Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists play pivotal roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitations centers, private medical practices, schools, universities, early intervention programs, nursing facilities, research institutions, and corporate, industrial, or government environments. Despite their extensive reach, their vital contributions are often overlooked or misunderstood in the medical community.

SLPs and Audiologists specialize in addressing a wide spectrum of needs related to communication, hearing, balance, cognition, and swallowing across all age groups. SLPs support health and wellness by improving speech, language, voice, cognitive function, and safe swallowing. Meanwhile, Audiologists assess and manage hearing and balance disorders, provide hearing aids and protective strategies, and facilitate communication through hearing health. Their collaborative efforts significantly enhance patient safety, social engagement, and overall quality of life.

As they address essential functions that contribute to a patient’s overall health and safety, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists prove to be important partners in health care. Working collaboratively with medical teams, these experts are able to diagnose and manage conditions that can affect a patient’s ability to speak, hear, eat, or think clearly. Their work helps prevent complications, supports recovery, and promotes long-term wellbeing.

Both professions require rigorous academic preparation, including completion of graduate degrees, national certification, and state licensure. SLPs complete a master’s degree, which includes academic study, clinical training, and a clinical fellowship. Audiologists complete a clinical doctorate, Au.D., which includes academic study, clinical practicum, and a full-time externship. Both degrees are offered by the Department of Otolaryngology within the School of Medicine, which is introducing a new undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders starting Fall 2025.

“We are excited to introduce the Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders this fall,” shared Dr. Alan Smith, division chief and Communicative Disorders Program director. “Offered through the ULSOM Department of Otolaryngology, this program aims to streamline pathways into communicative disorders professions increasing the number of experts that are available to improve the quality of life for patients in a variety of settings.”

The degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology also pave the way for impactful research. ULSOM student Caitlin Greer is set to complete her Au.D. this month but has already been involved in life-changing research on the incorporation of wideband absorbance testing in newborn hearing screening. Her research has presented at regional, state, national, and international conferences, including the Academy of Audiology, American Auditory Society, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, Hearing Across the Lifespan, and Interacoustics conferences.

As we recognize National Speech-Language-Hearing Month this May, ULSOM is proud to offer degrees for our important partners in medicine, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Thank you to the experts in these fields for contributing to patient health, safety, and quality of life, and congratulations to this month’s graduates from the division of Communicative Disorders!