English
Albanian
Arabic
Armenian
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Dutch
English
Filipino
French
Frisian
German
Greek
Hindi
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Kurdish (Kurmanji)
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Ukrainian
Vietnamese
Yiddish
By Chessa Jones, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Specialty Program Director
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP Assistant). At Therapy 2000, we’re proud to honor these dedicated professionals whose compassion and expertise help children find their voice, build connections, and thrive every day.
But what exactly do SLPs and SLP Assistants do — and how do their roles differ?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) are licensed professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat communication, feeding, and swallowing disorders. They work with children to improve speech, language, social communication, and feeding skills, helping them gain confidence and independence in their daily lives. SLPs hold a master’s degree (or higher) in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders, meet state licensure requirements, and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — commonly referred to as holding their CCCs (Certificate of Clinical Competence).
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP Assistants) play an essential supporting role in the therapy process. Working under the supervision of a licensed SLP, they help implement treatment plans, guide therapy activities, and provide consistent, hands-on support to the children and families they serve. SLP Assistants typically hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed required coursework, clinical observation and treatment hours to earn their state licensure.
For a side-by-side comparison of these roles—including education, responsibilities, and supervision — see the chart below.
| Category | SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) | SLP-A (Speech-Language Pathology Assistant) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition / Role | Licensed professional who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders. | Support personnel who assist SLPs in therapy under supervision. Does not treat feeding or swallowing disorders. Focuses on intervention. |
| Education / Training | Master’s degree in SLP from an accredited program; clinical fellowship; passes national Praxis exam; Texas licensure. | Completion of SLP-Assistants program or equivalent coursework; clinical training under SLP supervision; Texas licensure. |
| Scope of Practice | Can assess, diagnose, plan, and adjust treatment; supervises SLP Assistants. | Provides therapy according to SLP’s plan; cannot diagnose or independently adjust treatment. |
| Supervision | Supervises SLP Assistants; responsible for therapy outcomes. | Must work under SLP supervision; supervision is direct and indirect per Texas rules. |
| Responsibilities | Full patient care, treatment planning, and documentation; administrative and consultative tasks. | Implements treatment plans, provide carry over activities, collect data, act as translator, and maintain clinical records. |
| Work Settings | Schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, research, telepractice. | Same settings as SLPs (rarely in hospitals) but always part of SLP-led team. |
| Licensure / Certification (for Texas) | Required by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and most job locations require ASHA CCCs. | Optional ASHA SLP-Assistants certification; must follow Texas SLP supervision regulations. |
| Career Path | Can advance to clinical specialist, director roles, private practice owner, or academic positions. | Can gain experience and potentially become an SLP with further education. |
Together, SLPs and SLP-Assistants form a collaborative team, ensuring that every child receives the high-quality care and attention they deserve.
At Therapy 2000, this work goes beyond therapy sessions. It’s about creating meaningful change in the lives of children and their families. Every milestone reached, every word spoken, and every connection made reflects the dedication of our clinicians. This month, we celebrate not only the profession, but the purpose behind it: helping every child be heard, understood, and supported every step of the way.
For more information, please contact us.
