Speech Therapist
げんごりょうほうし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Medical Technicians
- Minor : Speech-Language-Hearing Therapists
Summary
A professional who provides rehabilitation such as language training and eating/swallowing training to people with communication or swallowing impairments.
Description
Speech therapists (speech-language pathologists) conduct specialized assessments and training for individuals experiencing problems with language/communication functions or swallowing functions due to illness, disability, or aging, supporting the enhancement of independent communication abilities and safe eating/swallowing. Under physicians' instructions, they implement diverse programs including language training for aphasia and articulation disorders, rehabilitation for higher brain dysfunction, assessment and training for swallowing disorders (eating/swallowing rehab), and introduction of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). They are active in a wide range of settings, not only medical institutions but also nursing facilities, health centers, and schools.
Future Outlook
Demand is increasing with the progression of aging. Expansion of community-integrated care, home healthcare, and remote support using ICT is anticipated.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Educational Institutions / Home Support / Home-Visit Rehabilitation / Hospital Employment / Nursing Home Employment
Career Path
Speech-Language Pathologist (Newcomer) → Speech-Language Pathologist (Mid-career) → Chief Speech-Language Pathologist → Management (Rehabilitation Department) → Specialist in Specific Areas / Graduate School / Researcher
Required Skills
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) / Communication Support Techniques / Swallowing Function Assessment / Training Program Design
Recommended Skills
Basic Knowledge of Nutrition / Higher Brain Dysfunction Rehabilitation / Psychological Approaches / Swallowing Assessment
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is required to not overlook evaluation results or subtle changes. |
| Communication Skills | Because smooth communication with patients, families, and medical teams is necessary. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Need to continuously learn new rehabilitation techniques and research findings. |
| Planning & Organization | Because they plan and evaluate training programs. |
| Problem Solving | To design training content tailored to individual symptoms. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because they collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide support. |
Related Qualifications
- Speech-Language Pathologist (National Qualification)
Aliases
- ST
Related Jobs
- Clinical Psychologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist