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Speech language pathologists and their assistants can make a real difference in patients’ lives by improving their ability to communicate with others. Starting your career as a speech language pathology assistant is an excellent way to gain knowledge and experience in the speech language pathology field. Read on to learn more about speech pathology assistant career requirements and salary information.

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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

• Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
• Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
• As few as six terms to complete 
• Full-time and part-time plans of study

What Do Speech Language Pathology Assistants Do?

As a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA), you would assist a speech language pathologist (SLP) in assessing and treating patients with language, speech, fluency and voice disorders or impediments. Assistants aid in things like patient care and research, implementing speech and language programs planned by the SLP, and compiling data to assess the quality of the program. 

How Does an SLP Assistant (SLPA) Compare to Related Professions?

Now that you know what an SLPA is and what they do and why you should become one, let’s take a look at a few related professions and how they compare:

SLP vs. SLP Assistant

A speech language pathology assistant aids a speech language pathologist in assessments and research along with putting the SLP’s plans for a particular patient into action. The main difference between an SLP and an SLP assistant is their qualifications. SLPs must receive a master’s degree along with a license from the state in which they wish to practice. SLP assistants, on the other hand, only need an associate degree in a related subject to qualify for a SLPA assistant job.

Audiology Assistant vs. SLP Assistant

Audiology assistants and SLP assistants are both assistants, but they assist different kinds of patients. While SLP assistants assist patients with language, speech, fluency and voice disorders, audiology assistants aid patients with hearing problems exclusively. Also, according to the  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  (ASHA), you usually only need a high school diploma or GED to apply to be an audiology assistant, while you’ll typically need at least an associate’s degree to be a speech language pathology assistant. However, check specific requirements in your state. 

SLP Aide vs. SLP Assistant

Speech therapy aides and SLP assistants handle similar duties, including assisting the SLP and their patients. However, ASHA says speech therapy aides generally have a narrower training base and more limited responsibilities than assistants. Therefore, aides require direct supervision by an SLP, while assistants are free to perform tasks prescribed by the SLP.

Communication Aide vs. SLP Assistant

In some states, speech language pathologists are  required to register support personnel under certain titles  to differentiate between their experience and educational backgrounds. In some of these states, the term “communication aide” is applied to personnel fitting ASHA’s traditional definition of a speech language pathology aide.

How to Become a Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Keeping in mind that SLPA requirements vary by state, here are three common steps to become a SLPA:

• Earn an associate degree in a related field.  While not all states require SLPAs to earn a degree, ASHA recommends earning an associate degree in an SLP program. Courses cover normal communication processes, communication disorders and workplace behaviors.
• Complete 100 hours of supervised fieldwork.  After completing your degree, go to work shadowing an ASHA-certified SLP.  ASHA recommends completing 100 hours of fieldwork  supervised by a practicing SLP. Without this supervised experience, some SLPAs may not be fully recognized in their profession.
• Check your state’s SLPA licensing guidelines.  Since the requirements for speech pathology support personnel like SLPAs vary around the country, you must check your state’s specific licensing requirements. For example, state licensure boards may require minimum fieldwork hours as well as degree specifications or credit hours. These agencies may also credential speech pathology assistants to work in certain settings, such as schools. There are also a few states that have continuing education requirements for speech therapist assistants.

Speech Pathology Assistant Certification

Earning an ASHA certification is a great way to prove to employers that you have both the knowledge and experience to do your job well.  To be eligible to take the SLPA certification exam  and subsequent certification, you’ll need to complete one of three pathway options that best fits your education background and qualifications. On top of your education, you’ll also need to complete the following mandatory course and experience requirements no more than two years before taking the exam, according to ASHA:

• A one-hour ethics course.
• A one-hour course in universal safety precautions.
• A one-hour patient confidentiality training course (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.).
• 80 hours of direct patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP;
• 20 hours of indirect patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP.

For more information on the certification process, check ASHA’s  Assistants Certification Program page .

Demand for Speech Pathology Assistant Jobs

According to ASHA, it is difficult to discern the demand for Speech Pathology Assistant jobs, but it seems to be on the rise. In 2006, only 20% of schools surveyed by ASHA reported they employed SLP support personnel. However, in 2009,  42% of the schools surveyed in the ASHA Membership survey  had SLPs who reported using support personnel in school settings.

“It appears that use of support personnel may be increasing in health care settings, based on the 32% [of SLPs] in these settings who indicated on the ASHA 2009 membership survey that they employ one or more SLP support personnel,” according to ASHA. That number is up from the  14% of health care-based SLPs who reported they used support staff  in the 2003 ASHA omnibus survey. All signs point to this being a great time for you to become an SLP aide or assistant.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech Therapist Assistant?

To become a speech therapy assistant or speech language pathology assistant, many states require at least two years of proper schooling, such as an associate degree in an SLP program. After that, you need to spend at least 100 hours performing supervised fieldwork. So, becoming a speech therapist assistant will take you a little over two years.

What Is the Median Speech Pathology Assistant Salary?

The salary of a speech language pathology assistant can vary depending on many factors. As with  other speech pathology careers , your education and amount of relevant experience directly influence the salary you earn, as does the region of the country in which you live. ONET Online, a division of the Department of Labor, reports the  median salary for a speech language pathology assistant  in 2019 was $18.49 an hour, or $38,460 a year.

Is a Speech Pathologist Assistant Career Right for You?

Working as a speech pathologist assistant is an excellent career for those who want to work in the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) field and help people overcome their speech challenges. It’s also ideal for those waiting to be accepted to a  master’s in speech pathology program . This is because, in most circumstances, anyone with an  undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders  can become an SLPA. 

From there, students can participate in “bridge” programs that enable SLPAs to attend graduate school part-time to obtain a master’s degree while working in the CSD field,  ASHA reports . Once you have your master’s degree, you’re on your way to  becoming a fully certified speech language pathologist .

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Information last updated March 2021

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Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Job summary:.

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant will assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders, implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists, and monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Duties/responsibilities:.

• Implements treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
• Documents clients progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
• Assists speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
• Performs support duties such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
• Collects and compiles data to document clients performance and to assess program quality.
• Selects and/or prepares speech-language instructional materials.
• Assists speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings and assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, and hearing.
• Tests and maintains equipment to ensure performance.
• Conducts in-service training sessions and family and community education programs.
• Prepares charts, graphs, and other visual displays to communicate clients performance information.
• Assists speech-language pathologists in the conduct of speech-language research projects.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Strong ability to recognize nuances in speech.
• Basic understanding of the concepts of Speech Pathology.

Education and Experience:

• Training in vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an Associates degree required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

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Graduate Research Assistant

• Dallas, Texas, United States

Title: Graduate Research Assistant

Employee Classification: Graduate Research Assistant

Campus: University of North Texas - Dallas

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The Department of Public Leadership at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) focuses on preparing students for leadership roles in public administration and related fields. The department offers a Master of Science in Public Leadership (MSPL), which is designed to equip students with the skills needed to address contemporary governance issues and lead public service organizations effectively.

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The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in Public Leadership will support faculty-led research projects, contribute to academic publications, and assist in various departmental activities. The GRA will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting findings. This position provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on research experience and professional development in the field of public administration. GRA reports to the Principal Investigator (PI) or Faculty Advisor.

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• Must be currently enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program in Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
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• Ability to conduct literature reviews, design research studies, collect and analyze data, and synthesize findings.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., ArcGIS, SPSS, STATA, R) and techniques for analyzing quantitative data.
• Skills in conducting interviews, focus groups, content analysis, and case study research.
• Strong writing skills for drafting reports, research papers, grant proposals, and policy briefs.
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• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, including setting goals, planning, organizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skills in managing and organizing data, including using databases and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Capacity to think critically about complex issues, identify problems, and develop evidence-based solutions.
• Proficiency in using various software tools, including word processing, spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel), presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint), and reference management tools (e.g., EndNote, Zotero).
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• Commitment to maintaining high standards of ethical and professional conduct in all research activities and interactions.

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About the Author

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Categories: Anesthesia for Nurses , DHA , MHA , Health Informatics , Occupational Therapy , Physical Therapy , Physician Assistant Studies , Speech-Language Pathology