What does a speech-language pathologist do?
BLS says speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) “assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders,” and that they also treat clients who have problems swallowing.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Under “Speech-language pathologists typically do the following:”, BLS lists:
- Evaluate levels of speech, language, or swallowing difficulty
- Identify clients' goals for treatment
- Create and carry out an individualized treatment plan that addresses specific functional needs
- Teach clients how to make sounds, improve their voices, and maintain fluency
- Help clients improve vocabulary and sentence structure
- Work with clients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
- Counsel clients and their families on how to cope with communication and swallowing disorders
BLS states: “Speech-language pathologists may select alternative communication systems and instruct clients in their use.” It also states: “Some speech-language pathologists specialize in working with specific age groups, such as children or older adults.” In schools, it says they evaluate students for speech and language disorders and work with teachers, other school personnel, and parents.
Important qualities BLS lists
- Analytical skills. “Speech-language pathologists must select appropriate diagnostic tools and evaluate results to identify goals and develop a treatment plan.”
- Communication skills. “Speech-language pathologists need to explain test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments in a way that individuals and their families can understand. They also must be clear and concise in written reports.”
- Compassion. “Speech-language pathologists may work with people who are frustrated by their communication difficulties. They must understand and be supportive of these clients and their families.”
- Critical-thinking skills. “Speech-language pathologists must be deliberate in making assessments to create treatment plans tailored to individual needs.”
- Listening skills. “Speech-language pathologists must pay attention to hear the clients' communication difficulties and determine a course of action.”
BLS also lists being detail oriented.
Quoted from the What They Do and How to Become One sections of the BLS Speech-Language Pathologists handbook page, checked November 10, 2026. On that date, the page showed “Last modified date: August 27, 2026”. State and area data on that page are not copied here.
There is no SLPA duties page: BLS has no separate handbook profile for speech-language pathology assistants. ASHA’s description of the assistant role is on how to become an SLPA.