, 2013) - In 2013, top publications ranked audiology and speech-language pathology among the most rewarding careers. Audiology was rated the fourth best career by CareerCast.com for The Wall Street Journal. Speech-language pathology ranked 28th overall, and fourth among social service jobs, in U.S. News and World Report's Best Jobs of 2013.
There are many practical rewards that come along with working in audiology and speech-language pathology, including consistent pay, job security and stability, and opportunity for significant growth. In a new video—Reward Yourself—released by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), seven professionals under the age of 40 share their personal accounts of the real rewards and possibilities available in these career paths.
To experience the benefits and opportunities of the audiology and speech-language pathology professions, individuals need to receive the appropriate education and training. ASHA provides guidance and resources about financial aid for students interested in pursuing these careers. Aid is available in many forms, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Admission to the academic preparatory programs for these professions is competitive. However, unlike a number of other professions, job availability and growth in the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology are forecast to rise for the next 8 years. This continued growth rate reassures students pursuing degrees for these professions that the demand for jobs after graduation is steady.
"At a time when dependable careers are hard to come by, our members consistently report security, opportunity, and growth in their professions," says ASHA President Patricia A. Prelock, PhD, CCC-SLP. "Through our Reward Yourself video, we hope to encourage a growing next generation of audiologists and speech-language pathologists to pursue these rewarding fields."
To learn more about the practical rewards of a career in audiology or speech-language pathology, please visit https://www.asha.org/Reward-Yourself/.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 166,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel, and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems, including swallowing disorders. www.asha.org/.
