One of the fastest growing professions in the field of speech and language pathology is myofunctional therapy. This unique field offers a variety of career opportunities, as well as the chance to make a real difference for patients with a range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Myofunctional therapy professionals often work in private practices, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, and they have the skills and expertise to assess and treat a variety of patients. If you’re interested in a rewarding and in-demand profession, myofunctional therapy may be the right career path for you.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of speech and language therapy that focuses on the muscles in and around the mouth, jaw, and face. This therapy aims to improve the function of these muscles so that speech sounds can be produced correctly, and swallowing is efficient and effective. Myofunctional therapy also helps to improve mouth and facial muscle structure and function.
Myofunctional therapy professionals work with a wide range of patients, including those who have autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and other special needs. These professionals also work with individuals who have speech or language disorders, or swallowing problems. Myofunctional therapy can also be used as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to treating sleep apnea and other related breathing problems.
Opportunities in Myofunctional Therapy Careers
There are many career opportunities available in myofunctional therapy. Professionals in this field can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. Myofunctional therapy professionals typically work with a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, special education teachers, and more.
Myofunctional therapy professionals can also work as consultants, offering assessments and treatment plans for other speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists who work with children and adults with speech and language disorders or swallowing difficulties. Additionally, some myofunctional therapy professionals choose to become board-certified and start their own private practice.
How to Become a Myofunctional Therapist
To become a myofunctional therapy professional, you will need to complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or myofunctional therapy. Your coursework will likely include classes on neuroanatomy, developmental speech and language disorders, and other core speech-language pathology topics, as well as coursework specific to myofunctional therapy. After completing your degree, you will also need to pass the national examination in speech-language pathology to practice in the field.
It’s also important to note that many myofunctional therapy professionals opt to pursue additional certifications that can further their career opportunities. Board certification in myofunctional therapy is available through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. To become board-certified, you will need to complete additional coursework in myofunctional therapy, as well as a clinical practicum.
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy is a diverse and rapidly growing field that offers many rewarding career opportunities. Professionals in the field work with a variety of patients, from children with developmental delays to adults with sleep apnea. To become a myofunctional therapy professional, you will need to complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, as well as certification through the national examination. If you are an empathetic, caring person who enjoys working with children or adults who have communication or swallowing difficulties, a career in myofunctional therapy could be the perfect fit.