Focus
To give listeners an introduction to the day in the life of a speech language pathology assistant (SLPA), discussing education, certification, job stability and job satisfaction.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
- How does one become a SLPA?
- What is required certification, education?
- What are the employment opportunities?
- How’s the job market?
- What kinds of practices can I expect to choose from?
- What are income and benefits like?
- What is job security like?
- Is the demand for SLPAs growing with SLPs?
- What is your average day and week like?
- What is inside/outside your scope of responsibility?
- Is there much burnout in the SLPA field?
- How has COVID-19 affected your work?
- How long should I be an SLPA before applying to grad school?
- What can an undergraduate do to stand out in their application to work with an SLP?
- Does the minimum of 100 clock hours of field work include observation hours, and will those count towards the SLP requirements?
Quote Of The Conversation
“We get to do the fun part of the job…We get to plan the treatment and engage with the student or the client. I’ve heard SLP colleagues tell me, ‘you know, I want to be an SLPA when I grow up!'”
– Celina Wright, SLPA
Guest Speaker Bio
Celina Wright, C-SLPA
Celina has been a licensed SLPA for 11 years. She completed an A.S. degree and practicum hours to become licensed, then went on to complete a B.S. degree in Communication Science and Disorders. Prior to working as an SLPA, Celina worked as an Early Intervention Specialist and ABA therapist. As an SLPA she has gone on to complete further training, most notably as a Social Thinking™ clinical trainee.
She currently works in a private clinic setting serving both individuals and groups. She also serves as the clinic’s SLPA Training Coordinator. Outside of the clinic she is involved with the California Speech Language and Hearing Association and has served in various capacities. Her most recent role has been as the SLPA Representative to the CSHA state board. While she has presented at CSHA state conventions in the past, this year due to COVID, Celina’s presentation and organized SLPA Town hall was postponed.
Celina is also podcast host and contributor for SLPA.Resources.
Download the episode transcribe and study guide
Keep the Conversation Going
Guest Speaker Information
Celina Wright, C-SLPA
Email – celina.c.wright@gmail.com
Podcast – SLPA.Resources
Instagram – @speakingwrightfromtheheart
Website – coming soon!
Upcoming Missing Link for SLPs Episodes
- Conversation with a SLP grad student
- Conversation with a SLP Professor
- Conversation with a Home Health SLP
Thank you for listening to The Missing Link for SLPs podcast! If you enjoyed the show, I’d love you to subscribe, rate it, and leave a short review. Also, please share an episode with a friend. Together we can raise awareness and help more SLPs find and connect those missing links to help them feel confident in their patient care every step of the way.
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Not a substitute for a formal SLP education or medical advice for patients/caregivers.
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