Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Communication Assistant
- Speech Pathologist Assistant
- Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
Alternate Job Titles
- Anatomic Pathology Assistant
- Certified Pathology Assistant
- Communication Assistant
- Hearing and Speech Assistant
- Language Assistant
- Pathology Assistant
- School SLPA (School Speech Language Pathologist Assistant)
- School SLPA (School Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant)
- SLPA (Speech and Language Pathology Assistant)
- SLPA (Speech Language Pathologist Assistant)
- Speech and Language Assistant
- Speech Assistant
- Speech Correction Assistant
- Speech Language Assistant
- Speech Paraeducator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
- Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Empathy
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Airflow measurement devices
- Alternative computer keyboards
- Circumaural headphones
- Closed circuit television CCTV surveillance systems
- Communications boards
- Compact disk CD players
- Compact stereo systems
- Computer inkjet printers
- Copy machines
- Desktop computers
- Diagnostic stroboscopes
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital audiometers
- Digital still cameras
- Digital video stroboscopy systems
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Physical Proximity
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Healthcare Support Workers, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $32,450 |
| Median | $46,050 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $68,180 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 103,650
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Speech-Language Pathologists
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $95,410
Occupational Therapy Aides
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,370
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $68,340
Audiologists
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $92,120
Psychiatric Technicians
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $42,590
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.