How to Become an Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

[@1evesque]

Witnessed first hand Haley translate a 10yr old telling a man his legs were sore during a half marathon. Remarkable, no one understood except Haley as she was zipping through. Hope to run with her again, if she doesn’t mind being my translator. I would definitely offer coffee.

[@marialoza4099]

Loving this Chanel so muuuuch❤

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Yay! We're so happy you're enjoying it. Thanks for your comment 💕

[@myrandarosenbaum9332]

Thank you for all this helpful information! Does it help to be SLP-A if you are waiting to enter into graduate programs?

[@marielamata2478]

Thank you so much for this video! Im currently waiting for CSUN to (hopefully) accept me into their fieldwork experience program! Im so glad I found a CA slpa! Thanks for sharing ☺️ I had one question, did your Fieldwork program guide you through the exam?? I had no idea we had to take one, ahh!

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Of course!! 💕 Good luck on getting into the program at CSUN! The exam and the program are actually separate! So you'll take it after you've completed the program.

[@margotcrivera123]

Are you able to just get into the fieldwork part of the program? I'm in Cali with my bachelors in speech already.

[@marielamata2478]

@Margot Rivera hi Margot. You are able to apply to the program as long as you have your bachelor's in SLP or CommD otherwise you would need to fulfill the prerequisites. Otherwise, you are good to go 😊

[@koriqo1]

im applying to the csun program as well!!

[@charismaboomwal5067]

hi there! i just graduated with my bachelors in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and I'm also looking to do CSUN's SLPA program but I can't find a SLP to supervise me - how did you do it??

[@midnightCREEPER]

Hi! I’m in the process of completing my 2nd BA in communicative disorders as a way of getting prerequisites before applying to graduate programs. Do you think it would be worth it to apply for a fieldwork program to work as a SLPA while in graduate school? Haley mentioned it took about six months, but I can’t imagine it’s a full time ordeal. Would I be able to work while doing a fieldwork program (I’m based in CA if that helps!)? Love the podcast, I’m so grateful to you guys!!

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hi! Yes, you can work and get the hours! If you want a job while in school it’s definitely a good job! But it could be overwhelming if you’re starting school and being a SLPA. 😊

[@lysaace6190]

Question: I am also CA based! After doing a post Bacc program in speech communication disorders, would I then enroll in a SLPA program or is the program part of the post Bacc?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hi! Thanks for your question. It depends on the program! Some post bacc programs include the training to become an SLPA but some do not, so you should ask the program first 😊

[@authenticallydelicious4360]

How do I get SLPA hours in NJ I have been trying to outsource it. I have a BA in SLP

[@purplesuninthesky]

Can the bachelor be in early childhood development?

[@jhasthatmomma]

I have a BS in computer science but have been working in early childhood for 3 years. What pathway should I do or where to become a SLPA? Thank you for your help

[@fivestarplaying3553]

Depends on the state, but you probably will have to apply to an Associate’s SLPA program (or just any program where you can take the classes to get the certification) if you haven’t completed the prerequisites for a master’s degree in SLP. This is what I plan on doing because I don’t know if I will be able to get the prereqs done during undergrad.

[@waterchamp123]

I have my BA in sociology and I'm planning on enrolling in the courses needed to become an SLPA in the spring as a non-degree seeking student. Basically I'm just taking the courses from the university and not enrolling in a program (cost effective, some of the SLPA programs offered from FL schools are ridiculous and like 22 months where as enrolling in the courses would probably just take me a year or less depending on how many courses I take per semester..) anyways doing it this way is confusing to me because I'm kind of figuring everything out on my own. After I complete the required courses from a university what is my next step? I find an SLP or a job where I can get the 100 hours, do the 3 ASHA courses/education mods then apply for the certification? Sorry this is long, I just want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly before I pay for tuition/register for courses. I'm not offered a guidance counselor or anyone that will help because I'm a non-degree seeking student.

[@lindabruce8321]

Same situation! No Guidance counseling and going the “third pathway option” on ASHA’s site leaves so much confusion. I’m responding 6 months after your questions and wonder what did you find out? Did you find an approved CCC- SLP to supervise your 100 hours? Did you also take the courses required to be able to apply to Grad schools? Or did you work towards beginning a career as a SLPA to gain experience and then grad school? Looking for some advice too… Thanks and hope all is going well for you

[@skylarraineri3411]

So question, I’m in a post bacc program currently and the program meets all the minimum academic requirements according to the ASHA website. Would I then just apply for a field work program? Or would I be able to get fieldwork hours and submit those through the verification sheet on the application? 😊

[@margotcrivera123]

I would love to know this answer as well!!!!

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Great question! You would still need to apply to the fieldwork program. There are specific forms and paperwork that can only be filled out through a school to get your SLPA license. ASHA will not accept you just getting your hours on your own. Hope that helps! @margotcrivera123

[@amber9842]

For Florida Do you know if I can do just my associates to get my SLPA? I’d rather not have to do my bachelors.

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

I do not! I would look up your state requirements for SLPAs in Florida!

[@JenMoi224]

Hello there! Question for Haley: When did you start the clinic hours (100)? You said your hours took 6 months to complete and I just wanted to know if you began after you earned your bachelor's degree or before? Thanks in advance :)

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hello! She began after earning her bachelor’s degree 😊

[@Cass-zr6qj]

I was also wondering how do I get my 100 clinical hours? Where can I find clinics to supervise me?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

@@Cass-zr6qj Depends! Some schools will set it up for you, some schools have you find them on your own 😊

[@daisyleannesheard6300]

@@Cass-zr6qj I'm also in the same boat! Have you found any answers?

[@elinam1657]

Question: can you start as SLP without having science subjects in the past. I was studying computer until high school but now im interested in this, do you think i will get admission in bachelor?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hi! It’s best to talk to your school advisor, but I would think so! 😊

[@kailani318]

Are these SLP-A programs in person on a campus or can you complete these online?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hi! It depends on your program. Both online and in-person programs are offered. 😊

[@brittanylightsey8062]

How many volunteer hours look good on an SLP Master application? Also, does it look better to volunteer with SLP ,special needs or both?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

That is up to you on what you feel would look good! There’s no specific requirement

[@laurenrhodes2881]

Is it possible to get your 100 hours while you are still in school?

[@juliamedeiros28]

Could you become SLP ( graduate) after being SLPA? Is there a disadvantage between undergraduate SLP and SLPA please.

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Yes, you can become an SLP after being a SLPA. A SLPA does not have the graduate degree so they need to go to grad school to be an SLP. They have their own program which gives them a SLPA license and certification. The disadvantage of just having a comm disorders undergraduate degree is that you can’t practice as an SLP until you finish grad school. It is required. Many become SLPAs after undergrad before going on to grad school.

[@juliamedeiros28]

Thank you for your message. This was very helpful. I have a couple more questions: How easy/difficult would it be to get into grad school just with SLPA associate degree (without any bachelor degree)? Would getting both undergrad and SLPA make me a better grad school candidate? I know it is very competitive to get to grad school. I am also in SoCal like you and was wondering what schools did you attend/are currently attending.

[@OhLatte]

Sorry if this sounds dumb but if I get an AA in slpa, then transfer to a 4 year, can I choose my major as a comm disorders or do I have to continue as an slpa to get my undergraduate degree, THEN get a masters to become an SLP? Sorry again and thanks if you respond 😭

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Doesn’t sound dumb at all! They are separate. So you can be practicing as a SLPA without the masters degree. For SLP you’d go to undergrad and choose the comm disorders major and then go on to slp grad school.

[@OhLatte]

@@PediatricSpeechPals thanks :) so if I graduate for transfer with slpa, am I gonna be able to change and choose that major or is that not possible and just a waste of time? I’m just doing pre requisites rn at a community college cuz I didn’t do well enough for colleges with comm disorders degree :/

[@juliamedeiros28]

What is the difference between becoming SLPA and getting undergraduate in speech pathology please?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

SLPA is a certification and licensing after completing their requirements. Undergrad in speech is just giving you the basic knowledge that you need before entering grad school. You cannot practice as a SLPA or SLP with just this degree.

[@silveremperor23]

Can you apply for the spla certification with a bachelor in applied psychology?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hi! Yes, you can! You would just have to complete the slpa program first 😊

[@ashleycervantes6165]

Heyy, i am majoring in family and human development and minor in psychology. Should I still be able to become a SLPA?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Yes! You just need the prerequisites 😊

[@janethburgos2973]

What did you guys study for the board exam?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Hi! As an SLP, for the praxis board exam I studied all the material that the professors told us would be on the exam. After each course, they gave us information that they said would be covered on the Praxis. It came out to quite a bit in the end, but again, it’s all information that is interesting versus the GRE or SAT because it was about our field and what we had just gone to school for. So it was more of a refresher when studying. 😊

[@janethburgos2973]

@@PediatricSpeechPals thank you! What about for the SLP-A board exam?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

@@janethburgos2973 Haley said she doesn’t really remember it being a big test or studying specifically for it. I think when you’ve been studying the material for a bit it ends up making the final board exam not as stressful. But I would suggest after each course if you feel like you didn’t really understand a topic or feel like you’d like more clarification on it, try and do it then rather than having to relearn it at the very end of the program for your board exam. This really helped me limit the need for any final cramming or studying before the exam. Hopefully this was helpful 💕

[@juliamedeiros28]

Could I become SLPA after getting AA degree in Childhood development please?

[@PediatricSpeechPals]

Yes! Check out the SLPA eligibility pathways from the link below. This should help. www.asha.org/certification/education-pathways-to-speech-language-pathology-assistants-certification/

[@fatimamadlum3723]

Asha says yes without bachelors but the state license website states a bachelors degree?

[@user-gj2xh3en2y]

What about a psychology bachelors degree

[@TheBakingGirlShow]

that's still different than speech- u would still need additional classes

[@user-gj2xh3en2y]

Since you are discussing and advising people on speech therapy. Perhaps you could pronounce them correctly.