Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant helps patients improve communication skills. These assistants work under the supervision of Audiologists or Speech Language Pathologists, who are certified and licensed to provide help with hearing, speech, language and voice disorder. Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants work with both children and adults to overcome hearing and speech disorders and carry out treatment programs, to improve clients' communication skills.
An Exciting Field of Work
In general, Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants:
- Assist Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists during assessments, including, but not limited to, preparing materials and performing clerical duties
- Performs universal hearing screening test on newborns and on preschool age children
- Follow and implement treatment plans or protocols developed by the Audiologists or Speech-Language Pathologist for patients/clients in direct and group activities
- Provide direct treatment to patients/clients
- Prepare materials for use in therapy, home programs and classroom
- Document patient/client performance during intervention and report the information to the Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist
- Assist with Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist research projects, in-service training, and family or community education
- Assist with departmental operations: appointment scheduling, chart preparation, data collection, record keeping, and safety procedures, maintenance of supplies and equipment and audio-visual equipment operation
Personal Characteristics / Skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)
- Patience
- Creativity and good observation skills
- Good organizational and time management skills
- Ability to take direction and follow treatment programs set out by speech-language pathologists
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Education and Training
Completion of a college Rehabilitation Assistant program or Communicative Disorders Assistant program is required.
Education program offered in New Brunswick
Rehabilitation Assistant program are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:
- Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) – French program
Length of Study / Training
1.5 - 2.0 years
Licence and certification
Certification is not required in this occupation in New Brunswick. However, registration with the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) as a Supportive Personnel Member may be an asset when seeking employment.
Helpful High School Courses
- Mathematics
- Biologie
- Science
Employment and Common Working Conditions
Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathology Assistants work in a variety of settings, such as:
- Hospitals
- Community Care Centres
- Rehabilitation Centres
- Schools
Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathology Assistants usually work standard weekday hours. They may be required to travel to various locations.
Employment Prospects - GOOD
With the aging population, the demand for Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathology Assistants is expected to grow.