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How a speech-language pathologist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 29-1127.00: Speech-Language PathologistsMedian pay $97,870/year (BLS, May 2025)23 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP), Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (Pediatric SLP), Speech and Language Clinician, Speech and Language Specialist, Speech and Language Teacher, Speech and Language Therapist, Speech Clinician, Speech Pathologist, Speech Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 13%AI-assist 54%Stays human 33%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 2 AI-ready, 13 AI-assist and 8 human-led tasks out of 23. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 2

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.

Several times a day

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.

Context: We use eClinicalWorks EHR software and Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate.
Care provided: [assessments, training, progress]
Notes: [paste without names]

Draft a progress or discharge report. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Care summary report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write reports. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Care provided] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.. Also involves: Maintain medical facility records..

Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.

Daily

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.

Context: We use eClinicalWorks EHR software and Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate.
Paperwork: [consent, case coordination]
Requirements: [policy]

Make a checklist and templates. No patient details. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Healthcare paperwork checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you complete administrative responsibilities (today).
Step 2Fill in [Paperwork] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Process healthcare paperwork.. Also involves: Schedule patient procedures or appointments.; Prepare healthcare training materials..

AI can help you prep these 13

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.

Several times a day

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Client goals: [work, life skills]
Setting: [describe]

Plan activities, sequencing and measures. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Activity-based therapy plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop or implement treatment plans for problems.
Step 2Fill in [Client goals] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies..

Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.

Context: We use Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE and Language analysis software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Data: [de-identified records, trends]
Goal: [treatment planning]

Identify patterns and needs. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Patient needs analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals..

Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.

Daily

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.

Context: We use eClinicalWorks EHR software and Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate.
Care provided: [assessments, training, progress]
Notes: [paste without names]

Draft a progress or discharge report. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Care summary report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Care provided] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.. Also involves: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment..

Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.

Context: We use Text to speech software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Condition or disability: [describe]
Learners: [patients, families]

Plan teaching with practical techniques and handout. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Managing a condition at home

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you educate patients and family members about various topics (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Condition or disability] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses..

Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.

Context: We use Text to speech software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Condition or disability: [describe]
Learners: [patients, families]

Plan teaching with practical techniques and handout. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Managing a condition at home

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach clients (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Condition or disability] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses..

Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.

Context: We use Text to speech software and Avaaz Innovations Interactive Voice Analysis System IVANS; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Condition or disability: [describe]
Learners: [patients, families]

Plan teaching with practical techniques and handout. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Managing a condition at home

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct clients (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Condition or disability] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses..

Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Client goals: [work, life skills]
Setting: [describe]

Plan activities, sequencing and measures. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Activity-based therapy plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop speech exercise programs (today).
Step 2Fill in [Client goals] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies..

Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Population and purpose: [clients, communication, music therapy]
What to assess: [skills, needs]

Draft an assessment procedure with items, scoring and administration notes. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Design an assessment method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
Step 2Fill in [Population and purpose] and [What to assess] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop health assessment methods or programs..

Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Client goals: [work, life skills]
Setting: [describe]

Plan activities, sequencing and measures. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Activity-based therapy plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop individual or group activities or programs (today).
Step 2Fill in [Client goals] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies..

Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.

Context: We use Text to speech software and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Care needs: [general]
Caregivers: [parents, teachers, family]

Plan practical training. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Caregiver training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct lessons (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Care needs] and [Caregivers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel..

Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 36% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.

Context: We use Text to speech software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Session: [orientation, self-help, community class]
Audience: [describe]

Plan the agenda, activities and handouts. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Lead a session or event

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide communication instruction. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Session] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Lead classes or community events.. Also involves: Teach classes in area of specialization..

Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.

A few times a year

AI explains and quizzes you; confirm against official sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI can explain new developments and quiz you. Confirm what you learn against official sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Specialty: [describe]
Topic: [guideline, technique]

Summarize recent evidence, quiz me, and list guidelines to read. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Clinical update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in conferences.
Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain medical or professional knowledge.. Also involves: Present medical research reports..

Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.

Context: We use Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE and Speech analysis software; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Topic: [condition, treatment, question]
My goal: [study design, teaching, clinical update]

Summarize current evidence, key trials, open questions, and search terms for PubMed. Mark anything uncertain. I will verify every source.

10-minute exercise: Medical research brief

Step 1Pick a topic you need to get current on.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [My goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up the key trials it names. Don't use any you can't find.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.. Also involves: Present medical research reports..

These stay human 8

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Treatment or condition: [general type, no patient details]
What I track: [signs, scores, labs]

List the signs of good progress, warning signs, and questions to ask at each review. Make a charting template.

10-minute exercise: Progress review prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor patients' progress. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Treatment or condition] and [What I track] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the template on your next rounds.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments..

Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Question: [discharge, communication, specialty topic]
Who: [clinicians, educators]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Clinical consultation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult with advise educators or medical staff (today).
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues..

Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Test: [audiometry, speech test]
Patient group: [children, adults]

Write a plain-language explanation, instructions, and common results explained simply. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Hearing test explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient hearing.. Also involves: Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment..

Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to supervise or collaborate with therapy team.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Case: [general, no identifiers]
Question: [what you need from colleagues]

Prepare a summary, the question and options. Then play the colleague. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Interdisciplinary consult prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise or collaborate with therapy team (today).
Step 2Fill in [Case] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.. Also involves: Supervise patient care personnel..

Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.

Weekly

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Situation: [general, no patient details]
Options: [specialists, services]

List red flags and criteria for referral, and what to include in the referral. I decide.

10-minute exercise: Referral decision prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult with refer clients (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.. Also involves: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment..

Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Needs: [general description]
Supports: [devices, accommodations]

List supports and how to use them in class. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Supporting students with special needs

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use computer applications (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Needs] and [Supports] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist students with special educational needs.. Also involves: Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs..

Supervise students or assistants.

A few times a year

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to supervise students or assistants.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Students: [level]
Project: [describe]

Plan milestones, meeting questions and feedback approach. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising student research

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise students or assistants. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Students] and [Project] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise student research or internship work.. Also involves: Supervise technical medical personnel..

Communicate with students who use an alternative method of communications, using sign language or computer technology.

A few times a year

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a speech-language pathologist. Part of my job is to communicate with students who use an alternative method of communications, using sign language or computer technology.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and medicine and dentistry.
Needs: [general description]
Supports: [devices, accommodations]

List supports and how to use them in class. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Supporting students with special needs

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you communicate with students who use an alternative method of communications. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Needs] and [Supports] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Assist students with special educational needs.. Also involves: Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Active Listeningimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
  • Monitoringimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Persuasionimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Writingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Learning Strategiesimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

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  • Clinical Neuropsychologists61% human-led · Same preparation · $110,840/yr · usually post-doctoral trainingSkills to build: Persuasion, Social Perceptiveness, Negotiation
  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists53% human-led · Same preparation · $100,580/yr · usually post-doctoral trainingSkills to build: Active Listening, Persuasion, Social Perceptiveness
  • Psychiatrists71% human-led · Same preparation · $281,870/yr · usually post-doctoral trainingSkills to build: Social Perceptiveness, Negotiation, Persuasion

Getting into this job

Master's degree is most common (89% of workers)

  • Graduate degree 100%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years
  • Professional certification: important (5.0/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

eClinicalWorks EHR softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word