According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 3 million Americans stutter. In one survey study, almost 18 million adults reported having experienced a problem with their voice in the preceding 12 months. Also, 1 in 12 children ages 3 to 17 had experienced a disorder related to voice, speech, language or swallowing within the previous year, with boys affected more often than girls.1
These are just a few statistics on communication disorders, which affect people of all ages worldwide. Speech-language pathology professionals (SLPs) work with the client and family to diagnose conditions and address them with holistic treatment plans, ultimately helping clients communicate better and lead more fulfilling lives. Let’s explore an important role in that process—that of the speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). We’ll discuss how to become a speech-language pathologist assistant and what the role involves.
What Is an SLPA?
Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) function as support staff for certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Typical work environments for SLPAs include clinics, schools, hospitals, private practice, health care facilities and more.2
Communication disorders affect a person’s ability to process and produce language, one of our most important human abilities. Communication difficulties can affect an individual’s confidence level, school and job opportunities and personal relationships. They can range in severity from a complete inability to understand speech to relatively minor issues with pronouncing sounds incorrectly.3 Improving and overcoming these issues can make a big difference in a client’s life, and many speech-language pathologists find their work meaningful and rewarding.
The SLP assesses the client, provides a diagnosis and determines their rehabilitation needs. Next, they create a care plan incorporating therapeutic exercises and other interventions. During treatment, the SLP works with the patient/client/student to address language and literacy, fluency, articulation, voice, cognition, social communication, augmentative and alternative communication, feeding and swallowing and hearing.4
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant Do?
The day-to-day job of an SLPA may take many forms. SLPA requirements include working under the supervision of a licensed SLP. They assist SLPs in their daily practice and research, with the caveat that they are not trained to provide clinical interpretation of assessments. As outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the SLPA certifying organization, the job responsibilities of SLPAs may include:5
- Assist with speech, language and hearing screenings
- Provide treatment following documented protocols or treatment plans developed by the SLP
- Track and document client performance and report this information to the SLP
- Train clients on the use of alternative communication technology
- Manage clerical duties such as scheduling and educational supports
- Set up testing equipment
- Present educational information about prevention to those who may be at risk for speech, language and swallowing disorders
- Support the supervising SLP in their research projects, community outreach efforts and in-service training
5 Benefits of Becoming an SLPA
If you’re considering a career in speech-language pathology, becoming a speech-language pathologist assistant has advantages.
#1: Develop Practicum Experience with Clients
Becoming a speech-language pathologist assistant requires extensive training and certification. You must meet SLPA certification requirements to advance to each step in the certification process. Speech-language pathology assistant education requirements include completion of specific courses and a minimum number of supervised practicum hours in the field.6
The hands-on practicum experience you gain as an SLPA allows you to hone your client interaction skills and potentially apply those clinical hours toward becoming a speech-language pathologist assistant. Not all states have the same guidelines and prerequisites, so research your location’s certification and licensure information on ASHA’s State-by-State page.6
#2: Create Opportunities for Better Client Care
Studies note that client care suffers when healthcare professionals are overwhelmed by heavy workloads.7 As a strategy to manage the existing workloads facing speech-language pathologists, ASHA recommends the integration of SLPAs to deliver some of the required services.8 By learning how to become a speech-language pathologist assistant, your efforts can lessen those burdens on an SLP, giving them more time to dedicate to improving client care and outcomes.
#3: Learn from an Expert
The positive impact of mentorship is well-proven. In one case study, participants in a mentorship program were five times more likely to be promoted than those not in the program.9 For those exploring how to become an SLPA, mentoring is built into the work experience, as ASHA requires licensed SLPs to closely supervise their assistants.
#4: Join a Growing Field of Work
Along with a rapidly increasing population of seniors, the United States is experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers. One study found that, due largely to pandemic-related burnout, 30% of healthcare workers are considering leaving their profession.10
Speech-language pathology jobs are readily available. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 18% growth rate, faster than the average for all occupations, of SLP job opportunities between 2023 and 2033.11 By learning how to become a speech-language pathologist assistant, the breadth of job opportunities enables you to seek out the position that’s the best fit for you, which increases the chances that you’ll feel satisfied and stable in your job.
#5: Advance Your Career Path
Becoming a speech-language pathologist assistant may be your end goal. Or, it could be an early step along your career trajectory. Many people who are inspired to help people communicate start as SLPAs to gain experience and see if the field is a good fit. If you like it and want to increase your responsibilities, expertise and impact, you can move on to the next step: becoming an SLP.
To pursue the SLP path, you will need a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). The role of SLP was named by U.S. News & World Report as the third-best healthcare job in America in 2025.12 Whether you’re thinking about how to become an SLPA or want to advance your career, gaining job experience as an SLPA creates opportunities for industry networking and skill development through real-world practice.5
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Since 2017, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has established detailed speech-language pathology assistant education requirements for the training and certification of skilled practitioners.13
How Long Does It Take to Become an SLPA?
The first step in how to become an SLPA is education. Per ASHA’s speech-language pathology assistant education requirements and standards, a certification candidate must typically earn either an associate degree in an accredited SLPA program or a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as SLP, communication disorders or communication sciences and disorders.
When considering how to become an SLPA, pick a degree program that includes clinical experience. Speech-language pathologist assistant education requirements include the completion of a minimum of 100 hours of clinical experience or fieldwork under the supervision of an ASHA-certified or licensed practitioner. SLPA requirements also call for students to demonstrate their competency with relevant skills.4
SLPA Licensing Guidelines Vary by State
State licensure boards often regulate SLPA requirements for training candidates in their states. The list of requirements can vary significantly from state to state. Research the licensure standards in your state to understand your options.
Once speech-language pathology assistant education requirements by ASHA are satisfied, prospective SLPAs must apply to take the certification exam. If accepted, the candidate has 365 days to schedule and take the exam. Successfully passing this test grants the graduate an official ASHA certification as a C-SLPA.14
Speech-language pathologists and their assistants serve as a lifeline for the millions of Americans struggling with communication disorders. As the list of benefits shows, becoming a speech-language pathologist assistant can be a good first step along your career path.
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). The MS-SLP is an online program with residency experiences that happen four out of five trimesters at four USAHS campuses (San Marcos, St. Augustine, Austin and Dallas). The program offers three start dates per year, in September, January and May. Prepare to make a difference in the lives of clients across the lifespan with a meaningful career in speech-language pathology.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; satellite San Marcos, CA; satellite St. Augustine, FL; all distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Sources
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Quick Statistics About Voice, Speech, Language,” NIH, March 11, 2025, https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language.
- “About Speech-Language Pathology Careers,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2025, https://www.asha.org/students/about-speech-language-pathology-careers/.
- “Speech and Language Disorders,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2025, https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/.
- Adam Rowden, “What to know about speech therapy,” Medical News Today, Last reviewed March 27, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/speech-therapy.
- “Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs),” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2025, https://www.asha.org/assistants-certification-program/slpa-faqs/.
- ASHA Assistants Program, “Become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant,” ASHA, 2025, https://www.ashaassistants.org/pathways-speech-language-pathology-assistant/.
- “Healthcare Workers, Risk Factors for Stress and Burnout,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), April 23, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/risk-factors/stress-burnout.html.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Caseload and Workload: Approaches to Managing Existing Workload,” ASHA, 2025, https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/caseload-and-workload/#collapse_4.
- “Mentoring Statistics: The Research You Need to Know in 2024,” Guider AI, December 18, 2023, https://guider-ai.com/blog/mentoring-statistics-the-research-you-need-to-know/.
- American Hospital Association, “Fact Sheet: Strengthening the Health Care Workforce,” AHA, 2025, https://www.aha.org/fact-sheets/2021-05-26-fact-sheet-strengthening-health-care-workforce.
- “Speech-Language Pathologists,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, April 18, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm.
- Emily H. Bratcher, “Speech-Language Pathologist: Overview,” U.S. News and World Report, 2025, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/speech-language-pathologist.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “ASHA Assistants Program,” 2025, https://www.asha.org/assistants-certification-program/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Apply for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification (C-SLPA),” 2025, https://www.asha.org/certification/apply-for-slp-assistants-certification/.
