Credentialing Speech-Language
Pathology Assistants

Does ASHA credential speech-language pathology assistants??

No, not at this time.  However, a plan calling for voluntary registration of speech-language pathology assistants, a national registry, and a process for approving technical training programs is being considered by the Council on Professional Standards in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

How does one become a speech-language pathology assistant?

ASHAs 1995 Guidelines for the Training, Credentialing, Use, and Supervision of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants call for assistants to complete a minimum of an associate's degree or an equivalent course of study.  The Council on Professional Standards in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is currently preparing standards for credentialing speech-language pathology assistants.  Therefore, the training level may change when the credential is developed.

Because the requirements for speech-language pathology support personnel vary across the country, persons interested in serving as speech-language pathology assistants should check with the state of intended employment for that state's specific requirements.   State agencies (licensure boards) currently regulating support personnel have training requirements that range from a high school diploma to a baccalaureate degree, as well as a variety of differing requirements for supervising these individuals.

ASHAs 1995 guidelines, which include training and supervisory levels, are national in scope and can serve to promote greater uniformity in the terms used to identify speech-language pathology support personnel, training requirements, and supervisory responsibilities.

Can someone become a speech-language pathology assistant with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders?

It is not automatic.  The purpose and content of the training programs for speech-language pathology assistants are different than those for bachelor's level education.

Is the use of speech-language pathology assistants permitted in every state?

No.  Some states that regulate speech-language pathology do not permit the use of speech-language pathology support personnel.  A few states prohibit the use of support personnel.  As of October, 1997, six states and the District of Columbia have no regulation for the profession.  State departments of education, however, may credential speech-language pathology support personnel.  Some school districts hire assistants under the classification of teacher assistants.   Call the state licensure board or Department of Education for specific state regulations.  Addresses and phone numbers can be obtained from ASHAs web site or Fax-on-demand (202-274-4520).