Each week we search ULM’s campus for a major to highlight, or spotlight if you will. Shining some light on interesting facts and figures each that stand out in each major.
Heather Usey, a second year speech-language pathology graduate student, said that she became interested in the speech pathology field because of her brother who has cerebral palsy.
“I saw him interact with speech pathologists his whole life, and that just really got me interested in the field because of how much speech pathologists can do and all of the different areas in which we can work,” Usey said.
She plans to work with the “birth to three-years-old” population. Usey is also interested in working with a team of professionals like occupational and physical therapists in a rehabilitation facility.
Dr. Johanna Boult, head of the department of speech-language pathology, said that speech-language pathology may be similar to some degree programs in health sciences, but it is unique because it focuses in the areas of communication and swallowing.
The coursework may not be easy, but it is enjoyable. Dr. Boult encourages anyone who is interested in the speech-language pathology field to take the introductory to speech, language and hearing.
“It gives people a really nice sampling of everything we do in the profession. Currently it’s taught by someone who has nearly 17 years experience as an SLP, so she really brings knowledge about the profession along with fun anecdotal stories about what it’s like to practice as an SLP,” Boult said.
The scope of SLP is so broad that those who progress in the program are able to pick and choose exactly which setting they want to operate in.
Students can work in a school, hospital, nursing home or they can become traveling pathologists. Their patients can range from those with speech problems to those who have traumatic brain injuries.
This major is female dominated, but men who participate tend to excel. Women may favor it because it is a “caring” field, known for nurturing and helping patients.
Calvin Stafford, who has a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology, said that it was beneficial to be a male in the field and to have the opportunity to stand out.
“I didn’t want to sit in an office all day and as a Speech Pathologist you’re free to travel to different places,” Stafford said. “You also get to work with a wide array of people.”
As president of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Usey oversees a program for both undergraduate and graduate students.
“We organize community service projects and any and all events that happen in the department. Our two big events are our Spring Conference and Fall Field Day,” said Usey.
Graduates of the speech-language pathology program are very successful. For the last three and a half years, the program has seen 100% Praxis pass rates.
“When other people are having a hard time finding employment, there are people coming to me to ask for our graduates. Our students have positioned themselves well to be employed once they graduate,” said Boult. “Employability is one thing, but speech-language pathology is a really cool job. Not only are they employed, but they stay employed.”
