Speech Pathologist (ANZSCO 252712)
Updated
What a Speech Pathologist does
Provides diagnostic assessment and management of disorders of communication and swallowing through direct intervention, education, consultancy, advocacy, or a combination of these approaches.
- Also called
- Speech Therapist
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 252712
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Assessing authority
- SPA
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredVia MLTSSLEligible
Employer-sponsored
Main tasks
- assessing and diagnosing the extent of client hearing loss using a wide range of techniques, including audiometric tests
- reporting results of assessments and tests in writing and making referrals to medical practitioners
- recommending solutions to those with hearing impairment including amplification, implantable devices, medical interventions and assistive listening devices and providing aural rehabilitation programs
- providing counselling, advice and information to clients and families as a part of overall treatment
- assisting with the development and management of noise control and hearing conservation strategies
- administering standardised and informal tests and observing clients to determine the nature and extent of their communication disorders or swallowing difficulties
- providing treatment and management of speech, language, learning and communication disorders that may be developmental, part of a disability, or acquired as a result of injury or disease
- advising on the positioning of the body and on the textures of food and fluids which assists an individual to eat and swallow safely without choking
- providing information and education to health professionals, early childhood educators and teachers, and support and counselling to individuals affected by communication and swallowing difficulties, and to their families and carers.
Shortage by state
- NationalShortage
- ACTShortage
- NSWShortage
- NTShortage
- QLDShortage
- SAShortage
- TASShortage
- VICShortage
- WAShortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Speech Pathologist do?
Provides diagnostic assessment and management of disorders of communication and swallowing through direct intervention, education, consultancy, advocacy, or a combination of these approaches. Also called: Speech Therapist. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Speech Pathologist on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Speech Pathologist (ANZSCO 252712) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Speech Pathologist?
252712. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Speech Pathologist migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Speech Pathologist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Speech Pathologist for an Australian visa?
SPA, the skills assessing authority listed for 252712.
Is Speech Pathologist in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.