How to Become a Speech Therapy Assistant

Speech therapy assistants work under the direction of a licensed or credentialed speech-language pathologist.

Speech therapy assistants help speech-language pathologists examine and treat patients suffering from speech and language disorders, or voice and swallowing difficulties. They carry out treatment plans designed to change patients’ accents or improve patients’ memory. Speech therapy assistants use different devices, muscle exercises and communication methods to help patients regain speech, communication and swallowing skills. These professionals work with a variety of patients, ranging from infants to the elderly. Speech therapy assistant are employed in schools, day care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.

Things You'll Need

• Associate degree from accredited program
• Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) certification

Instructions

1. Attend a college or university that offers a speech therapy assisting program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (see Resources). Take courses in subjects such as college voice and diction, audiology, intercultural communication, American Sign Language and behavioral management. Train in phonology, child and adult language, motor speech, hearing and fluency. Learn about swallowing disorders and psychology in communication.

2. Volunteer at a medical clinic, general hospital or health care facility. Participate in clinical internships that provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience interacting with patients, as well as clerical skills. Execute remedial plans, assist speech-language pathologists during screenings, set up medical equipment and maintain patient records.

3. Register for certification through your state's board of examiners for speech pathology and audiology. Submit official transcripts and an application to your state's board of examiners office. Make sure you satisfy the general education requirements for your state, including completing technical coursework from an accredited speech-language pathology assisting program.

4. Apply for entry-level speech therapy assistant positions. Advertise your educational training, professional certification, and previous volunteer or internship experience. Promote qualities such as organizational, patient relations and interpersonal skills. Be willing to work in diverse teams; follow and execute instructions from supervisors; and build your knowledge in a variety of clinical areas as a full-time professional.

Tips & Warnings

• To become a licensed speech-language pathologist, you must first earn a bachelor's and master's degree from an accredited university, and pass the Praxis Examination in speech-language pathology. You must also acquire at least nine months of clinical work experience following graduation from your master's program.

• Some states do not allow speech therapy assistants. Check your state's licensing laws to ensure that you can legally practice in your region.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Speech-Language Pathologists; December 2009
• American Speech Language Hearing Association: Frequently Asked Questions
• The College Board: Career: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Pasadena City College: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
• Chemeketa Community College: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program

Resources

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Academic Program Accreditation