Home >
Find a College >
Majors & Careers Central >
Profiles >
Career: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Career: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
You may find the stuttering cartoon character Porky Pig amusing, but to many children and adults who stutter, he’s no joke. Speech-language pathology assistants work under the supervision of speech-language pathologists to help people control their stuttering or other speech problems. They work in settings that range from hospitals to schools, guiding clients through speech exercises.
Speech-language pathology assistants help people with a range of speech problems.
Did You Know?
- Some states do not permit the use of speech-language pathology assistants. Find out if your state does at the website of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
Are You Ready To...?
- Take direction from supervising speech-language pathologists
- Work directly with patients on speech exercises
- Help speech-language pathologists diagnose patients
- Keep records
- Schedule appointments
- Care for equipment
- Keep client information confidential
It Helps to Be...
An excellent communicator who is compassionate and patient. Some clients may respond to treatments only after many sessions. It’s therefore important to set reasonable expectations and to supply steady encouragement.
Make High School Count
- Take plenty of science courses all through high school.
- Build strong communication skills in English, drama, and speech classes.
- Study a foreign language so you’ll be able to reach out and communicate with a range of clients.
- Volunteer at a speech or hearing clinic, a hospital, a school, or an elder care facility.
Did You Know?
- As a speech-language pathology assistant, you can't become a speech-language pathologist without going back to school and earning a master's degree.
