TRAINING
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANTS

It could be, but is not specifically intended as such since the associated coursework and practicum required in the speech-language pathology assistant program are different from those at the bachelor's preprofessional or master's professional levels.   In related professions that use assistants, the majority of assistants do not pursue professional level education.

As of October 1997, ASHA is aware of 4 established associate degree programs for speech-language pathology assistants and 47 institutions that are considering and/or developing programs.  Some of these programs are exploring training opportunities through distance learning and collaborations between community colleges and institutions of higher education.  ASHA has no mechanism for approving assistant training programs at this time.  The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology is considering a plan to approve such a training program.