Speech-language pathologists serve individuals, families, groups, and the general public through a broad range of professional activities. They:
- Identify, define, and diagnose disorders of human communication and swallowing and assist in localization and diagnosis of diseases and conditions.
- Provide direct services using a variety of service delivery models to treat and/or address communication, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive concerns.
- Conduct research related to communication sciences and disorders, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions.
- Educate, supervise, and mentor future speech-language pathologists.
- Serve as case managers and service delivery coordinators.
- Administer and manage clinical and academic programs.
- Educate and provide in-service training to families, caregivers, and other professionals.
- Participate in outcome measurement activities and use data to guide clinical decision making and determine the effectiveness of services provided in accordance with the principles of evidence-based practice.
- Train, supervise, and manage speech-language pathology assistants and other support personnel.
- Promote healthy lifestyle practices for the prevention of communication, hearing, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive disorders.