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Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

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What Does it Take to Be a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Example 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.

A Day in the Life of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
  • Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
  • Document clients’ progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
  • Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of speech-language research projects.
  • Collect and compile data to document clients’ performance or assess program quality.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Needed Skills

These are the skills Speech-Language Pathology Assistants say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Jobs

  • Speech - Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
  • Communication Assistant
  • Language Assistant
  • Anatomic Pathology Assistant
  • Speech Correction Assistant

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Job Outlook

In the United States, there were 97,300 jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,400 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 13,700 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant are Utah, Alaska, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Oklahoma, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

The salary for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants ranges between about $23,210 and $56,230 a year.

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Speech-Language Pathology Assistants who work in Delaware, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

How much do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $31,290
Alaska $45,830
Arizona $41,210
Arkansas $39,150
California $44,820
Colorado $33,600
Connecticut $38,750
Delaware $50,820
District of Columbia $51,830
Florida $38,690
Georgia $41,430
Hawaii $37,540
Idaho $34,930
Illinois $41,230
Indiana $34,240
Iowa $38,420
Kansas $38,900
Kentucky $38,570
Louisiana $29,380
Maine $34,580
Maryland $39,820
Massachusetts $40,690
Michigan $30,980
Minnesota $36,390
Mississippi $37,330
Missouri $42,800
Montana $35,200
Nebraska $38,470
Nevada $43,110
New Hampshire $32,410
New Jersey $36,540
New Mexico $39,210
New York $37,380
North Carolina $34,080
North Dakota $37,830
Ohio $38,330
Oklahoma $40,710
Oregon $41,890
Pennsylvania $41,530
Rhode Island $37,320
South Carolina $42,860
South Dakota $42,730
Tennessee $35,030
Texas $42,640
Utah $37,720
Vermont $41,660
Virginia $41,860
Washington $44,230
West Virginia $43,770
Wisconsin $35,100
Wyoming $40,530

What Tools & Technology do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Speech-Language Pathology Assistants:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
  • Text to speech software
  • Language analysis software
  • Signal analysis software
  • Speech analysis software
  • Biofeedback software
  • Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
  • ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
  • KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
  • Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
  • Propeller Multimedia React2

Becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Learn what Speech-Language Pathology Assistant education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

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Where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Work

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Below are examples of industries where Speech-Language Pathology Assistants work:

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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