Speech Language Pathologist Career Profile
What is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)?
A Speech Language Pathologist is a health-care professional that treat patients with many types of communication and swallowing problems. These problems may include speech sounds (how to speak words and sounds properly), language and literacy (how to understand meaning of words, reading and writing), social communication (learning about social rules like taking turns when speaking, not interrupting others), voice (adjusting the sound/tone and volume when speaking to another person), fluency (how well speech flows for example treating a patient with a stutter), feeding and swallowing (how well patients suck, chew and swallow food and liquid which can lead to poor nutrition and weight loss if not treated properly). SLP's work in a variety of environments including private clinics, physician offices, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, and rehabilitation centres such as long term health care facilities and community clinics. Overall, SLPs are communication experts and help patients improve their communications skills and abilities in order to live a higher quality of life.
What is it like working as a Speech Language Pathologists at the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)?
Speech Language Pathologists work in hospital and clinical settings throughout the province with the SHA as part of a multidisciplinary health-care team in order to provide the best patient care which may include Speech Language Pathology Assistants. SLPs work in shifts in order to provide health-care coverage based on the needs of the facility or clinic and this may include days and weekends. Opportunities to grow as a SLP include taking advanced courses to work in specialized areas such pediatrics and pursuing management and leadership positions. Recruitment incentives up $10,000 ($5,000 for Saskatoon and Regina) and relocation up to $3,000 is also available!
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What can I earn as a Speech Language Pathologist?
The current pay per hour is:
- Speech Language Pathologist - $43.31 - $52.96
- Senior Speech Language Pathologist - $46.77 - $57.20
In addition to the above pay bands, the SHA provides a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Extended Health and Dental benefits
- Defined-Benefit Pension Plan
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Annual Vacation
Speech Language Pathologists working with the SHA are unionized employees and are members of the following union:
How do I become a Speech Language Pathologist?
A masters degree is required to work as a Speech Language Pathologist in Saskatchewan. There is currently no training program in the province but the Government of Saskatchewan does have reserved seats available for Saskatchewan students at the University of Alberta:
- Master of Science (MSc) in Speech Language Pathology - University of Alberta
After completing your program, you will need to pass an exam from Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) in order to obtain a license to practice from the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Saskatchewan (CSASK).