Major: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
The story of Helen Keller is a powerful reminder of the isolation people feel when they're unable to communicate with the outside world. It’s also a reminder of the big difference one person can make.
If you choose this major, you'll be able to help people who have difficulty communicating -- and you won't have to commit to a graduate degree. You’ll learn about the many kinds of speech and language disorders as well as their assessment and treatment. You’ll also test the waters in supervised fieldwork, assisting certified speech-language pathologists in a range of settings, from hospitals to schools.
Students in this major learn the skills they need to assist speech-language pathologists as they help people with communication disorders.
Did You Know?
- Not all states permit the use of speech-language pathology assistants.
Are You Ready To...?
- Analyze normal and abnormal speech sounds
- Operate testing equipment
- Get hands-on training
- Study sign language
- Learn about assistive technology
It Helps to Be...
Good in science and patient with people: progress can be very slow.
College Checklist
- If your state requires licensure to work as a speech-language pathology assistant, will you be eligible to apply upon graduation?
- Is the program well rounded, providing training in both clinical and behavior management aspects?
- How many professors are in the department? Will you get the one-on-one attention you deserve?
- Will you have a chance to complete fieldwork in more than one setting and with different groups of people?
- Does the college help with job placement?
Did You Know?
- To become a speech-language pathologist, you'll need a master's degree.
Course Spotlight
Forget about your ABC’s. In phonetics, a commonly required course, you’ll learn the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which can be applied to any language. You’ll also study the anatomy and physiology of sound. And get ready to sharpen your listening skills: you’ll spend time transcribing speech -- both normal and abnormal -- in preparation for your work with patients.
