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Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

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

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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.

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Education and Training
  • teaching and course design
Health
  • therapy and counseling
Math and Science
  • psychology

Skills

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

Abilities

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

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Social Orientation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Medical software
  • Biofeedback software
  • Micro Video Video Voice Speech Training System
Text to speech conversion software
  • Text to speech software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$37,740
$25,810
$59,250
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about speech-language pathology assistants.