Are you looking for a career that allows you to work alongside speech language pathologists (SLP), assisting patients with communication issues? If so, a career as a speech language pathologist assistant could be right for you.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about the role and responsibilities of speech language pathology assistants, including what they do and how to become one.
What Does a Speech Language Pathology Assistant Do?
The main responsibility of a speech language pathology assistant is to provide support for an SLP, typically by assisting with and tracking patient development. Common responsibilities include:
- Completing tasks outlined in patients’ therapy plans
- Supporting patients in enhancing language, oral, and communication abilities
- Documenting patient advancements
- Collaborating with Speech-Language Pathologists to track treatment plan effectiveness
- Assessing individual patient requirements on a personalized level
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Requirements
There are several requirements for becoming a speech language pathology assistant, including obtaining certifications and meeting the right educational requirements.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Education Requirements
The first thing you need to become a speech language pathology assistant is a bachelor’s or associate degree in speech therapy. While it typically takes around two years longer to obtain a bachelor’s degree, having one can open you up to more jobs and give you an advantage in the job market.
Additional Requirements for Speech Language Pathology Assistants
In addition to having a degree in speech therapy, most speech language pathology assistant jobs require you to have a certain amount of clinical hours. These are usually obtained in conjunction with your degree.
Additionally, certain states require to obtain special licensure to work there. Therefore, if you are considering a role an SLP assistant, we advise you to look up the requirements for your state. If your state does require you to take an extra course or obtain additional certifications, you cannot work as an SLP assistant until you have done so.
If a career as an SLP assistant sounds like it might be right for you, check out our selection of SLP assistant jobs around the country to get a better understanding of the positions in your area.