Healthcare

How to become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2 years

Typical pay

$48k–$65k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2 years

   Complete an SLPA associate degree or certificate

   Two years, or a bridge program if you already hold a bachelor's in communication disorders.

2. 2

   during program

   Complete supervised field work

   Clinical hours under a licensed SLP — the requirement varies by state.

3. 3

   Register or licence with your state

   Most states register SLPAs; requirements are set state by state, not nationally.

   ◆ State SLPA licence or registration

4. 4

   1–2 years

   Start in a school district

   Schools are the largest employer and hire on the academic calendar.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

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