Click the here to download
a PDF version of CASLPA's
Careers Pamphlet
What we do...
We are concerned with the prevention, identification, diagnosis
and (re)habilitation of children and adults with hearing impairments
and communication disorders. We use a wide variety of specialized
instrumentation and procedures to assess hearing, speech and
language. We participate in programs and on teams that provide
consultative and direct treatment services. We are responsible
for counseling of clients and families and for appropriate referral
to other professionals. We are committed to ongoing research,
public education, and training of new speech-language pathologists
and audiologists.
Audiologists:
- diagnose hearing difficulties
- select and fit hearing aids
- design and implement of (re)habilitation strategies for
clients with hearing impairments
- consult regarding noise expo- sure and hearing conservation
Speech-language pathologists:
- diagnose communication disorders (comprehension and expression)
and swallowing disorders
- plan and implement treatment in language, speech, voice,
and/or swallowing disorders
- design and employ augmentative and alternative communication
- facilitate accent reduction
- consult regarding language stimulation, inclusion strategies
and teaching adaptation for students with language impairments
Where we train...
Professional training in speech-language pathology or audiology
is available at the master's level at nine
Canadian universities, and many universities in the U.S.
Three of the nine programs are taught in French. There are also
undergraduate studies required to enter at the master's level,
including courses in psychology, physiology, linguistics, education,
human sciences, and health sciences. Specific requirements vary
with university programs. Canadian programs meet provincial
licensure and CASLPA certification requirements. Students enrolling
in a U.S. program should ensure that their program meets licensure
and certification requirements if they want to work in Canada.
What we study...
University courses include acoustics, anatomy, assessment,
counseling, hearing disorders, hearing aids, language development
and disorders, linguistics, neurology and neurophysiology, nonvocal
communication, parent training, psychology, phonetics, speech
disorders, statistics, stuttering, voice and voice disorders,
and a variety of specific areas (e.g., autism). The courses
and clinical practica cover the development, disorders, and
the training or retraining of human communication in all its
aspects.
Where we work...
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in private
practice, child development centres, preschools, schools, hospitals,
rehabilitation centres, government agencies, health units, industry,
colleges, universities, and research centres throughout the
world. We are often part of teams which include physicians,
psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, occupational
therapists, physical therapists, and counselors.
Why we like our careers...
Both professions provide essential services to Canadians (of
all ages and backgrounds) in developing the most vital of human
skills: communication. Our careers are well-respected, offering
many challenges and rewards. Our professions offer us variety
or specialization opportunities, challenges and relevance to
daily living. We can work just about anywhere in Canada, from
rural communities to bustling urban centres.
Why we are needed...
One out of ten Canadians lives with a communication disorder.
Early diagnosis and treatment increases the chance for regaining
or developing successful communication. We help people make
their lives richer, more productive and enjoyable through improved
communication skills. We CAN make a difference.
Read more in "Our
Professions"
