How to Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in Indiana
Are you pursuing a career in speech-language pathology and interested in gaining hands-on experience working with children? Becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) can be a rewarding way to begin your career in the field while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
At Integrity Learning Center our Speech Therapy team is growing, and we are excited to connect with students and future SLPAs who are passionate about pediatric therapy.
What Is an SLPA?
A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to provide speech and language services to clients.
SLPAs play an important role in helping children work toward their communication goals. Depending on the child’s individual needs and treatment plan, an SLPA may work on areas such as:
- Speech sound production
- Receptive and expressive language
- Functional communication
- Social communication
- Vocabulary development
- Following directions
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
- Early communication skills
- Carryover of speech and language skills into everyday activities
SLPAs do not independently evaluate or diagnose communication disorders. Instead, they implement treatment plans developed by and under the supervision of a licensed SLP.
How Do You Become an SLPA in Indiana?
If you’re considering becoming an SLPA in Indiana, there are several important steps to understand.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Indiana requires SLPAs to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communication disorders from an accredited institution.
Many students pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), which provides foundational coursework in speech, language, hearing, anatomy, development, and communication disorders.
2. Complete Your Required Clinical Experience
Indiana requires SLPAs to complete 100 hours of clinical practicum supervised by an Indiana-licensed SLP. At least 75 of those hours must involve direct, face-to-face client contact. The required experience includes a minimum of 20 hours in speech disorders and 20 hours in language disorders.
3. Complete Your Indiana SLPA Application
Once you have met the education and clinical requirements, you can apply for your Indiana SLP support personnel license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
The current Indiana application requires items including an application, background check, supporting documentation, official transcripts, and documentation related to supervision and clinical experience. The current application fee listed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency is $50.
Don’t Have Your Clinical Experience Yet?
We may be able to help!
At Integrity Learning Center, we understand that getting the clinical experience needed to become an SLPA can sometimes be one of the most challenging parts of the process.
For qualified students interested in joining our team, we can facilitate opportunities to obtain observation hours and direct client contact hours with our Speech Therapy team before hiring, when appropriate and based on available opportunities.
You don’t necessarily have to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you’re working toward becoming an SLPA and need guidance on the next step, we’d love to connect.
What Is It Like to Work as an SLPA at Integrity Learning Center?
At Integrity Learning Center, our SLPAs work as part of an interdisciplinary pediatric therapy team. Our current SLPA role involves providing speech and language therapy services to children in both outpatient and ABA settings under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
Our SLPAs implement individualized treatment plans developed by their supervising SLP and provide direct therapy to children with a variety of communication needs. The position also involves collaborating with the therapy team, participating in trainings and professional development, and contributing to a positive, learner-focused environment.
You don’t have to know everything on day one. We believe in supporting our team members, providing ongoing training, and creating an environment where clinicians can continue learning and growing.
Why Choose Integrity Learning Center?
At Integrity, our mission goes beyond providing therapy. We want our team members to feel supported as they grow into their careers.
As an SLPA at Integrity Learning Center, you can expect:
- A pediatric-focused therapy environment
- Supervision and mentorship from experienced SLPs
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development
- Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
- Experience working with children with a variety of communication needs
- Opportunities to gain experience with AAC
- A supportive, child-centered environment
- Opportunities for professional growth within a growing organization
Our team is passionate about helping children communicate, participate, and build greater independence—and we’re looking for SLPAs who share that passion.
Ready to Start Your SLPA Career?
If you’re pursuing your bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, recently graduated, or are working toward meeting Indiana’s SLPA requirements, Integrity Learning Center may be the place to start your pediatric therapy career.
We’re always excited to meet motivated future clinicians who want to learn, grow, and make a difference.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
View the current Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Assistant opportunity at Integrity Learning Center and apply today:
Apply for an SLPA position at Integrity Learning Center
Have questions about becoming an SLPA or want to learn more about completing observation hours with our team? Reach out to Integrity Learning Center—we’d love to connect with you!
Author: Madison Winkelseth
