Speech language pathologists and their assistants can make a real difference in patients’ lives by improving their ability to communicate with others. Starting your career as a speech language pathology assistant is an excellent way to gain knowledge and experience in the speech language pathology field. Read on to learn more about speech pathology assistant career requirements and salary information.
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- Aspiring SLP generalists are prepared to pursue ASHA certification.
- Students can earn an Emerson Master of Science in Communication Disorders online in as few as 20 months.
- Online classes are taught by expert Emerson faculty—most of whom are practicing SLPs who view students as colleagues and collaborators.
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Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.
- Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
- No GRE scores required.
- 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
- Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program
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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.
- Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
- Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
- As few as six terms to complete
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
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What Do Speech Language Pathology Assistants Do?
As a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA), you would assist a speech language pathologist (SLP) in supporting assessment and treatment services with language, speech, fluency, and voice disorders. SLPAs may assist during assessments, carry out treatment activities that are part of the SLP’s plan of care, document performance data, and help with program materials—under supervision. Assistants aid in areas such as patient care and research, implementing speech and language programs planned by the SLP, and compiling data to assess program quality.
How Does an SLP Assistant (SLPA) Compare to Related Professions?
Now that you know what an SLPA is and what they do and why you should become one, let’s take a look at a few related professions and how they compare:
SLP vs. SLP Assistant
A speech-language pathology assistant aids a speech-language pathologist in assessments and research, and in implementing the SLP’s plans for a particular patient. The main difference between an SLP and an SLP assistant is their qualifications. SLPs must receive a master’s degree along with a license from the state in which they wish to practice. SLP assistants, on the other hand, have requirements that vary by state and employer; common pathways include an associate degree SLPA program, a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), or a degree plus required SLPA-related coursework/training.
Audiology Assistant vs. SLP Assistant
Audiology assistants and SLP assistants are both assistants, but they assist different kinds of patients. While SLP assistants assist patients with language, speech, fluency and voice disorders, audiology assistants aid patients with hearing problems exclusively. Also, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), education/training requirements vary by state and employer; for ASHA’s audiology assistant certification pathway, one option allows a high school diploma/GED plus completion of ASHA’s audiology assistant education modules (or equivalent). For SLPAs, requirements also vary; many roles require formal SLPA-focused coursework and supervised clinical fieldwork. However, check specific requirements in your state.
SLP Aide vs. SLP Assistant
Speech therapy aides and SLP assistants handle similar duties, including assisting the SLP and their patients. However, ASHA says speech therapy aides generally have a narrower training base and more limited responsibilities than assistants. Therefore, aides require direct supervision by an SLP, while assistants can perform delegated tasks only within their allowed scope and under required supervision (which varies by state/setting).
Communication Aide vs. SLP Assistant
In some states, speech-language pathologists are required to register support personnel under specific titles to differentiate among their experience and educational backgrounds. In some of these states, the term “communication aide” is applied to personnel fitting ASHA’s traditional definition of a speech language pathology aide.
How to Become a Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Keeping in mind that SLPA requirements vary by state, here are three common steps to become an SLPA:
- Earn an associate degree in a related field. Requirements vary by state and employer; common preparation includes an SLPA associate degree/certificate program or a bachelor’s degree in CSD plus additional SLPA training (depending on the pathway). Courses cover normal communication processes, communication disorders, and workplace behaviors.
- Complete 100 hours of supervised fieldwork. After completing your degree, go to work under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP. If you’re pursuing ASHA’s C-SLPA, 100 supervised clinical fieldwork hours are required.
- Check your state’s SLPA licensing guidelines. Since the requirements for speech pathology support personnel like SLPAs vary around the country, you must check your state’s specific licensing requirements. For example, state licensure boards may require minimum fieldwork hours, degree specifications, or credit hours. These agencies may also credential speech pathology assistants to work in certain settings, such as schools. There are also a few states that have continuing education requirements for speech therapist assistants.
Speech Pathology Assistant Certification
Earning an ASHA certification is a great way to prove to employers that you have both the knowledge and experience to do your job well. To be eligible to take the SLPA certification exam and subsequent certification, you’ll need to complete one of three pathway options that best fit your educational background and qualifications. On top of your education, you’ll also need to complete the following mandatory course and experience requirements within ASHA’s required time windows (e.g., certain prerequisite trainings must be completed within 2 years prior to application), according to ASHA:
- A one-hour ethics course.
- A one-hour course in universal safety precautions.
- A one-hour patient confidentiality training course (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.).
- A minimum of 100 hours of clinical fieldwork, to include:
- 80 hours of direct patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP;
- 20 hours of indirect patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP.
For ASHA’s C-SLPA application: clinical fieldwork hours must be completed within 5 years prior to application (and observation/simulation hours don’t count). After your application is approved, ASHA provides an exam eligibility ID to register for the national assistant certification exam.
For more information on the certification process, check ASHA’s Assistants Certification Program page.
Demand for Speech Pathology Assistant Jobs
ASHA’s most recent Member & Affiliate Profile (covering Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025) reports that ASHA represents 1,318 certified assistants, up from 1,123 at year-end 2024 (a 17.4% increase). Of these, 1,186 are certified speech-language pathology assistants, 55 are certified audiology assistants, and another 77 assistants have started—but not yet completed—the Assistants Certification Program.
ASHA reports that most certified assistants report working in educational settings (59.8%), with additional assistants working in health care settings (31.1%).
Assistant role requirements and utilization vary by state, setting, and employer; remember that demand can differ locally, so familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements for SLPA practice.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Speech Therapist Assistant?
To become a speech therapy assistant or speech language pathology assistant, timelines and education requirements vary by state and employer; common pathways include an SLPA associate degree/certificate program or a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), depending on the state. After that, you may need supervised clinical fieldwork (for example, ASHA’s C-SLPA pathway requires 100 hours of supervised clinical fieldwork).
So, becoming a speech therapist assistant will take you about two years in an associate-level pathway, or longer if your state/employer requires a bachelor’s degree or additional requirements.
What Is the Median Speech Pathology Assistant Salary?
The salary of a speech language pathology assistant can vary depending on many factors. As with other speech pathology careers, your education and amount of relevant experience directly influence the salary you earn, as does the region of the country in which you live. ONET Online, a division of the Department of Labor, reports the median salary for a speech language pathology assistant in 2024 was $22.14 an hour, or $46,050 a year.
Is a Speech Pathologist Assistant Career Right for You?
Working as a speech pathologist assistant is an excellent career for those who want to work in the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) field and help people overcome their speech challenges. It’s also ideal for those waiting to be accepted to a master’s in speech pathology program. This is because requirements vary by state and employer, and becoming an SLPA typically requires specific SLPA preparation (coursework/training) and supervised clinical fieldwork—an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders alone may not be sufficient in every state or setting.
From there, students can participate in some “bridge,” “leveling,” or part-time program options offered by specific universities that can make it possible to complete graduate training while continuing to work (availability and requirements vary by school and state). “bridge” programs that enable SLPAs to attend graduate school part-time to obtain a master’s degree while working in the CSD field, ASHA reports.
Once you have your master’s degree, you can pursue SLP certification and any required state licensure steps (e.g., applying for ASHA certification and completing required supervised professional experience, depending on the pathway and timing).
Information last updated April 2026
Sponsored online speech pathology programs
Master’s in SLP: Study Online Full or Part Time
Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.
- Aspiring SLP generalists are prepared to pursue ASHA certification.
- Students can earn an Emerson Master of Science in Communication Disorders online in as few as 20 months.
- Online classes are taught by expert Emerson faculty—most of whom are practicing SLPs who view students as colleagues and collaborators.
AD
Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.
- Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
- No GRE scores required.
- 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
- Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program
AD
Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.
- Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
- Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
- As few as six terms to complete
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
AD