How the Speech Pathology Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Speech pathology majors are passionate about helping others overcome communication disorders. The field of speech pathology deals with disorders of speech, which can result from physical trauma, birth defects, mental conditions, or disorders where normal swallowing or hearing is impaired, according to Ball State University. Speech pathology majors take courses in auditory science, audiologic rehabilitation, phonetics, and other topics related to identifying speech and hearing problems and treating those problems. Speech pathology students must also complete outside clinical work before they can graduate. This outside work typically takes place in a professional clinical setting where they will be able to see professional audiologists and speech pathologists working. Most students take advantage of the required field work to ask questions, observe others, and gain professional working experience. The combination of having a strong educational background as well as professional working experience makes speech pathology majors immensely valuable to employers looking to hire.

Best Career Paths for Speech Pathology Majors
Speech pathology majors can pursue a number of exciting occupations. The best career paths for speech pathology majors are:

• Speech-Language Pathologist. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat patients with speech and communication disorders. Many speech-language pathologists work with physicians, though some also work independently. They handle patients who may be unable to communicate effectively due to a birth condition, mental condition, or physical injury, such as those with swallowing difficulties, stuttering issues, or hearing loss. Pathologists typically work with patients to improve their understanding of language and speech, developing treatments to improve patient speech. They must assess each case individually to develop the best treatment plan to work with the patientís speech affliction. Speech-Language pathologists earn an average salary of $62,930 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapists work with patients who need assistance in performing everyday routines. These patients may have developmental problems, mental illness, emotional trauma, or a variety of other conditions that prevent them from performing the basic functions of day-to-day life. Occupational therapists help rehabilitate these patients so that they may regain their independence. They are also responsible for tracking the progress of the patient and tailoring the therapy plan to the patientís needs. The speech-language degree is a good stepping stone for pursuing a career in occupational therapy, though extra schooling is typically involved. Occupational therapists earn an average salary of $66,780 annually, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Speech Pathology Degree
Your speech pathology degree helped you develop your senses of responsibility, analytical skills, and many other valuable characteristics. It is imperative that you show potential employers the value of your education, stressing all of the professional work experience and in-depth educational experience that you gained from completing your degree. Mention the research projects you worked on and the technical skills you learned. Also emphasize your willingness to learn more on the job. The best way to market your speech pathology degree is to prove that you can take the skills you learned in school and successfully integrate them into field work.