Now is a great time to become a speech pathologist – here's why
Interested in a career where you can help people speak, connect and thrive?
Speech pathology is more than just a job: it could be your opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and others.
From helping children with developmental delays to supporting stroke survivors in regaining communication, speech pathologists play a vital role – learn more about what yours could be below.
Help people find their voice – and your future
Whether you're finishing high school or changing careers, studying speech pathology is a smart choice with strong job growth, real-world impact, and excellent long-term career prospects in Australia.
In your speech pathologist career, you'll work with clients to support their needs and help their quality of life. You might find yourself working in roles across healthcare, education or within the community.
With the rise of the NDIS and increasing awareness around communication disorders, speech pathologists are in demand nationwide in Australia and beyond.
Industry intel
What you might not know about speech pathology
#1. Funding is having a big impact – but also creating high demand for pathologists.
Due to greater awareness of speech pathologists and the impact they can have for children and adults alike, as well as NDIS funding, business for a speech pathologist is not hard to come by. It does mean that there can be large demand for their services, and long waitlists.
GPs are becoming more active in assessing early child development delays and are organising referrals to paediatricians earlier. And there is much more funding through the NDIS for disability services now driving the growth of speech pathology. It's is a humble health profession with a big impact.
- VU Doctor of Business Administration student and co-founder of paediatric clinic Ladybug House, Renato Ulpiano.
#2. It's not just people who are having speech difficulties that benefit.
Professionals who rely on good vocal projection – such as auctioneers, teachers, actors and singers – also seek coaching from speech pathologists in how to use their voices safely. The differences speech pathologists make extend beyond just articulation issues: they can also help in the areas of auditory processing disorders and the autism spectrum.
I thought speech pathologists only focused on language difficulties, but was pleased to learn they also teach the reading of facial expressions and ‘unspoken’ rules of communication.
- Melbourne mother, Nerida Benoit, whose young son has started therapy
Why become a speech pathologist?
From helping children with developmental delays to supporting stroke survivors – your work will be making a real difference in people’s lives.
Open doors to your career nationwide, with our VU degree getting you professionally registered as a certified speech pathologist in Australia.
The demand for speech therapists has never been stronger, especially across paediatrics, disability or aged care services and education.
Ready to begin?
Learn more and dive into your new career changing lives: explore our Bachelor of Speech and Language Sciences/Master of Speech Pathology now.
