Speech pathology is the science that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of functional and organic defects and disorders of language. Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech-language pathologists or speech therapists, often work as part of a team, providing referrals to speech-language pathologists known as audiologists. This job is extremely demanding and requires people who possess certain qualities to be an effective speech pathologist. Speech therapy also requires excellent training and specific skills (Careers in Speech-Language NP). I would like to pursue this career because most speech pathologists work with children who have special needs. These children have a special place in my heart and I feel like this is one way I can do my part to help them have the best life possible. To become a speech pathologist, you need to achieve good academic results. He or she must focus heavily on the arts and sciences, such as public speaking, language and psychology. You also need to take courses in counselor training, educational psychology, and special education. ¬¬¬ In speech therapy, a degree alone is not enough to get a job as a speech therapist. Prospective speech-language pathologists must attend graduate school and earn their master's degree in speech-language pathology. Unfortunately, the study is not over until you pass the National Speech Pathology exam and receive a license to practice (Explore Health Careers), and continuing education throughout the life of your career is a must. Great people skills are another requirement of a successful SLP. Those who want to succeed in this career must also have great social skills and a great deal of patience. Speech therapists are very similar to teachers. They need to be able to teach people to speak… middle of paper… one. Those who possess these skills are extremely desired, because good speech therapists are difficult to find. People who need speech therapy need a pathologist who has the patient's best interest at heart and is willing to do whatever it takes for the patient to get the best treatment possible. Works Cited “Careers in Speech Pathology.” ASHA. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, nd Web. December 4, 2013. www.asha.org/careers/professionals/slp.htm “Speech-Language Pathologists.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bureau of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, n.d. Web. December 4, 2013. www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/speech-lingual-pathologists.htm“Speech-language pathologist.” Explore healthcare careers. American Dental Association, nd Web. December 4 2013.