A VERY REAL SLP-A Q&A!

[@electric-film]

I’m totally with you on wanting to stick with just SLPA and not SLP. People can be fulfilled being a SLPA too :)

[@KarinaKurlz]

Thank you! I've always felt the need to have to explain myself, but overtime it is getting easier to admit I am happy as an SLPA. I appreciate the comment :)

[@Ceciliaapodaca6256]

I hear ya!!! I am 54 so becoming an SLPA next year is a great fit for me. collecting and entering data for my SLP, doing my therapy work, and going home without more work to do will be wonderful!!!

[@KarinaKurlz]

I'm so glad that you agree! When I say it out loud it feels great when other people see the perks of being an SLPA, rather than being looked down upon. I appreciate it :)

[@Ceciliaapodaca6256]

@@KarinaKurlz Thank you for helping me not feel bad about not getting a masters degree!! I also worked with an SLPA in my preschool classroom this year and she loves her job! That helps to hear your stories,

[@cinma4890]

How are you enjoying being an SLPA? I too want to be an SLPA, right now I am a sped teacher and I love it.

[@cynguzman86]

Hello from northern Cali! I came across a video of yours a while back during my 2 year undergrad in the SLPA program. I have officially graduated and I’m here again lol applying for my license seems scary. I’m also terrified because I feel like two years wasn’t enough. I feel dumb, like I don’t really know stuff. During my externship I had an amazing supervisor and I feel I learned more from her than school. I’m just terrified. There’s not a lot of videos either so please don’t stop making videos. Much love! 💕

[@KarinaKurlz]

Congratulations!! That’s great news! I felt overwhelmed my 1st year as well, but you learn to be confident with what you know. I still Google what gliding is vs backing, how to help apraxia, appropriate vocabulary words for grade levels, etc. You’re always going to be learning! You got this ✨

[@ashleypadilla9258]

I just finished my bachelors and am looking into working in a school setting! I found your videos and they’re making me feel more confident. I’m worried about finding a job because I have NO field work experience. Hopefully school districts are willing to hire me with no hours 🙁

[@KarinaKurlz]

Hi! I actually know of people getting jobs in the school setting straight out of a college program, and I know others that have had years of other experience. I strongly believe it’s all how your interview goes. Best of luck to you! 🥳

[@yenyandco]

Just found your channel! I'm binge watching your videos because I'm considering entering the field! I am looking into becoming an SLPA. I live in Texas too. So your videos are very helpful!

[@KarinaKurlz]

Awesome!! I definitely say go for it, this field is growing and growing :)

[@yenyandco]

@@KarinaKurlz thank you! It'll be a whole new ballgame for me. I went to college in 2005 on and off for a few years and then got married in 2011. I never got my degree so now that my youngest is starting school, I'm trying to focus on my goals and what career I want to pursue. This one sounds like something I'd love!

[@user-bm9un9mr9p]

Thank you for this I really needed to hear this !! ❤️

[@ashleycavin3178]

Thank you for sharing this looking into to going the slpa route first . Currently I have a bachelors degree in education so I have to switch majors so I want to first see what it is like being in this field before possibly going the master route

[@KarinaKurlz]

That’s exciting! It’s definitely different from being a teacher whereas you only get the kids for 30 minutes to an hour and then give them back 😅 I hope you find it as interesting!

[@dnicole1391]

So glad you’re confident in being a SLPA. Everyone’s end goal is SLP and I feel that pressure to pursue it but knowing myself, I don’t think it’s for me. But I’m still iffy because what if it is for me? Lol. I just feel torn should I start doing the prereqs for slp but what if it’s a waste of time and money if I’m satisfied as an slpa 😭

[@Ritanarecipes]

What’s the difference between SLPA and SLP? I’m trying to go back to school to become a speech therapist.

[@jildafathima5463]

Hai Karina I was just wondering if you did ESA to be able to work in school setting.

[@KarinaKurlz]

Hi! No, i actually did ECI because it was the best job I could get at the time. It definitely helped me get the job though!

[@saratingle9396]

Does the direct supervision mean that your supervising SLP has to see your patients for you or can the SLP treat in the same room as you, seeing their own patients? Thanks so much!

[@KarinaKurlz]

Hi! My supervising SLP usually doesn’t do either. For the direct supervision she only watches me during a speech session for about an hour per week, and that’s either in-person in the same room as me or virtually. The SLP can still participate in the session, but she isn’t doing very much else other than watching me implement their goals.

[@destinymichael8335]

Hello Karina, I was wondering about your experience as an SLPA in a private practice. I was previously an SLPA in Indiana, where we were paid 40-50k a year. However, in Florida there are more of the private practice positions available. The downside I am noticing, is that you have to provide all materials, are responsible for taxes, and aren’t reimbursed for gas mileage. Not to mention, you’re hourly and your annual fluctuates. Could you please tell me what your experience was like? Thank you :)

[@KarinaKurlz]

Hi! I actually haven’t worked in a private practice! ☹️

[@johanamedina491]

Can a SLPA work with people that had a stroke?

[@KarinaKurlz]

Possibly! I have personally only volunteered to work with stroke survivors. It’ll depend on the setting!

[@edatube7616]

Do you get benefits?

[@KarinaKurlz]

I do!

[@mimipeq3000]

How is the demand of an SLPA?

[@NissaDjannah-nl6xr]

Thank you for sharing this , my i Ask you a q ?