Understanding the Role of a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) play a crucial role in supporting individuals with communication and speech disorders. These professionals work under the supervision of licensed Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) to provide valuable assistance in the treatment of clients. In the state of Oregon, SLPAs undergo specific training to ensure they are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the field. You may compare the role to that of a Medical Assistant (MA) who is trained to support doctors in specific areas of their client’s care, or Physical Therapy- Assistants (PT-A) who provide therapy as provided by a supervising Physical Therapist.  

Training for SLPAs in Oregon

In Oregon, the training for SLPAs is comprehensive, covering various aspects of speech-language pathology. SLPAs typically complete an associate, bachelor’s degree or a relevant certification program, which includes coursework in anatomy, phonetics, language development, and at least 100 hours of hands-on clinical experience directed by a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. The training ensures that SLPAs have a solid foundation in the principles of speech-language pathology and can apply their knowledge in treatment sessions with clients. 

Benefits of Working with SLPAs

One of the primary benefits of working with SLPAs is the increased capacity for providing services to a broader range of clients. By collaborating with SLPAs, licensed SLPs can extend their reach and address the growing demand for speech-language pathology services. This collaborative approach enhances efficiency in therapeutic settings, allowing more individuals to receive the attention and care they need to improve their communication skills.

Collaboration Between SLPAs and SLPs

SLPAs and SLPs work together in a collaborative partnership to deliver comprehensive care. While SLPs are responsible for the initial evaluation, diagnosis, re-assessments, and overall treatment plan, SLPAs carry out specific therapeutic activities, develop materials and provide ongoing support. This collaborative model ensures that clients receive consistent and well-coordinated care throughout their treatment.

Pediatric Progress Through SLPAs

In pediatric settings, SLPAs play a vital role in helping children achieve their speech and language development goals. Working closely with SLPs, SLPAs implement therapeutic interventions, engage children in interactive activities, and help increase their progress over time. The structured support provided by SLPAs allows pediatric clients to make meaningful strides in their communication abilities, contributing to their overall development and quality of life.

SLPA’s at Parkwood

At Parkwood, we currently utilize the skills of two SLP-Assistants who are supervised by clinicians that have completed advanced training. We exceed the supervision requirements for our SLP-As to ensure our practice goes above and beyond the standard. We have found that employing the support of SLP-A’s supports generalization of skills and allows for clients to be seen multiple times per week (as clinically appropriate) to help increase progress towards their goals. 

Speech Language Pathology Assistants contribute significantly to the field of speech-language pathology, particularly in states like Oregon where their training is carefully designed to meet the needs of diverse clients. The collaborative efforts between SLPs and SLPAs enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of speech-language therapy, ultimately benefiting clients in achieving their communication goals. As the demand for speech-language pathology services continues to rise, the role of SLPAs becomes increasingly vital in providing accessible and quality care to those in need.