Career Searches

Once you have completed your educational requirements to become a speech language pathologist, the next step is finding a job that suits you. Before determining if you want a specific job you must decide what area of communication disorders on which you will focus. Although being flexible about the setting or age of the population you are willing to work with may increase job opportunities. ASHA has established links that describe the different therapy settings that are described in job postings. This link provides information on hospital settings, schools, acute care facilities, day care, assisted-living centers, clinics and nursing homes. The speech language pathologist can attend ASHA and state conventions to receive more information on jobs provided for different areas. During the conventions there are opportunities for the SLP to apply for jobs and interview for the positions. Many companies have booths set up to answer the professional’s pertinent questions. The SLP must decide in which area to practice. The field of Speech Pathology has locations which range across the U.S. and include countries around the globe.
ASHA Health Care Settings

ASHA School Settings

In Professional Issues in Speech Pathology & Audiology listed are primary employment settings for Speech Pathologists and Audiologists:

Resources

Fortunately, there are many resources available to help in a job search. There are options ranging from reading over listings published by therapy companies and other employers, to publishing your resume online to be searched through. Also there are search engines or listings depending on what setting you are interested in, what area of the country you wish to live in, or who you want to work for- government, hospital, educational, etc. Your resume should be prepared when you start seriously looking for employment so that you can fax, email, or mail copies to potential employers.

Publications

ASHA Leader classifieds, published twice monthly in ASHA Leader, offers two ways to secure employment:
a) Review the classifieds twice monthly; they advertise hundreds of job openings across the United States and internally
b) Place a position wanted ad in ASHA Leader classifieds; as an ASHA/NSSLHA member you can take the initiative to market your skills for a minimal charge.
Call (301) 897-0130 for further information.

ADVANCE: WWW.ADVANCEforSPandA.com
Advance is published weekly
a) Access to online version, includes original articles, article archives, Continuing education and events listings, bulletin boards and a link to our career area
b) Access to a new comprehensive job site, advanceforcareers.com, with the entire ADVANCE jobs database, Job Messenger, Resume Builder
c) Convenient continuing education opportunities- in print and online
d) Regional Job Fairs with FREE exhibit hall attendance
Call (800) 355-1088 for further information.

Local Newspapers:
One resource often used for job searches is a newspaper local to the area(s) in which you want to practice. Many papers also have the classified sections published on their websites.

Hospitals:

http://www.medhunters.com/
http://www.absolutelyhealthcare.com/

Federal Government

The Federal Government employs audiologists and speech-language pathologists in administrative and clinical capacities. For information regarding federal employment certification and an application, contact The Department of Veterans Affairs, Delegated Examining Unit, PO Box 24269, Richmond, VA 23224-0269, (800) 368-6008 or www.usajobs.opm.gov.

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Personnel Management, Building 31, Room B3C15, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, NIH hotline (301) 496-2403 or http://www.jobs.nih.gov/.

Clinicians and research scientists are employed in the federal uniformed services (U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and the Public Health Services). If you are interested in working in dependent schools on military bases or stateside, you should contact the Department of Defense, Office of Dependent Schools, 4040 N. Fairfax, Arlington, VA 22203; (703) 696-3033 ext. 101 or (703) 696-3054 http://www.militarymatch.com/

Media:

Click Here to Request the ASHA Career Mover CD

Therapy Companies:

Here are several therapy companies. This is not an exclusive list, rather a starting point for future searches.

SunDance Rehabilitation Corporation

Rehabworks

CareWorks Rehabilitation

Post Your Resume:

After you have developed a resume you can post it various places on the web where employers can do searches for potential employees based on experience, location, or other factors. One well known website for resume posting is Monster.com.

Approach Potential Employers:

There are several ways to do this, career fairs and conventions are an excellent opportunity to network and meet possible employers. Taking initiative is a wonderful way to let potential employers know why they should hire you. Also you can approach a company that you would like to work for on your own, even if they may not have advertised an available position- sending them a resume and letter letting them know why you want to work with them. Companies may not have something for you at that moment, but may file your information and get back to you when they do have something available.

Networking:

Make everyone you know aware that you are searching for a job, and the general area in which you would like to work (setting and geographic area). Often you may already know people who can get you leads on jobs or introduce you to someone who can help you find your dream job. State and National conventions can also be helpful in making contacts since you will be meeting everyone from well known speech pathologists, to those who hire for therapy companies.

Search Firm:

Another avenue for a job search is to hire a firm which will do a search for you. There are two available types of firms: firms which work for you as a client, or those who have been commissioned to fill certain positions. There are restrictions though; a contract must be signed between the client and the firm designating terms etc. It is recommended to check out any such firms prior to signing a contract. This type of search is optimal for high level administration positions and/or those who are willing to relocate. (Information found in Professional Issues in Speech Pathology & Audiology: Chapter 9)