Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist
ちょうのうげんごし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Medical Technicians
- Minor : Speech-Language-Hearing Therapists
Summary
Speech-language-hearing therapists provide evaluation, training, and consultation to individuals with communication or swallowing impairments, supporting improvements in their daily living functions as medical technologists.
Description
Speech-language-hearing therapists address diverse cases such as language development disorders, post-stroke articulation disorders, swallowing disorders, and hearing impairments, conducting various tests and evaluations, and planning and implementing rehabilitation programs as specialists. They also provide consultation and guidance to patients and families to improve communication abilities and feeding/swallowing functions in daily life. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other multidisciplinary team members to promote team-based medical care. They support the utilization of welfare systems and assistive devices, facilitate adjustments for returning to school or the workplace, and aim to enhance patients' social participation and quality of life.
Future Outlook
Demand is expanding due to the aging population and increasing support needs for children with developmental disorders. Expansion of the scope of work is expected through telemedicine, ICT-based rehabilitation, and the introduction of new technologies.
Personality Traits
Empathetic / Excellent Communicator / Excellent Observer / Patient
Work Style
Hospital Employment / Rehabilitation Facility Employment / University Research Institution Employment / Visiting Rehabilitation / Welfare Facility Employment
Career Path
New Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist → Chief Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist → Certified Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist → Leader/Chief → Education and Research Position
Required Skills
Hearing Test / Language Development Evaluation / Medical Record Keeping / Multidisciplinary Collaboration / Rehabilitation Program Planning / Swallowing Function Evaluation
Recommended Skills
Basic Knowledge of Neurology / ICT Rehabilitation / Knowledge of Welfare Systems and Assistive Devices / Psychological Support
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | It is necessary not to miss subtle voice changes or signs of swallowing issues. |
| Communication Skills | High conversational skills are necessary to build trusting relationships with patients and families. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | It is necessary to continuously learn new evaluation/treatment methods and research findings. |
| Planning & Organization | To develop the optimal rehabilitation plan for each patient. |
| Problem Solving | To flexibly adjust support methods according to the patient's condition. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because there is little highly specialized mathematical analysis. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist (Japanese Association of Speech-Language-Hearing Therapists)
- Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist (National Qualification)
Aliases
- ST
- Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist
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