Willie Said:

Can anyone offer advice on becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist?

We Answered:

SLP graduate school is no picnic. There are a lot of demands. You need to thoroughly know your neuroanatomy as well as the anatomy and physiology of the ear, head, mouth, larynx, and torso. You will take classes covering acousitics, research methods and design, swallowing disorders, language disorders, neurogenic communication disorders, motor speech disorders, voice, stuttering, and clinical methods. You'll be in a fog the 1st semester, cry the 2nd semester, start catching on the 3rd semester, and love it by the 4th semester. Unfortunately, by the time you get the hang of things, it will be your 5th semester and you will be "lost" again because you will be completing your internship. After you graduate and start your 9 month Clinical Fellowship Year, you'll feel more confident and eager to use the information you acquired in graduate school. Becoming a fully certified SLP is rewarding and worth every penny spent.

It's really hard to hold down a job while in grad school, especially when you are completing clinical rotations for 3 consecutive semesters. I attempted to work a 25 hour/week job my first semester of school but had to quit because of all the extra clinical observations, assessment, and therapy I was expected to provide. I did work about 10 hours a week my last two semesters and that was very doable.

The clinical experience is challenging. Your clinical supervisor will have high expectations. You will write lesson plans every week and create materials for each client you treat. You will have 2-5 clients 2x/week. Your supervisor will expect you to find answers on your own and normally will not tell you how to do therapy.

As for employment, you can work ANYWHERE. There is a national shortage of SLPs which puts us in high demand. The money is great and even better if you happen to be bilingual. I still have companies call & offer jobs even though I have a really nice gig with my current employer. Beware of employers who offer sign on bonuses. That usually means that staff retetnion is difficult or that the job may not be as glamorous as they make it out to be. I'm not saying not to take a job with a sign on bonus, but you need to be cautious and do a lot of research.

The transition from student to SLP isn't too difficult. That is why you complete the full-time internship your last semester of school.

Irma Said:

INFP personality type and careers?

We Answered:

INFP personality type and careers?

I am also an INFP, but I wouldn't place too much reliance on this Myers Briggs personality testing device.

It happens to fit me pretty well, and I went on the be a registered Myers Briggs administrator. (I guess that job would score high in this type.) But that does not convince me about it's viability in all cases.

For one thing, it's not necessaily statistical very reliable. There's a long version, a short version and a very short version. And there's a rubbish version you might find in a magazine. Only the longest version would come anywhere near reflecting your true personality type.

And it's not a career development tool. There are several other instruments that help more directly with your choice of career.

If you enjoy nursing, then I would stick to it. I could immagine an INFP person being very understanding and patient with sick people, and I could see you becoming a matron one day.

Ron B

Alex Said:

Employment oppurtunities for Speech Therapist in Mississippi?

We Answered:

go to the asha website and check there. www.asha.org
better yet, here is the website for mississippi's speech and hearing association: http://www.mshausa.org/. that will provide you with local information. Do some job searches in your area and see if any pops up

Nellie Said:

Is there an employment law that prevents an employer from withdrawing their Green Card Sponsorship?

We Answered:

you may already know that without a signed agreement/contract, you will have a tough time to fight for your rights. i would suggest you consult your case with a lawyer. here is a list of free legal service:
http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/probono/states…
http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/probono/freelg…
you can also get legal helps for free at your local congressman office. most of them has liaison that handles legal/immigration issues for free of charge. Good Luck.