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From: Ken St. Louis
Date: 10/4/02
Time: 9:04:31 AM
Remote Name: 157.182.12.205
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for your question about terminology and training. I can clarify a few things from the USA perspective, but I will have to leave it to others to talk knowledgably about training in Cameroon or Europe.
In the USA, our official name for ourselves is "speech-language pathologist" or "SLP" for short. That term has been around for about 30 years, since the term, "language" was added to our professional association, i.e., the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Even so, we still refer to it as "ASHA," which were the initials of the earlier Amercan Speech and Hearing Association.
Before the 1970s, we called ourselves "speech therapists" or "speech clinicians." Sometimes we still use one of those terms, even though that is not our official title. Nevertheless, this was not true in Great Britain. I may not be entirely correct, but I believe that "speech therapist" was the preferred term for a long time in the UK, but has recently been replaced with "speech-language therapist."
Various states in the USA may use different terms for their professionals in the schools who treat individuals with speech and language disorders. Different states also have varying standards for certification. However, we have a national certification from ASHA known as the "Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology" (CCC/SLP). This is earned after a person earns a master's degree in the field, which has very specific coursework, clinical practicum, and other requirements (e.g., a national examination). Most individual states also have licenses that people who work outside the schools, such as private practice or in hospitals, must obtain. Most of these states require the ASHA CCC standards for their minimum licensure requirements.
We also have a brand new "Board Recognized Specialist in Fluency Disorders" (BRSFD) credential. The Board is affiliated with ASHA but is not governed by it. We have approximately 300 specialists now in the inaugural cadre of specialists (mostly from the USA and a few from Canada and other countries). To become a specialist requires finding a recognized mentor (another credential), and with that person, arranging a post-master's course of study and practice specifically in fluency disorders. This will involve instruction, preparing a portfolio, getting experience in a number of clinical settings, becoming involved in continuing education, and finally taking another examination. It may seem daunting, but it really is quite possible for those really interested in specializing in stuttering. In the years to come, I believe the BRSFDs will greatly improve the treatment of stuttering in our country. They will do this, not only by their own work, but by helping train/consult with/encourage their SLP colleagues who also will work with the vast majority of people who stutter, clutter, or have other fluency disorders.
I know this is complicated, but there you have it. ;-)
I wish you the very best in your future and hope you can arrange the training you wish for. Cameroon, and most countries, can use all the SLPs and specialists in fluency disorders they can get.
Ken