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During my recent trip to Qatar, I was moved by the words of **sha, a native of Ernakulam district working in a Doha hospital. She shared with me the remarkable progress of her son, who had not uttered a single word until age three despite their relentless efforts. The family was in deep despair with this speech less child who they thought would never speak in life as all their previous attempts in this direction failed. Not only did he started to speak after the intervention of one speech therapist but also continued to improve and to the surprise of all won a speech competition in his grade two in school recently. **sha attributed this incredible transformation to my daughter, a dedicated speech therapist running her own clinic in Doha."

Are you aspiring to pursue a career that can positively transform the lives of others?
Have you pursued studies in biology or mathematics alongside physics and chemistry during your high school education? Are you someone who brings innovation beyond conventional methods, and values patience, empathy, and problem-solving? A career as a speech-language pathologist could be an excellent fit for individuals who have a passion for embracing new ideas and approaches.

How is this possible?
Upon completing the BASLP (Bachelor of Audiology & Speech Language Pathology) program, it's necessary to register with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). This program stands out as one of the rare paramedical courses accessible to science stream students who didn't study biology in their high school (Plus Two) curriculum.

How long does the study period last?
While degree programs like physiotherapy and occupational therapy in rehabilitation typically require four-and-a-half years to complete, the BASLP program can be finished in four years, inclusive of a one-year internship.

What do they intend to do?
The Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) provides an in-depth examination of the human hearing and speech systems, including their disorders and corresponding therapeutic interventions. The objective of this program is to equip individuals with the skills and proficiency to effectively address communication disabilities across all age groups, not solely limited to children. Graduates of this course are qualified to work as speech-language pathologists, conducting scientific assessments of speech impairments regardless of age, treating various speech disorders, addressing technical challenges such as dyslexia in language acquisition, and managing difficulties related to swallowing food. Additionally, they are trained to work as audiologists, performing hearing tests and recommending appropriate auditory devices.

Where can the job be found?
Hospitals, specialized schools, child development centers, speech and hearing institutes, hearing device manufacturing units, governmental and non-governmental agencies supporting individuals with disabilities, research centers, and child guidance centers offer abundant job opportunities. Furthermore, those inclined towards academia can pursue careers as college educators and researchers post completion of their master's degree. Promising prospects are available in the UK, Western Europe, USA, Canada, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, among others. In some nations, clinical practice mandates at least a master's degree. Presently, there is vast potential for self-employed ventures such as audiology and speech clinics, as well as home-based services.
Various institutions offer Master of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (MASLP), MSc in Speech and Hearing, MSc in Audiology, and PhD programs for individuals interested in advanced studies. Additionally, opportunities exist for postgraduate diploma courses in fields like forensic science and linguistics.

Where to Study?
Here are some premier institutes in India renowned for their Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) programs:
1. All India Institute of Speech & Hearing in Mysore, known as one of the top learning and research centers in South Asia.
2. Aliyawar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing, with headquarters in Mumbai, Secunderabad, Kolkata, and Noida.
3. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.
4. National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) in Chennai.
5. Christian Medical College in Chennai.
6. Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing in Bengaluru.
7. Manipal College of Health Professions, exclusively for female students.
8. Holy Cross College in Trichy.
Admission to these institutions typically involves entrance tests in all-India institutions. In Kerala, admission is based on performance in the plus two exams.

Education in Kerala:
Opportunities for studies are available at various institutions in Kerala, including:
- National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) in Thiruvananthapuram
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS) in Shornur
- Baby Memorial College of Allied Medical Sciences in Kozhikode
- Marthoma College in Kasargod
- AWH Special College in Kozhikode
Admission to these programs is typically based on performance in the plus two exams through LBS Centre (www.lbscentre.kerala.gov.in). Additionally, the BASLP course at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi requires an entrance exam for admission.
Furthermore, BASLP can also be pursued at institutions like Father Muller Medical College, A.J. Medical College, Yenapoya Medical College, Nitte Institute, and Dr. M.V. Shetty College.

(Content in put from Mr. Anver Muttancheri)

Article By: Nizar Peruvad
CIGI Career Team