Core Capacities of Speech-Language Pathologists in Korea

Abstract

Objectives: This study was aimed to survey what are perceived to be the core capacities of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Methods: One hundred and fifty SLPs were surveyed with a questionnaire of 43 items based on the occupational and internal capacities by O*NET. We investigated the importance and performance/possession standards of the capacities, and explored the differences of capacities depending on the organization, experience and education. In addition, the priorities of SLPs in Korea and those in the United States were compared. Results: Firstly, importance of core capacities was rated higher than performance/possession standards for all 43 capacities. Secondly, when examining the discrepancies of SLP capacities in different organizations, the importance of 6 capacities and the performance/possession standards of 7 capacities were the highest for SLPs in hospital. Thirdly, when examining the discrepancies by experience, the importance of 2 capacities and the performance/possession standards of 7 capacities were the highest for those with 5 or more years of experience. Fourthly, when examining the discrepancies by education, the importance of 3 capacities and the performance/possession standards of 6 capacities were greater for those with degrees in graduate school or higher education. Fifthly, in comparing the priorities of SLP in Korea and those in the United States, the 13 capacities in Korea were relatively higher.