SLPA a dying job?

i have been looking into SLP and SLPA programs in my area and have found that recently, 2 community colleges have cut the SLPA program citing 'insuffient job openings for this field.' i am now second-guessing this career and contuing on for an SLP degree. i also spoke with a SLP who mentioned that her work, which was once f/t, has been contracted out and she is having a difficult time finding available positions. for whatever reason it seems that this career is not moving forward despite claims that it's a strong career choice. any thoughts? thanks.

If you don't mind me asking, which two community colleges are you talking about? I'm interested to know because I'm planning to start an SLPA program too.

this is from Grossmont College, which is one of the 2 to stop the program.

"The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program has been discontinued due to the economic downturn creating a reduced demand for this position in our local labor market."

there used to be 8 schools in california and now there are only 6, i can't recall where the other one was, but it was also southern california

I have the same concerns also. I am planning on applying to a program about an hour from my home. It is a SLPA program. But there are not enough jobs here in NC. I see tons of jobs around here for Physical and occupational therapy assistants, though. I also researched that SLPA make about 5-8,000 dollars more than a COTA and PTA. The pay is great, but the jobs are few and far between. I have my undergrad in Communication and media arts. Most colleges here in NC want me to get my undergrad in communicative disorders then apply to grad school with no guarantee that i will get in. the admission criteria is really high. I have not been in college since 1987. I need 3 recommendations from college professors. I can get 3 professional recommendations, but they must come from professionals who hold a Masters Degree or higher. The addmissions commitee must see that I am grad school material. my supervisors where I work have an associates or bachelors. I found out if I get my bachelors in communicative disorders I can not work as a Speech Language Pathology assistant. I have to go to a 2 year accedited school that teachs that profession. There are 2 here in NC. Frustrating. Also, I was not allowed to shadow a Speech therapist, just talk to her extensively on the phone about her job. She encouraged me to go to the 2 year program, work in the field, get some professional recommendations and get into a company who would assist me in going on for my Masters. She said SLPAs make about 40,000 to 45,000 dollars a year. I am single so that is really good for me.

"The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program has been discontinued due to the economic downturn creating a reduced demand for this position in our local labor market."

I wonder if that also signals a declining trend for SLP positions.

It seems like those programs would have been phased out because a lot of SLPA jobs require a bachelor's degree in Comm Disorders and the people with an associate's degree in SLPA would have had a more difficult time landing a position. I know jobs are still available for SLPA's, but only in certain states. I thought NC was one of them. I am a college student with 2 years left and I am panicking because I am 27 years old. Is the master's degree a 3 year program? I thought it was 2 years... I'm beginning to wonder if all the time and debt will be worth it in the end.. The thing with this field is that as a SLP, you are basically guaranteed a job when you graduate. I am just sick of being broke while trying to get through school!

I hear you. I started my 2nd degree at 33 and will finish up at around 38 years old (including CFY). Im not happy about that, but its better than finding reasons not to do it now and then starting at 38, because it turns out that it was the best decision, and graduating at 43. If you start now, you will finish up when I started, age wise. So, use me as your measuring stick to look at your situation in a positive way. I read somewhere that the average SLP grad student is now 34 years old. Also, I look at the fact that this job can be done until you are very old due to the lack of physical exertion needed. So, even at 38, I can have a 30 year career if I desire.

Just put one foot in front of the other and try and enjoy the process and the classes. If you are always thinking "my life wont start until I graduate" then it will be a lot harder and longer of a journey. Instead, try to live-for-today while in school. That way you wont feel like these are lost years.

Oh, and I just read that you have two years left of school? Switch now to Communication disorders and save yourself from having to do 2 years of whatever you are in and then a second degree. Also, the last year of your masters (the 3rd CFY year) is paid and so you shouldn't count that as a year that you will be broke.

C, thank you so much for your encouragement! You're awesome! It means so much to me. You make an excellent point of how this career path allows people to work well into their senior years. That makes taking out the student loans for this a wise investment in my opinion (and sometimes I know companies will help with loan repayment assistance). I was considering other fields that I don't think would allow a person to work as long. This is definitely encouraging! Thanks a million.

The problem is that SLPAs cannot evaluate students and cannot have their own caseloads. Here in Illinois, the max caseload for an SLP is 60 students/week which is manageable for one SLP. That being said, it doesn't really benefit a school district to pay an SLPA since they can only help out with what is an already manageable caseload. An SLP can't *legally* have 60 students that he or she sees and then have the SLPA see perhaps 5 more. That's technically a caseload of 65 for the licensed SLP.
Where an SLPA could potentially be helpful is in a high-needs classroom for children with autism and/or developmental delays that need more one-on-one interaction.
If you are looking to get an associate's degree as a therapy assistant, I would say go the OTA or PTA route. Otherwise, it would be worth it to get your masters degree is SLP is the career for you. :) Good luck!

I have my Bachelor's degree in another field and am now almost finished with an Associates degree in SLPA. Nashua Community College in Nashua, NH offers the program. My main frustration with the field of SLPA is that currently ASHA will not allow assistants to work in hospitals or nursing homes. Presently, assistants can ONLY work in a school setting. As a result of this, assistants in some states do not get paid very well. Some are only being paid $12-$15/hr, whereas, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapy Assistants who can work in school, hospital and rehab facilities earn a lot more. Typically they earn anywhere between $20-$24, depending on the location. I am considering going on for a Master's in Speech Language Pathology, but I'm worried about even getting into graduate school because of it being a competitive program and most colleges only accept about 30 students a year into the graduate program. I don't know, I hate sounding so negative about the assistant program, but if I would have known how little assistants get paid before I started the program, I would have chosen something else. I know it shouldn't be all about the money, but hey, we all have bills to pay and college isn't cheap anymore!

Amy in Huntersville, North Carolina said: I have the same concerns also. I am planning on applying to a program about an hour from my home. It is a SLPA program. But there are not enough jobs here in NC. I see tons of jobs around here for Physical and occupational therapy assistants, though. I also researched that SLPA make about 5-8,000 dollars more than a COTA and PTA. The pay is great, but the jobs are few and far between. I have my undergrad in Communication and media arts. Most colleges here in NC want me to get my undergrad in communicative disorders then apply to grad school with no guarantee that i will get in. the admission criteria is really high. I have not been in college since 1987. I need 3 recommendations from college professors. I can get 3 professional recommendations, but they must come from professionals who hold a Masters Degree or higher. The addmissions commitee must see that I am grad school material. my supervisors where I work have an associates or bachelors. I found out if I get my bachelors in communicative disorders I can not work as a Speech Language Pathology assistant. I have to go to a 2 year accedited school that teachs that profession. There are 2 here in NC. Frustrating. Also, I was not allowed to shadow a Speech therapist, just talk to her extensively on the phone about her job. She encouraged me to go to the 2 year program, work in the field, get some professional recommendations and get into a company who would assist me in going on for my Masters. She said SLPAs make about 40,000 to 45,000 dollars a year. I am single so that is really good for me.[/QUOTE

To the above message: I am pretty sure assistants don't make $40,000 to $45,000. That would be nice if they did, though! I am curretntly getting my Associate's degree in SLPA and in New Hampshire, assistants only get about $15 an hour. Maybe they get paid a bit more in North Carolina, though.

lauren in Los Angeles, California said: If you don't mind me asking, which two community colleges are you talking about? I'm interested to know because I'm planning to start an SLPA program too.

Nashua Community College in Nashua, NH offers the SLPA program.

Current SLPA Student in Keene, New Hampshire said: Nashua Community College in Nashua, NH offers the SLPA program.

I am an SLP in TN and have lived all over the southwest. I would not waste my money on an slpa program. I have been In this field over 15 yrs in schools, hospitals, skilled nursing and have never seen them hire an slpa.
You would be more employable as a cota or pta and the pay is better

I can only speak for Canadian SLPs, but the job market sure is quiet right now...

C in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: "The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program has been discontinued due to the economic downturn creating a reduced demand for this position in our local labor market."

I wonder if that also signals a declining trend for SLP positions.

I would suggest that everyone who is interested in SLPA or wants to pursue their education to become a SLP to look into Post Bacc programs. I know that USF Sarasota campus has a post bacc program completely online. You can then use this time to network and talk to your professors, and possibly get letters of recommendations from them. Good luck in all your future endeavors. I was just hired as an SLPA in Florida..I have my bachelors in communicative disorders. So, don't give up and try to call private therapy companies in your area to see if they hire assistants. Good Luck!

I have been searching for months for a position. I was warned by a therapist while doing my practicum hours that the SLPA position was created due to a major shortage in Phx but schools and the Dept. of Eco. Security are not supporting this role for treatment.

I spoke to a private therapy practice and was highly discouraged.

I am at a loss. I will try to gather myself up and compete for those scarce seats at the Masters Level.

What a waist -

i just went to the usf sarasota website, they are not accepting applications for the BS online in csd....I also want to get that Bachelor degree but here is bradenton FL i can't find any programs near my home. I don't know what to do...

I am in the CSD bachelors progam and have heard many great things from my teachers who are SLP's and they say the job market is great.. so i dont know where yall are hearing this information..

I have also talked to other SLP's and they say there is a great need for them.. especially in nursing homes

but I wouldnt have the slightest idea about SLPA's !

not employed as a SLPA in Phoenix, Arizona said: I have been searching for months for a position. I was warned by a therapist while doing my practicum hours that the SLPA position was created due to a major shortage in Phx but schools and the Dept. of Eco. Security are not supporting this role for treatment.

I spoke to a private therapy practice and was highly discouraged.

I am at a loss. I will try to gather myself up and compete for those scarce seats at the Masters Level.

What a waist -

I sure could use a SLPA in my clinic in Tucson, AZ!

I sure could use a talented SLPA in my private practice in Tucson, AZ!

I like see this comment as I approach 33 and begin a new journey to obtaining another degree...I feel a little more inspired now :) Thank you!

I see every other month or so SLPA positions in San Diego, Ca. I currently am a SLPA and work for s private agency. I would recommend 'cold calling' all private companies in your area, also look into companies that do behavorial therapy (ABA). They tend to hire SLPA or 'communication specialist' if they have an office location that offers speech. In addition, I would volunteer at speech clinics, schools etc. Because once there is a position open, all that looks great on a resume.

Good luck to you all.

From where I sit as a seasoned SLP, I believe that it is an emerging field. Schools are just beginning to hire them in Arizona and other states. There have been difficulties with regard to medicaid reimbursement and the certification policies of the state departments of education. If there is an SLPA who wants a job at Lake Powell, please apply to Page Unified School District. As for the earlier comment about being an SLP until a ripe old age, I know I will need an SLPA or two to get that far. Caseloads for SLP's are often out of control. I have thought about switching back to being a community college instructor in anthropology and/or communication disorders. Anyone know of any opportunities?

affricate in Tucson, Arizona said: I sure could use a talented SLPA in my private practice in Tucson, AZ!

I don't know if you are still looking for an SLPA but I would be interested. I just finished the program at Estrella College and would move to Tuscon if needed. elaukaitis@gmail.com . If you are no longer looking then I'm glad you found someone.

dajohnson in Page, Arizona said: From where I sit as a seasoned SLP, I believe that it is an emerging field. Schools are just beginning to hire them in Arizona and other states. There have been difficulties with regard to medicaid reimbursement and the certification policies of the state departments of education. If there is an SLPA who wants a job at Lake Powell, please apply to Page Unified School District. As for the earlier comment about being an SLP until a ripe old age, I know I will need an SLPA or two to get that far. Caseloads for SLP's are often out of control. I have thought about switching back to being a community college instructor in anthropology and/or communication disorders. Anyone know of any opportunities?

I have submitted an application with the Page school District but haven't had a response. I just finished the SLPA program at Estrella College. If you have the time maybe you could give me advice as to how I might get a job there. elaukaitis@gmail.com

I agree that the job of an SLPA is becoming more critical. We need more SLPs AND more SLPAs to work with them, thus lightening the work load for overworked SLPs. The University of Vermont has a totally online SLPA sequence of 7 courses that can be completed in 4 semesters. Several graduates of this program have found jobs as SLPAs both in Vermont and out of state. Special tuition discount for out of state participants.

Ellen in Burlington, Vermont said: I agree that the job of an SLPA is becoming more critical. We need more SLPs AND more SLPAs to work with them, thus lightening the work load for overworked SLPs. The University of Vermont has a totally online SLPA sequence of 7 courses that can be completed in 4 semesters. Several graduates of this program have found jobs as SLPAs both in Vermont and out of state. Special tuition discount for out of state participants.[/QU

I have been an SLP for nearly 20 years and I certainly agree that the need for SLPA's should become more urgent in the near future. In theory, utilization should be very similar to that of PTA's and OTA's. That being said, the concept still seems to be foreign to some people and there are some limitations due to the inability to work in medical/long term settings (which comprises a large segment of a potential job market.) I currently hold a regional management position, but when I was treating every day and responsible for large caseloads...I would have been happy to have a SLPA.

I graduated last year from San Jose State University here in northern california with a BA in communicative disorders and took some time off school so I didn't apply for the master's program. I then heard about an SLPA program here where I only needed to take one online class and a 100 hour internship (and I still was able to work full time) and now I am almost done and looking to have my license in a couple months. I have heard mixed reviews about SLPA's but I think it all depends on your background and experience and education. Because I already have a BA and planning on going into a master's program and the fact that I am bilingual makes the market greater. I have already been seeing opportunities come my way and I haven't even received my license yet. I was starting to feel down and out but I realized you have to look everywhere! Although I live in northern California I am considering anywhere in the state and even Arizona because you have to go where the demand is. I know in California if you have a BA on top of your SLPA license and bilingual, you can make anywhere from $25-28/hour. I have talked to a lot of SLP's and they encourage SLPA's to continue their education because it is as they say "where the money is" and the security of a job and flexibility on where you want to work is greater. Again I am only speaking for California but I can't imagine it being all that different in other places. Bottom line is the more speech pathology related programs you emerse yourself in (BA, SLPA program, internship) looks amazing on a resume and you will get more opportunities and if you can go bilingual =)

I hope this helps =) and if anyone is looking for a english/spanish SLPA please let me know I'm willing to relocate daguilar1104@gmail.com

Just to add one more thing, I heard it takes about 2-3 tries to get into graduate programs if you don't have a BA/MA transition program set up so you need to fill your time with something speech pathology related and your SLPA license will help give you that =)

Hi everybody--I have just recentlt started my research on becoming a speech language pathologist and from what I can see it will be a long road but I am determined. Does the state of Arizona use SLPA's? I was thinking of getting licensed as a SLPA so I could work while waitng to get accepted into a graduate progam and also gain experience. After reading some of the posts here I'm not sure if becoming a SLPA has any value. One thing that makes me think the SLPA is a good initial way to go is the fact that the University of Arizona just added a summer certification SLPA program in 2011. NAU has a SLPA certification program also but does not include the clinical component that the U of A offers. I just don't want to waste time or money on useless certifications. I have a BA in Spanish and almost enough credits ( need 6 more )for a MA in hispanic linguistics and live in Tucson. I would like to work with kids and adults. Any feedback you can give would be appreciated. Thank you!!

If I could go back I would have started here on day one: bit.ly/JZ7Y6h

elaukaitis in Phoenix, Arizona said: I have submitted an application with the Page school District but haven't had a response. I just finished the SLPA program at Estrella College. If you have the time maybe you could give me advice as to how I might get a job there. elaukaitis@gmail.com

I'm just getting into this program at Estrella Mtn....some of these post scare me because I'm 38 and can't mess around. I don't have to have the Master's Degree I just want a career that's rewarding and hope it's a career I can find work in...I'm a little nervous about job prospects. I changed my major from a juvenile court advocate.

I'm just getting into this program at Estrella Mtn....some of these post scare me because I'm 38 and can't mess around. I don't have to have the Master's Degree I just want a career that's rewarding and hope it's a career I can find work in...I'm a little nervous about job prospects. I changed my major from a juvenile court advocate.

I am having a hard time finding a position in AZ. I just got my license in the mail last week and I have been told by so many that this career path in Arizona is not recognized. Schools in the East Valley are not hiring at. I have calling the staffing companies that are broadcasting they are hiring and they don't call back.

I am not happy - the information at Estrella was based on demand that was from 2007. I will keep looking and I was an older adult when I started this and I beginning to seriously question my decision.

Well thank you for your response! I hope you find a job real soon. I am not seeing a big demand for slpa here in Az and I was told it was wide open so I thought it would be a good field to get into. I'm having second thoughts hearing Az people are having a hard time getting employeed. I have taken ASL and loved it so I thought this would be such a good fit for me. I love working with kids but maybe I would have better luck going for Special Ed.... decisions, decisions....thanks for the info!

affricate in Tucson, Arizona said: I sure could use a talented SLPA in my private practice in Tucson, AZ!

I'll be there in one year! Just in my first term as SLPA, and a long history of social work with families and children. Please write to me and tell me more: hotai23@gmail.com. Willing to relocate for practicum and a position June 2013.

Ellen in Burlington, Vermont said: I agree that the job of an SLPA is becoming more critical. We need more SLPs AND more SLPAs to work with them, thus lightening the work load for overworked SLPs. The University of Vermont has a totally online SLPA sequence of 7 courses that can be completed in 4 semesters. Several graduates of this program have found jobs as SLPAs both in Vermont and out of state. Special tuition discount for out of state participants.

There are different requirements for different states. Oregon requires more than the above number of classes/units.

I completed my bachelor's in SLP over 10 years ago and now I'm hoping to go back for my master's degree. Is it more cost- and time-efficient to enroll in a post bacc program or an SLPA certification program in order to return to the field?