The Paying Field: Claire Davies on Speech-Language Pathology

By Arkansas NEXT on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Claire Davies

Job: Graduate Assistant/Speech Pathology Intern at Neurorestorative Timber Ridge Ranch in Benton
Age: 23
Hometown: Little Rock
Degree(s)/Schools: Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and a minor in Human Development from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She will receive her master’s next May in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

How did you decide to go into the Speech Path field?

Two huge contributing factors went into my decision. First, through my high school’s service program, I was able to volunteer at the Arkansas School for the Deaf. The second is a more personal one. A close friend of mine suffered a traumatic brain injury in high school due to a motor vehicle accident. I wanted to help her and others like her gain their voice and communication again.

What is your job like?

My job at Neurorestorative Timber Ridge Ranch is challenging, interesting and busy. Our goals are to help adults who are survivors of traumatic brain injuries regain their communicative abilities. I have had the most amazing supervisors there who have taught me so much about speech pathology and how to really care for your patients.

Why do you love your field?

It is so rewarding. I can only imagine not being able to voice my opinion, order at a restaurant, talk to my friends, or tell my family I love them. I get to help others, who have lost this ability, be able to do these things again. Seeing a patient make progress toward their goals is amazing.

What’s the outlook of your industry look like?

The outlook of this industry looks great! You can work in so many different settings with this degree: schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, private practice or nursing homes. “Speechies” are always in demand!

What would students be most surprised to learn about your field?

I had no idea speech pathologists were equipped to provide therapy to so many different types of clients. The scope of practice of speech pathologists is extensive from teaching children to produce the “R” sound, to helping those with a stutter or special need, to providing voice or swallowing therapy for those who have lost the ability, and helping children learn to read.

Your advice for students interested in Speech Path:

Shadow a speech pathologist! You never know if you truly have a passion for it until you experience it firsthand.


Jobs in SLP

Speech-language pathology majors are in demand. SLP jobs are expected to grow by 19 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job requires skills in treating human communication, ranging from a stutter to complete loss of speech. This growing field is highly competitive, so make sure you keep in mind the master’s program requirements throughout your undergrad education.

The major: A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology

The job: Speech-Language Pathologist. With this degree, you have a wide selection of where you can work. You can work with kids in schools, you can work in nursing homes, you can work in a hospital and you can even own your own business doing freelance SLP work. It’s all up to you!

The paycheck: The average salary is $73,410 per year.


See more at Where The Jobs Are (And Who Pays the Most) in Arkansas