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Career Exploration

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Also called: Communication Assistant, Speech Pathologist Assistant, Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA), Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

What they do:

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. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.

On the job, you would:
  • Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
  • Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
  • Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
On the job, you'll need:

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Health

  • therapy and counseling

Math and Science

  • psychology

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • looking for ways to help people

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Hearing and Speech

  • recognize spoken words
  • speak clearly

Social

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.

  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Social Orientation

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Medical software

  • Biofeedback software
  • Micro Video Video Voice Speech Training System

Text to speech conversion software

  • Text to speech software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $40,420

Education

Associate's degree or bachelor's degree is usually needed.