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Job outlook for speech-language pathology assistants in the United States
Speech-language pathology assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected speech-language pathology assistant job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 34,000 new jobs for speech-language pathology assistants are projected over the next decade.
Speech-language pathology assistant salaries have increased 9% for speech-language pathology assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 44,334 speech-language pathology assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 25,189 active speech-language pathology assistant job openings in the US.
The average speech-language pathology assistant salary is $58,806.
Are speech-language pathology assistant jobs in demand?
Speech-language pathology assistant job and salary trends over time
Speech-language pathology assistant jobs over time
Speech-language pathology assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 44,334 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 41,907 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 41,974 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 39,995 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 40,029 | 0.01% |
Average speech-language pathology assistant salary over time
Speech-language pathology assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,806 | $28.27 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $57,215 | $27.51 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $56,277 | $27.06 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $55,370 | $26.62 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $54,046 | $25.98 | +1.5% |
Speech-language pathology assistant jobs by state
Most common states for speech-language pathology assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 265 | 20% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 118 | 19% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 266 | 15% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 621 | 9% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 88 | 9% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 226 | 7% |
| 7 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 200 | 7% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 147 | 7% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 56 | 7% |
| 10 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,165 | 6% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 546 | 6% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 415 | 6% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 371 | 6% |
| 14 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 294 | 6% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 223 | 6% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 115 | 6% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 61 | 6% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 49 | 6% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,905 | 5% |
| 20 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 666 | 5% |
Most common cities for speech-language pathology assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairfax | 2 | 8% | $60,581 |
| 2 | Fredericksburg | 2 | 7% | $60,526 |
| 3 | Fairbanks | 2 | 6% | $70,769 |
| 4 | Beaumont | 2 | 2% | $70,178 |
| 5 | San Mateo | 2 | 2% | $75,316 |
| 6 | New Orleans | 4 | 1% | $55,492 |
| 7 | Scottsdale | 3 | 1% | $62,172 |
| 8 | Glendale | 2 | 1% | $62,351 |
| 9 | Salinas | 2 | 1% | $75,024 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $62,300 |
| 11 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $70,640 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $72,568 |
| 13 | Mesa | 2 | 0% | $62,178 |
| 14 | Miami | 2 | 0% | $61,791 |
| 15 | San Jose | 2 | 0% | $75,036 |
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of speech-language pathology assistant experts
University of Florida
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Idaho State University
Mercy College
California State University - Sacramento
Longwood University
University of North Texas
New York University
Adelphi University
University of Iowa
Maryville University
Iona College
Thiel College
Our Lady of the Lake University
Northern Michigan University
Bloomsburg University
California State University, Fullerton
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Marywood University
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Clinical Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Florida
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP: With the significant changes in the makeup of the US population, knowledge of a second language and language issues surrounding second language acquisition will be sought after skills in CSD. Other skills that will be important include being able to use telepractice and artificial intelligence in the assessment and intervention of individuals with communication disorders. I believe the need for skilled clinicians who are experienced in all three of these areas will continue to increase over the next 5+ years.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP: I think the main thing is to be open to new clinical and educational experiences. There are a range of clinical and educational environments that graduates in CSD can work in. I would encourage new graduates to think about their interests and their strengths and weaknesses when deciding on their first job. Now is the time to consider new clinical and educational environments, even some that are different from the clinical placements you completed in graduate school. You would want to make yourself aware of all the possibilities and explore the kinds of jobs that are available. And remember, if your first job isn’t all you hoped for, there are lots of other possibilities to move on to.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP: This goes along with my answer to the first question. To maximize earning potential it is important to be flexible and open to the diverse range of clinical environments available to graduates of CSD. The need for SLPs and audiologists will continue to increase in the next 5+ years and so should salaries. Being open to all types of work environments will give the new graduate the best options for higher salaries. Typically, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and private practices pay the most, but it is important to check out all options because of various benefits that are associated with different job settings. There are even traveling positions for SLPs that pay very well.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Kristy Weissling: Science and technology. It is likely that we will see large advances in our understanding of learning, recovery, and social science in the next 3-5 years. It will be important that people beginning their career keep up to date with new discoveries especially related to AI.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristy Weissling: My advice is to see yourself as a glass half full. Some individuals default to feeling that they are not ready, they see themselves as an empty glass. Some people see themselves as full of new knowledge and skill, but there is still much to learn. You won’t know everything you need to know, but you will know some things you need to know. Focus on using what you do know to enhance the communication of the people you have been tasked to see.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Kristy Weissling: I think that employers are attracted to people who can identify their particular skill sets. If you have a strength, market it. For example, if you have a passion and experience in working with autistic children, use your interview and application materials to demonstrate how you can add to the organization's mission through a specific skill set. I always encourage students to get as many experiences as they can that help them stand from others. While there are many jobs in the field of speech pathology, finding the exact setting you want, for example an acute care setting, in a particular geographical location may take time. This is where volunteering for and marketing your experiences can be helpful.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Jessi Hardy MS, CCC-SLP: Give yourself grace when learning as you enter the workforce. Realize that it can be from 'misses' that your career will experience some of its best lessons. It's a marathon, not a sprint; be sure self-care is part of your regimen early on in your career. We give invaluable care to others but we cannot do so unless we first care for ourselves.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jessi Hardy MS, CCC-SLP: Virtual Reality and other integrative or experiential technology; cutting-edge use of instrumental measurement tools to add quantitative results to existing trends which foster qualitative measurements in assessment; and new and exciting ways to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in treatment are some of the upcoming exciting growth areas with CSD fields I can imagine on the horizon.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Jessi Hardy MS, CCC-SLP: Achieving your potential in salary is a strategic process. Some methods I believe might increase odds include engaging in continuing education professional development; participating in research development in your specialty area(s); knowing everything widely but a few things deeply (positioning yourself professionally so you offer both 'diversity and depth' of practice); and finally, be confident and do your research for your geographical location, the company you are hiring on with, and the setting you are entering. Compensation varies drastically by practice area in CSD fields.
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins
Clinic Director and Externship Coordinator, Speech-Language Pathologist, MA CCC-SLP, MSHIMercy College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins: The first rule of thumb is to always question the first offer and have in mind your counteroffer criteria. Keep in mind that you may not get a starting salary commensurate to a seasoned certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), but you can confirm that increases in salary are customary upon certification and/or licensure and that annual increases based on merit, or years of experience are available. In addition to these monetary options, an assessment of the resources and benefits of the job should be considered. If you have to buy your own materials and don't have medical insurance, then the financial compensation should be counterbalanced to that. Good luck, may you get all that you deserve!
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins: As you enter the field of speech-language pathology, you have invaluable hands-on experiences under your belt and a fresh knowledge base to build on. If you remember that this is a service field and not a know-it-all field, then the best advice for most situations comes from the stoic adage that you have two ears and one mouth so listen twice as much as you speak. You will be listening to your clients, patients and their caretakers, and to your clinical fellowship mentor so that you can address their needs and meet their expectations. This is not to discount your newly developed clinical instincts, but instead, it is to recognize that you are a lifelong learner and everyone you meet will teach you something. You need to know what they want and expect so that you can provide the correct solutions by asking probing questions and helping them exactly where they need you.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins: The future of speech-language pathology is heading towards technological advancement in many ways. Therefore, the skill of technological aptitude will be increasingly necessary. This does not negate the personal interactive skills that a clinician has, but instead technology will be used to advance the reach of the field and the effectiveness of the services we provide. Telehealth (telepractice) is growing and that is one way that more clients will be able to gain access to the services that we provide across the scope of practice. Additionally, the way that outcomes will be measured can become more precise and therefore more valuable, due to more objectivity. And there are constant advancements in technologies that provide a voice to those who would have traditionally been left without one. Technological innovation will provide options that were only seen in science fiction shows like Star Trek. It is to everyone's advantage that we embrace and learn how technology can help us to make ourselves more useful.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Dr. Elisabeth D'Angelo Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS: Be open to trying all aspects of the field: medical, school, early intervention/home based care…. If you are not sure where you want to end up or focus on and cannot decide between medical or school, adults or children, make sure you get as many experiences as you can. Ask your Clinical Fellowship Year supervisor a lot of questions: you are still learning. You are not expected to know it all when you are done with your Master’s Degree. In fact, the most successful speech-language pathologists know that they will always continue to learn!
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elisabeth D'Angelo Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS: Bilingualism is a great and important skill!!! Keep your skills up and if you are bilingual make sure you negotiate for payment for that skill! Early Intervention services and Medical Speech Pathology services will only grow as the population continues to age and survive injuries and illnesses, and we keep premature or medically-fragile babies alive. Learn about pediatric feeding and swallowing issues: seek continued education and mentorship! This is great area of need and only continues to grow! Many children have persistent issues in feeding and swallowing into their school careers: and we are the specialty that understands this function and can assess and treat. Always speak up! Advocacy is one of our most important tools!!! We can advocate for our patients, students, and policy changes!!! You are a communication specialist and you are speaking for those who cannot!
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elisabeth D'Angelo Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS: Be open to negotiating. Know the salary ranges in your area. Ask speech pathologists what they make. Look at the benefits: can be a very big part of your compensation with 401K matching, employer paid insurance, potential for increases in salary and responsibility. However, be aware that many agencies that have excellent pay, may require you to move around in settings (i.e. not stay in one school or part-time in a school and part in a clinic, but no consistency). Per diem work is very lucrative but without benefits, so if you work in the schools and work on the weekends a little or during the summers as per diem, you can make quite a bit of extra salary. Or, you can do tele-practice for an agency after school hours from home. If you want to work in the schools, many of the districts have sign-on bonuses or student loan payment programs.
Ronda Walker
Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and DisordersLongwood University
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Ronda Walker: Start before you even start your first job. You must negotiate. Check to see what comparable salaries are in the area and in the setting before you even go in for the interview. Have a range in mind. Once you are in the job. Keep up with continuing education and professional development. Pursue a specialization that you are passionate about. That might be feeding and swallowing, early intervention, etc.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ronda Walker: I don't think it will be much of a difference than what you need now, including critical thinking, problem solving, flexibility, active listening, cultural competence, collaborative practice, and evidence based practiced. And, of course, you will need great oral and written language skills.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Ronda Walker: Definitely take part in continuing education. This field is constantly changing, and you need to keep up with the changes. This will also help keep you passionate about your field. Connect with your professional peers. Join your state and local organization. And take care of yourself. It is easy to get burned out, so take care of your needs.
Stacy Nunnelee
Speech Language Pathology Clinical Supervisor, Senior Lecturer, Director of Undergraduate StudiesUniversity of North Texas
Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Stacy Nunnelee: For audiologists and speech-language pathologists, the first essential skill is the level of education. An employer is going to confirm the education and certification that our major students have first and foremost.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Assistants possess?
Stacy Nunnelee: As far as soft skills, our students need to enjoy working with people and need to enjoy being around people a lot. They will also need to have compassion and empathy for people with a variety of disorders and be comfortable if someone has trouble communicating.
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants earn the most?
Stacy Nunnelee: Starting salaries don't vary, except from state to state and from different types of facilities (education, medical, etc.). But demonstrating good patient outcomes, being a good leader, and/or having good research and/or community outreach can be an asset to move up.
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor; Director of Bilingual Extension ProgramNew York University
Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: Examples of advocacy for self and/or others within their own heritage or out of school experiences, insider's perspective with regard equity or inequity within dis/ability, multilingualism, racial, gender and other intersections OR understanding of own positionalities with regard to ableism and linguistic justice.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Assistants possess?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: Most clinical supervisors would say that openness to feedback and critical thinking are desirable soft skills. In the context of classrooms, and depending on how the students are taught, metacognitive awareness, learning flexibility, reflexivity, and criticality are all general foundational skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: In the field of SLP, writing and speaking, specifically academic (and 'standardized') English, is what is most important. (and within this, the expectation is that writing is academic, vocabulary is diverse, and that there is a deep bridging of content -to-practice)
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants earn the most?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: It seems like the typical skills that people look for - productivity, fast turnaround and timeliness, academic language use (or 'professionalism') ... I feel like all of this is highly dependent on opportunities and the ability to have either sponsors or faculty who are culturally and linguistically responsive who know how to mentor.
Jason Rosas
Assistant ProfessorAdelphi University
Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Education and Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Jason Rosas: Speech-language pathologists should highlight the telecommunications platforms they know, i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. If working with school-aged clients, they should also highlight familiarity with web services such as Google Classroom, Moodle, Canvas, etc.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Assistants possess?
Jason Rosas: All SLPs are competent communicators, and they will need this skill to negotiate remote scheduling and teaching parents/caregivers how to set up equipment for telepractice. It's important that SLPs practice patience and flexibility. Explaining procedures, training caregivers, and problem-solving difficulties that arise takes time. In addition, SLPs may need to deviate from routines and schedules, which requires significant flexibility.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants?
Jason Rosas: SLPs must become competent in the components of their telecommunications equipment to ensure the most secure, stable, and fastest connections. Often SLPs are working with caregivers or parents who are not accustomed to problem-solving connections problems and why they may occur. Therefore, learning not only their own equipment but that of their clients becomes an additional technical skill. Lastly, therapy requires many trials to see optimal results. So planning engaging audio-visual activities for multiple clients with varied communication disabilities is very important.
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants earn the most?
Jason Rosas: Everyone expects the quality of service to be maintained regardless of the service delivery method used. SLPs who demonstrate that they are effective and engaging via telepractice, as demonstrated in client goal outcomes, will see their stock rise!
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: In this field, it is imperative that you have a mindset for continuous learning and that you prioritize your critical thinking skills. Given the increased prevalence of social media clinicians (e.g., speech-language pathology influencers), it will be your continued job to critically analyze information presented on these mediums to ensure you are following best practices. Similarly, with developments in AI such as ChatGPT, new grads will need to be skilled at thoughtfully utilizing these supports if they choose to do so. While these things can be immensely beneficial for productivity, it will be everyone’s continued responsibility to ensure they are using these in accurate and applicable ways.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: Highlight any special experiences or trainings from graduate school and clinical practicums. Like many other careers in both medical and educational sectors, most facilities have structured pay scales with entry-level salaries varying based on geographical location and facility type.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: To be open to any setting (hospital, school, outpatient/private practice) and to research each option to try to determine what best fits your priorities. And to recognize that you can always make a change regarding the setting you are in; just because you start in one setting does not mean you have to stay there for your entire career.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Michelle Veyvoda Ph.D.: I think it's possible we'll see people from other professions - professions that have been greatly impacted by the pandemic - consider a career change. I could see people in other human-centered, interactive careers, such as the arts, considering a switch to speech pathology because it allows for creativity and connection and offers a stable career. I would also imagine that there will be an increase in telepractices. Just like we've seen many telehealth businesses start in the medical field over the past year, the same will likely happen in speech. The idea of telepractice hasn't always been popular, but families and clinicians are seeing that it offers greater access to and convenience for therapy sessions.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michelle Veyvoda Ph.D.: It is not advised that a graduate from a master's program take a gap year, since they need a year of clinical work (called the Clinical Fellowship Year or CFY) in order to become certified. It is more common for college graduates to take a gap year between graduation and beginning graduate study. The best thing a graduate could do in a gap year would be to work in a relevant field. This includes working as a teaching assistant or SLP-assistant in a school or hospital, interning at a clinic/school/hospital, getting some research experience, or even providing day care for children with disabilities. Anything you do to gain experience working with other people while learning about healthcare or education will enhance your resume and preparedness for graduate study.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Michelle Veyvoda Ph.D.: A graduate might want to consider what specialty, if any, they are interested in pursuing. They should secure a CFY position based on that interest so they can begin getting experience in it as soon as possible. But it is equally important to keep your mind open to all the opportunities that exist in speech pathology. Many graduates enter their professional life planning to work with one population (children, for example) and end up falling in love with a different population, such as geriatrics. Graduate school is essential for developing the necessary knowledge and skills, but the true experiences that mold someone's clinical practice happen from direct contact with clients. So get as much experience as possible.
Nicole Billak
Adjunct professorThiel College
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants to find work opportunities?
Nicole Billak: Technology has been essential to the continuation of most professions since COVID-19, and I predict this trend will continue. Technology offers flexibility in our service delivery and allows our clients the opportunity to continue receiving the care they need while staying safe. I believe that we have only scratched the surface with how technology can expand our field and am excited to see where technology can take us.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Nicole Billak: Young graduates will need to have strong written and verbal communication skills. After all, communication is what we are teaching to others. To do that effectively, we need to be strong communicators ourselves. Graduates will also need to have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. When the pandemic hit, speech language pathologists were forced to rapidly develop various ways to provide services to clients, demanding problem-solving skills. Diagnostics in speech language pathology will require critical thinking to ensure all client needs are being appropriately met.
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Nicole Billak: Pennsylvania provides a fantastic setting for speech language pathologists because of the variety of opportunities available in this field. As a state with a multitude of early intervention services and geriatric care, career opportunities are available working with clients in all stages of life.
Patti Solomon-Rice Ph.D.
Director, Associate ProfessorOur Lady of the Lake University
Woolfolk School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Speech-Language Pathology Assistants?
Patti Solomon-Rice Ph.D.: I suspect the primary impact of the coronavirus on current and future graduates will be increased use of telepractice as a service delivery method for a subset of appropriate clients and patients. Prior to the pandemic, telepractice was typically utilized to provide services for students/clients/patients who lived in remote areas where very few speech-language pathologists practiced, or who had communication disorders that benefitted from specialized expertise not commonly demonstrated by practicing speech-language pathologists.
It was also utilized in school settings where there was a shortage of SLPs. As a result of the pandemic, telepractice as a type of service delivery has now been used widely by speech-language pathologists and more widely accepted by clients and patients. I suspect telepractice will now become a more common practice when working with adults who have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave their house, such as adults who are recovering from strokes or demonstrating degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
I also suspect telepractice will also become more common for speech-language pathologists in private practice settings working with older children and teens demonstrating articulation, stuttering, voice and language challenges. Telepractice could also become a more common practice for private practitioners working with adult clients in the area of accent reduction.
What type of skills will young Speech-Language Pathology Assistants need?
Patti Solomon-Rice Ph.D.: The skills that young graduates need when entering the workforce in the coming years will not dramatically change from the skills that are currently important. Speech-language pathologists need to be empathetic, good listeners, positive, flexible and enthusiastic. We need to be analytic problem solvers and excellent observers. We need to understand information at a complex level but be able to explain that information and provide examples at the appropriate level for our students/clients/patients/family members, which will vary from person to person. We need to have excellent people skills, allowing us to interact comfortably with many different types of individuals and quickly put them at ease. Speech-language pathologists need to be both intelligent and have strong writing skills.
Young graduates will increasingly need to be adept and comfortable with technology in general and with assistive technology for augmentative and alternative communication more specifically. Both currently and in the coming years, speech-language pathologists need to continually develop their cultural humility and ability to demonstrate culturally responsive practices when working with students/clients/patients. Speech-language pathologists also need to be life-long learners and enjoy learning to use new assessment tools, new therapy approaches and new ways of implementing therapy, as our profession is constantly changing and growing.
What experience really stands out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Patti Solomon-Rice Ph.D.: To really stand out, students entering the workforce need to demonstrate experiences beyond completing required academic coursework and clinical practicum in pediatric and adult externships settings. To stand out, they should strive to complete externships at well-known and respected settings within their community. They should complete a Master's thesis and work closely with an academic faculty member to complete research as a graduate assistant and present that research at a state association convention. They should complete elective certificate programs offered through their graduate program. They should demonstrate a desire to go above and beyond the requirements of the program. Lastly, they should demonstrate professional volunteerism and volunteer at their local and state associations, as well as volunteer for ASHA's National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Speech-language pathologists who are changing employment settings will stand out through promotions at their current employment settings which provide opportunities for leadership growth. They should demonstrate increasing responsibilities at each of their subsequent employment settings. They should also demonstrate professional volunteerism, as well as increasing leadership positions within their local, state and national associations.
Lori Nelson SLP.D
Associate Professor, Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Lori Nelson SLP.D: Due to the pandemic, a major change for many speech-language pathologists is the need to conduct sessions via telepractice. A clinician will need to be flexible in terms of being able to coordinate and conduct sessions via distance methods based on pandemic factors. Telepractice will continue to be used in many settings once the pandemic is over. Employment opportunities should be plentiful in medical settings with our aging population, however, school districts in particular may be in special need of speech-language pathologists in the upcoming years.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lori Nelson SLP.D: If a student takes time off between their bachelor's and graduate programs, a recommendation of mine would be to use that time to gain experiences interacting with a wide variety of people. Experience with varied ages, from very young children to the elderly, can be beneficial for their future career.
In addition, work and volunteer experience with all types of personalities can prepare a student for this career and help to determine if being in a helping profession is the right fit. Experience with those who have disabilities, of any kind, can be especially advantageous. A wide variety of job and service activities may provide these experiences. They can include helping in a foster care home, working as a nursing aide in long term care or assisted living, being a substitute teacher or paraprofessional in a school system, conducting child care, or serving as a camp counselor.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Lori Nelson SLP.D: Be open to all new opportunities for learning and growth because there is still so much to know after you've earned the degree. Utilize information learned in school but also enjoy sharing your knowledge with co-workers and learning from them. Rejoice in the paycheck! Give yourself and your family the gift of financial literacy by learning how to effectively handle your new budget and to make wise decisions about benefits (retirement plans, disability insurance, etc). Pat yourself on the back for all you've
achieved and take pleasure in using that information to build an interesting career and a productive life.
Pamela Smith Ph.D.
Professor of Speech PathologyBloomsburg University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Pamela Smith Ph.D.: I think there will be a lot of variability in in-person employment - both regional and by setting - depending on the continued impact of the pandemic, effects of the vaccine, and return of economic factors that affect employment. MUCH of this is unpredictable. In our field we have seen some work settings be very overwhelmed - like acute care - but in other settings there has been less demand (such as SNF) simply due to fewer patients being admitted. That doesn't mean that the pandemic hasn't overwhelmed these settings - it has - but they have had fewer patients admitted overall and thus fewer who need speech/language/dysphagia services. I do believe that the post-COVID patient will have rehabilitation needs that we can't necessarily predict yet. We know that there are lasting cognitive-communication effects in many patients, even very mild COVID-19 cases.
In schools, we have had a large number of people retire who were perhaps planning to stay on a few years longer, and the pandemic was a good reason to take advantage of retirement. As those schools replace those personnel, there should be continued opportunities in educational settings. The models that schools have used to remain in operation are different across the board and so it's reasonable to assume their hiring patterns would differ.
As far as modalities - much will depend on what insurance can cover. Telepractice has been widely adopted in many settings, but until it is reimbursed in the same fashion as in-person treatment, across the board, there will be patients who may not receive services until the pandemic is fully "behind us," if it ever really is. We've seen benefits of telepractice in terms of access for patients not only distanced from the pandemic from geographic distance and weather issues. If there is a silver lining of the pandemic, it's realizing the potential that telepractice has to help many patients whose access to typical in-person care is blocked or disrupted for a host of reasons.
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Pamela Smith Ph.D.: Flexibility, adaptability. The ability to get the job done despite the challenges that telepractice has brought to much of our work. Work ethic, positive attitude, eagerness to learn new skills and generalize them across settings. The ability to achieve good outcomes in health care and maintain enthusiasm despite the ongoing fallout from the pandemic. Professional involvement, knowledge of and interest in regulations and how they affect practice is a plus. Candidates can gain professional connections by maintaining good working relationships with supervisors, through involvement in their state associations, ongoing positive networking.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants to find work opportunities?
Pamela Smith Ph.D.: For some time now in our field there has been an ebb and flow, some regional and some by setting. Acute care has always been difficult for new graduates to obtain employment, and the pandemic has required the SLP to not only "hit the ground running," but to accomplish the job responsibilities in full PPE. So any candidate needs to be able to convey to an employer that they have the knowledge, skills and interpersonal ability to accomplish this. Schools are likely to prefer candidates who have experience with telepractice, with groups using telepractice and who can demonstrate flexibility as school scheduling and in-person attendance have fluctuated.
I have always felt that in our field, personal connections were the most important. NEVER burn a bridge. Always do all you can to maintain good professional relationships because so often, and more so in these cases, having that personal connection helps you get the interview, wherever it is. Candidates need to be willing to relocate if necessary and that is not a new concept. A lot of networking and professional development is now occurring online, and there is a great social media presence in the profession. If social media is used, it should always be remembered that any potential person who reads anything posted could be someone who might interview you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. HyeKyeung Seung Ph.D.: Demand for utilizing technology in performing speech-language treatment and assessment.
I anticipate that some of the current experiences during the pandemic will continue to be used. For example, we may provide in-person therapy and teletherapy for some clients who have to drive a distance.
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Dr. HyeKyeung Seung Ph.D.: Various types of clinical experiences in different clinical populations and different modalities of treatment and assessment (i.e., in-person and teletherapy).
If the graduates are bilingual speakers, it will put them stand out.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. HyeKyeung Seung Ph.D.: We are in high demand nation-wide. Our graduates can get a job anywhere they would like to work in terms of location.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Dr. HyeKyeung Seung Ph.D.: Do not lock yourself into a setting and/or population. As you gain clinical experience and taking CEUs, you will have different views regarding settings (public school, hospital, or private practice clinic as well as different clinic populations). If you want to work in hospital ultimately, you can start working at private practice or public school for CF and a few years. During that time, you can work per diem on weekend or summer to maintain skills in hospital while taking CEUs. By building your skill sets, you put yourself in a better position to look for hospital position.
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. HyeKyeung Seung Ph.D.: Technology including APPs will be used more in clinical settings. However, good clinical skills will not replaced by any of the technology.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. HyeKyeung Seung Ph.D.: Do not go after the money. Select a workplace based on factors that matter to you. Build up clinical skills and do good job treating/diagnosing clients, words will spread. Make people seek out to hire you.
What experience really stands out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Dr. Phillip Sechtem Ph.D.: Because employers of a medical speech-language pathologist face ever-changing rules and regulations of practice and reimbursement, they must consider applicants' qualifications to ensure the highest quality of care that can be provided. With this, resumes must showcase a few key characteristics.
First, job-seeking clinicians' resumes must illustrate a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the field with a propensity for life-long learning. The clinicians must have completed a well-rounded study that encapsulates disorders and conditions across the lifespan with some electives that fit personal and professional interests. For example, suppose a job-seeking clinician was interested in providing care in an ENT clinic. A graduate clinician may not be fully independent in serving patients with a voice prosthesis; however, they would continue cross-training early in employment.
Secondly, a resume should let employers know job-seeking clinicians can "hit the ground running." Thus, a job-seeking clinician applying for a career in a medical setting should be equipped with the abilities to conduct and interpret the necessary procedures and protocols. Suppose the ENT clinic specializes in voice and swallowing disorders. In that case, job-seeking clinicians' resumes should exemplify knowledge, skills, and experience in processes such as video stroboscopic examinations of the larynx and computerized acoustic voice analyses. As mentioned previously, job-seeking clinicians may not be independent in these types of procedures. Still, they would continue cross-training without the need to attend outside workshops, courses, or seminars. Thus, an entry-level clinician may be useful and productive from day one.
Thirdly, a resume of a job-seeking clinician should project a high degree of initiative and professionalism. While there are multiple methods to illustrate these attributes, one would be participation in interprofessional educational events. Another may be participation in university, programmatic, and student committees or organizations. A good example on a national level would be participation in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Additionally, professional references listed within or alongside the resume should reinforce all the critical characteristics mentioned and provide additional insights into initiative and professionalism characteristics that employers desire. It is essential to keep this in mind when completing placements and externships under various supervisors. Often these supervisors can speak about your professional capabilities.
How do you envision technology impacting Speech-Language Pathology Assistants in the next 5 years?
Dr. Phillip Sechtem Ph.D.: Continued advances in equipment and instrumentation, coupled with increasing electronic networking capabilities, offer a wealth of clinical practice opportunities, patient care, and research. Instruments used to measure the functions of communication, voice and swallowing continues to evolve in terms of size, usability, and cost. As such, patient access will continue to grow with more frequent use across a more significant number of settings and situations. For example, instead of a patient going to a medical center or physician's office to complete a computerized acoustic voice analysis, a home health clinician may now use an app on a smartphone to capture and analyze pertinent data.
The same holds for imaging equipment needed to visualize the larynx and swallowing functions. In addition to miniaturizing the hardware to perform these evaluations, disposable endoscopes are coming online, enhancing accessibility. Telepractice will be occupying more of the clinical landscape in the future. Telepractice will increase the number of patients seen, including those in rural and underserved areas. Advances in technology will need to ensure that images and data captured virtually via Zoom or Google Meet are valid and reliable to ensure accuracy.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Speech-Language Pathology Assistants?
Dr. Phillip Sechtem Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic has required changes and adaptions to education and clinical services, primarily virtual classrooms and therapy sessions via Zoom or Google Meet. I believe a positive impact will be enhanced practice skills and service delivery of practitioners for persons in rural and underserved areas and where shortages of school SLPs exist. There will be other virtual reality and artificial intelligence technological advancements for education and clinical services. Lastly, the challenges of the pandemic will allow for more significant opportunities for continuing education and training. Programs of study may be enhanced, allowing for advanced degree opportunities.
Andrea Novak MA, CCC-SLP
CSD Chairperson and Graduate Program DirectorMarywood University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Speech-Language Pathology Assistants?
Andrea Novak MA, CCC-SLP: Speech-language pathologists are in high demand, and so I do not see this changing with the pandemic. Right now, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates, "The employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations." Also, speech-language pathologists in medical-based settings may find their caseloads increased with patients diagnosed with Covid-19. The resulting therapy areas would focus on swallowing, cognitive, and communication deficits, especially related to hospital-based intubations and mechanical ventilation.
What type of skills will young Speech-Language Pathology Assistants need?
Andrea Novak MA, CCC-SLP: Graduates need to have enhanced professional and personal skills when they enter the workforce. Having the knowledge base and skills to work professionally are only one area of the profession. There is so much more than providing speech-language evaluations and treatment services. Graduates need to develop relationships with co-workers, patients/clients, and patient/client families. They need to multitask, stay organized, be adaptable, and confident when making clinical-based decisions.
What experience really stands out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Andrea Novak MA, CCC-SLP: What will stand out on one person's resume will be different based on the facility where one is interviewing. Graduates should highlight unique classes and experiences they have had in training programs. They should focus on training opportunities that will enhance their success at a place of employment. Finally, graduates should not be afraid to share their accomplishments. Let employers know what you have to offer to them and how hiring you can make a positive difference at their facility/company/school/etc.
Dr. Ruth Litovsky Ph.D.
Professor, Department ChairUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Ruth Litovsky Ph.D.: A big trend will be greater flexibility in the workplace about hours and work mode. There are likely to be more jobs that allow working from home with decreased office space need. By being more nimble, employees may not need to relocate or may be able to delay their relocation. Also, recruitment and interviewing will likely transition to on-line formats, facilitating greater access and ease of participating in interviews.
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Assistant resumes?
Dr. Ruth Litovsky Ph.D.: -Ability to work closely with others
-Organization
-Creative problem-solving
-Teamwork and strong communication skills
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. Ruth Litovsky Ph.D.: If students with a CSD major do not pursue graduate school, they can apply for:
-Internships in healthcare and human services
-Teach for America
-Americorps
-Substitute teacher
-Newborn hearing screenings
-Healthcare insurance
-Hearing aid dispenser
-Research assistant in a lab
-Nursing assistant
-Early intervention
-Nursing home
-Daycare
-American Sign Language Interpreter (with the appropriate amount of ASL)
-Deaf education
-Non-for-profit organizations