31112

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

3 › 31 › 311 › 3111

Definition

Audiologists diagnose, evaluate and treat individuals with peripheral and central hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems. Speech-language pathologists diagnose, assess and treat human communication disorders including speech, fluency, language, voice and swallowing disorders. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are employed in hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions, or may work in private practice. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Audiologists
Develop and administer audiometric tests and examinations using specialized instruments and electronic equipment to diagnose and evaluate the degree and type of patients' hearing impairment
Plan and implement habilitation/rehabilitation programs for patients, including selection, fitting and adjustment of amplification devices, such as hearing aids, balance retraining exercises, and teaching speech (lip) reading
Educate and counsel patients and families regarding the nature, extent, impact and implications of hearing loss and treatment
Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Conduct research related to hearing and hearing disorders
May instruct and supervise audiometric technicians, students and other health care personnel.
Speech-language pathologists
Administer tests and examinations and observe patients to diagnose and evaluate speech, voice, resonance, language, fluency, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
Develop, plan and implement remedial programs to correct speech, voice, language, fluency, resonance, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
Establish group and personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Educate and counsel patients and families regarding communication and swallowing disorders
Conduct research on speech and other communication disorders and on the development and design of diagnostic procedures and devices
May instruct and supervise communicative disorders assistants, students and other health care personnel.

Example job titles

•audiologist
•certified audiologist
•clinical audiologist
•educational speech-language pathologist
•research audiologist
•speech therapist
•speech-language clinician

Overview

Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are categorized under NOC code 31112 (TEER 1). Audiologists are responsible for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating hearing and balance disorders, which includes prescribing and fitting amplification devices. Speech-language pathologists focus on diagnosing, assessing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. These professionals are employed across various settings, including hospitals, community clinics, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, and private practices.

To qualify for Canadian immigration pathways like Express Entry, candidates in this occupation must meet strict educational and licensing criteria. A master's degree in audiology or speech-language pathology is typically required. Additionally, registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory body is mandatory to practice professionally in Canada. Ensuring your educational credentials and licensing eligibility align with provincial requirements is vital for a successful immigration journey.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for official, up-to-date program guidelines.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.