Speech Therapist Jobs And Psych Jobs (degrees, degree, careers, education)

[AllAboutEve]

Hi everyone .

I am currently looking into changing careers. I am considering becoming a School Psychologist or Speech Pathologist. (I asked this question in the Education forum, so sorry if you've seen it before).

I am currently leaning more towards Speech Pathology because it seems there is more of a demand and a smaller work load. Does anyone have any experience in these two fields?

They both seem to have some versatility as far as I can tell. School Psychs can enter into private practice and also move up to the community college level - in addition to working in hospitals. Speech Pathologists can have a private practice, work in hospitals, teach at the college level, and work in schools.

If you have any info please share it!

Thank You!

[annerk]

I have both in my family, this is based on their experiences.

Psycology BS degrees are a dime a dozen, and most schools want at minimum a masters, but often a PhD with clinical expreience in cognitive development or similar to qualify. There seem to be a fair number of people with these qualifications, and unfortunately clinical work isn't always part of the educational program, so you can graduate without ever "treating" anyone. This can make it hard to actually break into the field. My family member who is a PhD in psycology took time off to be a stay-at-home-mom about seven years ago, and is worried that all she'll be able to do when she tries to return to the workforce is teach at a local university, and not neccessarily on a tenure track.

Speech Pathologists are definitely a scarcer commodity, and there are almost always openings in rehab centers and hospitals if you can't get into a school right away. Also that career only requires a masters, and you'll get your clinical experience while getting your masters, so it's a lot easier to break into right after graduation. My family member who is a speech pathologist took time off to be a stay-at-home-mom about eight years ago, and is still getting recruiting calls. She has been assured that she will easily be able to return to the field when she is ready. (She has kept her license/certification up and has attended enough seminars and such to get the continuing ed she needs each year.)

I hope that helps.

[AllAboutEve]

Annerk -

Thank you so much for your reply! That was a tremendous help!