To become a speech therapy assistant, one must complete post-secondary training, gain related work experience, apply for suitable jobs, and go through the job interview process. The role involves helping patients with exercises and preliminary diagnostic tests. A high-energy, optimistic person with a low frustration threshold may find it a satisfying career choice. Admission criteria include listening and speaking tests, and related work experience can be gained through job placement programs or working in healthcare services. Job seekers should check their resumes and cover letters for errors and focus on concise, complete answers during the interview process.
There are four steps required to become a speech therapy assistant: post-secondary training, related work experience, job application, and job interview process. A speech pathology assistant is a member of the health services team, working under the guidance of a speech pathologist or audiologist. The primary role of a speech therapy assistant is to help the patient complete exercises and perform preliminary diagnostic tests.
People interested in the healthcare field, enjoy working with people, and want to work a standard weekday with occasional weekends, find this type of work satisfying. The main reward of this type of work is to observe the patient’s progress. A low frustration threshold is required as speech problems often take a long time to resolve. A high-energy person who is naturally optimistic might find this to be a good career choice.
The first requirement to become a speech therapy assistant is to complete a post-secondary education program. Speech-language pathology assistance programs are available at a wide variety of community and career colleges. Admission criteria for this specialty may include listening and speaking tests.
Related work experience is usually gained through a job placement program. Look for schools that have an affiliated speech therapy clinic with work placement or internship opportunities. Other ways to gain related experience include working in the healthcare services industry as a physician assistant or in a customer service position. Office assistant or office management positions offer the opportunity to learn how to deal with patients, vendors and other business issues.
To really become a speech therapy assistant, you must find and apply for suitable jobs in advance. Most students start looking for a full-time position three to four months before graduation. Visit your school’s career center and look for employers who have posted their positions at the school. Ask your instructors and internship supervisor if they would be willing to provide a reference letter to potential employers.
When applying for a job to become a speech therapy assistant, check your resume and cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors. During the job interview process, remember that the employer usually has a standard list of questions and looks for concise and complete answers. Remember that everything you say will be noted and reviewed. Think about your answers, stay calm and focus on how you can contribute.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN