A speech pathologist is a person qualified by a master?s degree in speech-language pathology, and where applicable, licensed by the state and practicing within the scope of the license. Also, known as speech therapist, a speech pathologist evaluates patients with language and speech impairments or disorders, whether arising from physiological and neurological disturbances, defective articulation or foreign dialects, and conducts remedial programs designed to restore or improve their communication efficacy. Speech pathologists assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.