The role of speech-language pathologists goes far beyond helping children overcome speech and hearing challenges.

"Speech-language pathologists work with patients from twinkle to wrinkle, from the womb to the tomb. For anyone who has a communications problem, we're here for them," said Ruth Stonestreet, Ph.D., CCC-SLP.

Stonestreet teaches in the department of communications sciences and disorders at Valdosta State University, one of several programs in Georgia. Her program admits about 25 students three times a year, putting 75 or so trained speech-language pathologists into the work force annually.

"This is an ever-growing field, and most of our graduates have been offered jobs by the time they graduate," she said.

"There's still a shortage, because of the increasing need," said Jody Rosen, APR, executive director of the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Speech-language pathologists can work in hospital settings, schools, private practice, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. They deal with stroke victims, patients with hearing or speaking difficulties, and those who have difficulty swallowing."

Stonestreet said one of the most important traits of the job is working as part of an integrated team.

"You may be working with other therapists — occupational or physical therapists — doctors and nurses, teachers or guidance counselors, depending on the work environment," she said. "For instance, at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, speech-language pathologists treat patients with brain injuries. At rehabilitation facilities, they may be working with patients who have difficulty swallowing, from diseases such as Parkinson's or stroke. It's a diverse practice area."

Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in communications sciences and disorders and a master's degree with a split between classroom and clinical training. Speech-language pathologists are required to complete a year of supervised clinical work after graduation. They also must pass an examination to earn certificates of clinical competence in speech-language pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

"If someone already has a bachelor's degree, we recommend that they get a second undergraduate degree in communications sciences and disorders, which would probably take about two years. Then they would apply for enrollment in graduate studies, which, at Valdosta State, is a five-semester program," Stonestreet said.

"Some speech-language pathologists may have a master's of education or similar advanced degree," Rosen said. "Then, they must earn their CCC-SLP to certify their clinical competency."

Salaries for speech-language pathologists range from the high $40,000s to the low $50,000s, depending on the setting, the size of the facility and other factors.