Purpose & Scope:
“The speech-language pathologist (SLP) is defined as the professional who engages in professional practice in the areas of communication and swallowing across the life span. Communication and swallowing are broad terms encompassing many facets of function. Communication includes speech production and fluency, language, cognition, voice, resonance, and hearing. Swallowing includes all aspects of swallowing, including related feeding behaviors.”
There is a “delineation of practice areas in the context of eight domains of speech-language pathology service delivery: collaboration; counseling; prevention and wellness; screening; assessment; treatment; modalities, technology, and instrumentation; and population and systems. In addition, five domains of professional practice are delineated: advocacy and outreach, supervision, education, research and administration/leadership.”
Reference: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Scope of Practice in Speech Language Pathology
Education:
Master's degree in speech language pathology is required.
Experience:
One year of experience in speech language pathology in an acute care setting is preferred.
Certification/Licensure:
Licensed as a Speech Language Pathologist by the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required.
BLS certificate is required.