Career Development of Speech Pathologists: Stage Three of a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

A survey of 85% of a graduating class of speech pathologists, carried out 20 months after course completion, revealed high levels of employment and job satisfaction. Career plans included specialisation (26.1% of group), aspiration to positions higher than that of health team member (30.4%), and gaining further tertiary qualifications (21.7%). Graduates rated the opportunity to develop skills and do something worthwhile, as the most important aspects of work but experienced some deprivation regarding these, their pay and their work resources. They were satisfied regarding eight other aspects of work. Work overload was their most common work stressor. While most had joined their professional association they lacked a strong sense of professional identity. Few changes had occurred in work attitudes since graduation.