About Speech-Language Pathologists

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP)?

Speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) are clinicians qualified to evaluate, identify/diagnose, and provide care for people with communication delays/disorders. This includes assessing someone's difficulty with saying sounds and words, stuttering, verbal expression, voice production, understanding what others say, interaction/social skills, pre-literacy and literacy skills (reading, and writing), swallowing, and cognitive-communication skills (e.g. executive functioning, problem-solving, verbal reasoning). 

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To do clinical work in Nova Scotia, SLPs must have a Master's degree in speech-language pathology. Prior to entering a Master's program, they will have completed a Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, linguistics, neuroscience). S-LPs are required to study anatomy and physiology, but they also study neuroanatomy, genetics, human and language development, linguistics, psychology, acoustics and more, which is why they are qualified to evaluate, diagnose and treat a broad range of delays and disorders.

 

S-LPs must be licensed to practice with the Nova Scotia College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NSCASLP).  Only those licensed with NSCASLP may practice speech-language pathology or provide "speech therapy". Many S-LPs also choose to be clinically certified with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC), the national professional association for SLPs and audiologists.