Speech Pathologist vs Speech Therapist: Key Differences

Are Speech Therapists and Speech Pathologists the Same?

You may think the terms “speech therapist” and “speech pathologist” have different meanings, but in reality they are interchangeable terms to describe those who practice speech-language pathology. Both terms are used to describe professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, and address communication, feeding and, swallowing voice, and cognition across various settings. You may find the professionals on your team may use these terms interchangeably, with speech pathologists most likely using those terms in medical settings while speech therapists are more common in schools and private practice.

This article will cover the roles, responsibilities, education, and specialized training a speech pathologist and/or speech therapist will undergo.

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Do?

Roles and Responsibilities

The scope of work for speech-language pathologists include diagnosing and treating speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders. It is common to see SLPs treat swallowing, voice, and cognition in medical settings like hospitals and skilled nursing homes. A speech pathologist in the schools are trained to address communication in an academic setting or provide intervention in developmental communication disorders.

Training and Education

Speech-language pathologists are the experts in communication and take extensive training in order to become familiar with their scope of practice. In addition to undergraduate studies, SLPs also work and obtain master degrees in speech pathology from accredited programs across the nation. This includes coursework in anatomy, neurogenic communication, speech sounds, voice disorders, and motor speech disorders to name a few. During their graduate studies, SLP students are typically working in their externship placements in hospitals, schools, and outpatient facilities to gain valuable experience in different settings.

After graduate school, SLPs will spend at least 9 months in the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) working in professional settings under the supervision of a licensed SLP. Once they complete their CF, they are allowed to apply for ASHA certification, their state license, and other specialized licensures.

What Does a Speech Therapist Do?

How They Differ from an SLP

The term "speech therapist" is a general term used interchangeably with "speech-language pathologist" but can also apply to professionals with varied backgrounds. The reason for this change may be due to country differences or settings. The term “speech pathologist” might be deemed too medical and may scare or make some clients nervous while a “speech therapist” may sound more welcoming and less intimidating.

Comparing Speech Pathologists and Speech Therapists

Clinical Expertise and Specializations

As an SLP/ST grows in experience they may begin to specialize in a specific area such as apraxia of speech, augmentative and alternative communication, or fluency (stuttering). Specialization can occur if the SLP/ST has extensive experience addressing a particular need or if they decide to take additional coursework or continuing education in a clinical area. If you are looking for a specific niche, please check out resources like the American Speech and Hearing Association for more information.

Work Settings and Patient Populations

Both speech pathologists and speech therapists work in a variety of different settings. Some work in the medical setting such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient facilities. Others may work in schools, early intervention, or non-public agencies. Private practice SLPs can work a a myriad of different clinical populations, medical or educational. Even other SLPs may work as consultants, educators, or communication trainers for actors, corporate executives, or HR teams.

Which Professional Should You See?

When to See a Speech Therapist or Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech therapist or speech pathologist is suitable to address communication concerns including but not limited to:

• mild speech delays
• articulation challenges
• pronunciation coaching
• complex speech disorders
• neurological conditions
• swallowing difficulties.

SLPs or STs often provide therapy for individuals with conditions like autism, aphasia, dysarthria, or voice disorders where there may be neurological variances, motor weakness, or other concerns to communication.

Find the Right Speech Specialist with Verse Therapy

While they are two different terms, speech therapists and speech-language pathologists are individuals who are experts in communication through rigorous study and clinical fieldwork. It is vital to look at different resources, clinical websites, and SLP profiles to see who will be the best fit for your needs.

Verse Therapy offers personalized access to a wide variety of SLP/ST options. Find Your Therapist today.