Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Also called: Anatomic Pathology Assistant, Assistant Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Pathology Assistant, Communication Assistant, Hearing and Speech Assistant

Varies

estimated salary

Speech-language pathology assistants 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.

  • Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
  • Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
  • Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
  • Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
  • Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
  • Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.
  • Conduct in-service training sessions, or family and community education programs.
  • Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients' performance information.
  • Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of speech-language research projects.
Work Context
  • Contact With Others — 99% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 97% responded "Extremely important".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 88% responded "Every day".
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 49% responded "Very important".
  • Physical Proximity — 59% responded "Very close (near touching)".
  • Telephone — 57% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 57% responded "Some freedom".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Administer screening tests to determine abilities or treatment needs.
  • Implement therapeutic programs to improve patient functioning.
  • Implement therapeutic programs to improve patient functioning.
  • Prepare medical reports or documents.
  • Maintain medical records.
  • Monitor medical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Read More

Knowledge

English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Psychology
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Read More

Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Service Orientation
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Read More

Abilities

Speech Recognition
  • The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Word processing software
Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
Read More