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Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants is the O*NET name for people who assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Interest ratings put Social on top at 5.5 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is SCI and the day leans toward helping, teaching or caring for people. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to active listening, speaking, and reading comprehension as the ones to build. You may also need to document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives. People who want helping, teaching or caring for people usually fit better here than those who need leading, persuading and making business decisions.

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.

Main tasks

  • 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.
  • Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
  • Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation
  • Monitoring

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on active listening and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You find a full day of dealing with people draining.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.5 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code SCI takes the three highest, and Social comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Communication Assistant
  • Speech Assistant
  • Speech Paraeducator
  • Speech Pathologist Assistant
  • Speech Therapy Assistant

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.