ALTERNATE CAREER PATHS
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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)
An SLPA is a support professional who works under a licensed SLP to help individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. SLPAs assist in conducting therapy sessions, preparing materials and collecting data on client progress, but they do not diagnose or create treatment plans. This is a meaningful career and a strong foundation for those who may wish to become SLPs in the future.
SLPA Roadmap
Education Pathways to SLPA Certification
Spartan SLPA Program
One 3-unit, 10-week course (academic)
One 3-5 unit, 12-week course (clinical experience)
100 direct clinical hours (typically 180-200 hours on site)
Satisfies ASHA Education Pathway 2 & 3
Audiology Assistant (AA)
An Audiologist Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed Audiologist to support the evaluation and treatment of individuals with hearing or balance disorders. Their duties include performing hearing screenings, maintaining and repairing hearing aids, preparing equipment for testing, and assisting routine audiology procedures. They cannot diagnose or interpret test results. This position provides valuable experience for those who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree to become a licensed Audiologist.
Audiologist Assistant Roadmap
Occupational Therapist (OT) and Assistant (OTA)
An Occupational Therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They assess clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities, then create and implement therapy plans to improve independence in everyday activities such as dressing, eating, or using adaptive tools. Occupational therapists are licensed to evaluate, plan, and carry out treatment independently while Occupational Therapist Assistants support the OT to conduct treatment. The OTA career path is a great way to gain experience to become an OT.
OT and OTA Roadmap
Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist is a mental health professional who specializes in psychotherapy, commonly known as "talk therapy" or counseling. They assist in offering solutions to, discussing, understanding, and analyzing problems you may encounter throughout your life. Events like dealing with long-term stress, the loss of a loved one or a relationship are all reasons why someone may go to a psychotherapist. They also are involved in treating specific mental disorders like depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy can be carried out by numerous professionals, not limited to psychotherapists and therefore, there is no single license for psychotherapists. Although not directly related to Communicative Disorders and Sciences, this position provides experience in interacting with clients and behavior management.
Psychotherapist Roadmap
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
Physical therapists or physiotherapists are licensed doctors who work with a variety of patients that are impacted by disease, injury, and movement dysfunction. They maintain, restore, and improve patients' ability to move, while also helping managing pain and symptoms caused by damage to your body. Many people work with physiotherapists when recovering from injuries or surgery, but also work with patients with certain health conditions or preventing injuries. Physiotherapists cannot diagnose health conditions, prescribe medicine, or perform surgeries, but are a key part of a care team after an injury. Although not directly related to Communicative Disorders and Sciences, this position provides experience creating treatment plans that are in line with the needs of a client as well as interacting with clients.
Physical Therapist Roadmap
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