Assistant Speech & Language Therapist Jobs

A type of health care rehabilitation specialty, speech-language pathology involves helping patients gain or regain the ability to speak. Speech and language therapists are the licensed professionals who work in the field. In some settings, therapists receive help from assistants who are sometimes called speech-language pathology assistants. The Occupational Information Network predicts that demand for assistants will grow by 14 to 19 percent from 2008 through 2018.

Types of Duties

Speech-language pathology assistants set up rooms for rehabilitation sessions or for testing patients' use of language. While therapists perform tests, assistants may provide support by taking notes, videotaping sessions or performing other tasks as instructed. Once therapists develop patient treatment plans, assistants may work with patients on routine tasks such as reviewing flash cards or completing diction drills and exercises. Speech-language pathology assistants may also perform clerical tasks such as retrieving and updating patient files, completing insurance billing paperwork, scheduling appointments and answering phones.

Features

Speech-language pathology assistants may work in a variety of settings including elementary and secondary schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and outpatient rehabilitation centers. Some may also work for home health care agencies, providing care for patients in their own homes. Oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact well with people are necessary for success in the field. As of December 2010, no formal certification programs existed for speech-language pathology assistants, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Education

Educational requirements for speech-language pathology assistants vary among employers. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have an associate's degree in speech-language pathology assisting. These programs typically require two years to complete and are offered by community, junior and technical colleges. Some speech-language pathology assistants may complete shorter certificate or diploma programs offered by vocational, technical and medical training schools.

Compensation

As of November 2010, speech-language pathology assistants earned an average of $14.59 to $22.71 per hour, according to Payscale. When added to overtime pay and any annual bonuses received by workers in the field, these hourly rates equated to roughly $30,528 to $45,940 per year. Assistants who worked in home health care enjoyed the highest average annual rates of pay at $44,000 to $57,128. In addition to their salaries and bonuses, assistants reported earning benefits such as paid vacation and holiday time, 401k retirement plans, life and disability insurance, tuition and training reimbursements, and a casual dress code.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Summary Report for: 31-9099.01 - Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)
• Payscale: Hourly Rate Snapshot for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Jobs
• Payscale: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Salary by Industry
• Payscale: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Most Popular Benefits