Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

High School

Health and science classes, including biology, are important. Be sure to also take classes in mathematics, English, psychology, and computer science. Knowledge of a foreign language is also beneficial, as it will help you learn to make sounds and remember words. Speech classes also improve awareness of sounds and language as well as hone speaking and listening skills.

Postsecondary Training

An associate's degree or vocational school training is usually the minimum requirement for speech-language pathology assistant jobs. Those with a bachelor's degree, however, have the advantage in the job market. Common majors for this field include communication sciences and disorders, speech and hearing, or education. Undergraduate course work should include classes in anatomy, biology, physiology, physics, and other related areas, such as linguistics, semantics, and phonetics. It is also helpful to have some exposure to child psychology. Speech-language pathology assistants may participate in an apprenticeship and receive on-the-job training that may last from one to two years.

Other Education or Training

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers continuing education courses, Web workshops, and conferences. Topics include practice issues, legal documentation, technology, ethics, language and literacy, and working with children who do not speak English as a first language.