Thanks so much for replying Spiceoflife! Sorry its taken me so long to get back. I cold called a couple of private speech paths on Friday and quizzed them a bit. They both worked in paediatrics which I think is an area I'd be interested in. One thing one of them said was that she didn't find it "intellectually challenging" but "emotionally challenging" since you're dealing with issues that can make people feel very vulnerable I guess. Would you agree? I love interacting with people and helping people with problems but another side of me loves an intellectual challenge so I'm worried I might get frustrated if that's the case. I don't have a background in biological sciences. I did do two years of pysch at uni (a long time ago). Do you think you could cover what's needed in a two year masters to be a good clinician?
Hi Tilda, apologies for such a long wait on this reply.
Hmm, I'd be interested to know what kind of paediatric practice had the SP who said it wasn't 'intellectually challenging'! I agree, it is emotionally challenging - all clinical work is - but a private SP who likes an intellectual challenge and can't find it isn't trying hard enough, if you ask me! Doing artic therapy with 4yo after 5yo after 6yo can certainly drive you bonkers, but usually there's something to keep your brain engaged. Continuing Professional Development and all that.
As for the outcomes of a two year masters, there is a pdf on Speech Pathology Australia website (in University Courses) that outlines the profession's view of that. Largely, it's what you make it, in that if you would have been a good clinician with 4 years' training you likely will be with 2. And, as with most work, you learn it on the job, too. Your psych study will definitely be useful. You might consider some bridging courses in chemistry, or linguistics.
For me, I was strong in both science and arts/English, so speech pathology was a great combination of the two.
Feel free to keep talking with me.
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