Best institutions to study Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of speech-language pathologists, to assist in the provision of speech-language pathology services to individuals of all ages, including screenings and assessments, following treatment plans or protocols, documenting and reporting patient performance, performing checks and maintenance of equipment, and providing support in research projects.
21 U.S. institutions graduated 304 Speech-Language Pathology Assistant students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0816, a specialization of Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08), and leads most directly to the Healthcare Support Workers, All Other occupation (BLS SOC 31-9099).
About Speech-Language Pathology Assistant programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of speech-language pathologists, to assist in the provision of speech-language pathology services to individuals of all ages, including screenings and assessments, following treatment plans or protocols, documenting and reporting patient performance, performing checks and maintenance of equipment, and providing support in research projects. Includes instruction in speech and language development, phonetics, childhood and adult communication disorders, speech and hearing screening, and clinical procedures in speech-language pathology.
See also: 13.1012 - Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments., 51.0203 - Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist., 51.0204 - Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program prepares individuals to support speech-language pathologists in delivering services to clients of all ages. Under supervision, students learn to assist with screenings, assessments, and treatment plans while documenting patient progress and maintaining equipment. This program is ideal for those interested in a rewarding career in healthcare that focuses on communication disorders.
Core coursework includes instruction in speech and language development, phonetics, communication disorders in both children and adults, and clinical procedures in speech-language pathology. Students gain practical skills necessary for assisting in various therapeutic settings.
Credentials awarded
What Speech-Language Pathology Assistant graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree139 graduates / yr · 10 institutions46%
- Bachelor's degree80 graduates / yr · 6 institutions26%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year45 graduates / yr · 4 institutions15%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years21 graduates / yr · 2 institutions6.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate13 graduates / yr · 2 institutions4.3%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years6 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.0%
Graduates over time
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 102 |
| 2013 | 122 |
| 2014 | 128 |
| 2015 | 141 |
| 2016 | 180 |
| 2017 | 170 |
| 2018 | 167 |
| 2019 | 175 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 189 |
| 2022 | 299 |
| 2023 | 295 |
| 2024 | 363 |
| 2025 | 304 |
Top 21 institutions for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 32% | — | — |
| 2 | Alexandria Technical & Community College Alexandria, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 33 | 60% | — | — |
| 3 | Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 31 | 63% | $31,672 | — |
| 4 | St. Joseph's University - New York Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 27 | 69% | $17,134 | — |
| 5 | Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales, NMPublicAssociate's | 26 | 45% | — | — |
| 6 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 68% | — | — |
| 7 | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Hudson, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 18 | 45% | — | $35,552 |
| 8 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Ponce Ponce, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 49% | $13,112 | — |
| 9 | Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, OKPublicAssociate's | 15 | 27% | — | $29,838 |
| 10 | Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WYPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 38% | — | $34,871 |
| 11 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 59% | — | — |
| 12 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicPost-degree cert. | 11 | 65% | — | — |
| 13 | Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NCPublicAssociate's | 10 | 24% | — | $33,112 |
| 14 | The University of Montana Missoula, MTPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 6 | 48% | — | — |
| 15 | Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SDPublicAssociate's | 5 | 76% | — | $35,074 |
| 16 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AKPublicAssociate's | 4 | 30% | — | $44,513 |
| 17 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAssociate's | 3 | 24% | — | $40,439 |
| 18 | Harding University Searcy, ARPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 2 | 69% | $19,423 | — |
| 19 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Arecibo, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 54% | $10,179 | — |
| 20 | Lebanon Valley College Annville, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 65% | $24,925 | — |
| 21 | Caribbean University - Bayamon Bayamon, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 43% | $6,392 | $7,046 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services field (CIP 51.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 16 states & territories
Where Speech-Language Pathology Assistant graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 2 | 65 | Estrella Mountain Community College47 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 33 | Alexandria Technical & Community College33 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 31 | Nova Southeastern University31 / yr |
| North Carolina | 2 | 28 | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute18 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 27 | St. Joseph's University - New York27 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 26 | Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus26 / yr |
| Utah | 2 | 23 | Utah State University12 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 3 | 21 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Ponce18 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 15 | Oklahoma City Community College15 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 14 | Laramie County Community College14 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 6 | The University of Montana6 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 5 | Mitchell Technical College5 / yr |
| Alaska | 1 | 4 | University of Alaska Anchorage4 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 3 | Connecticut State Community College3 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 2 | Harding University2 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | Lebanon Valley College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 31-9099, Healthcare Support Workers, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program can pursue careers as Healthcare Support Workers, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 3.5% and approximately 14,400 annual openings. The median wage for this field is around $46,050, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0816
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Healthcare Support Workers, All Otherprimary SOC 31-9099 | $48,430 | +3.5% About as fast as average | ~14,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Related careers
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08).
- Medical/CIP 51.0801
Clinical Assistant 55,276 graduates / yr1,057 institutions - Pharmacy Technician/CIP 51.0805
Assistant 8,060 graduates / yr353 institutions - Physical Therapy AssistantCIP 51.08065,489 graduates / yr360 institutions
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting ServicesCIP 51.08994,386 graduates / yr75 institutions
- Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance)CIP 51.08104,277 graduates / yr79 institutions
- Occupational Therapist AssistantCIP 51.08033,204 graduates / yr213 institutions
- Radiologist AssistantCIP 51.0814partial data1,676 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Clinical/CIP 51.0802
Medical Laboratory Assistant 663 graduates / yr34 institutions - Anesthesiologist AssistantCIP 51.0809497 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Respiratory Therapy Technician/CIP 51.0812
Assistant 258 graduates / yr19 institutions - Pathology/CIP 51.0811
Pathologist Assistant 178 graduates / yr13 institutions - Lactation ConsultantCIP 51.0815partial data47 graduates / yr4 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Chiropractic Technician/
Assistant51.0813
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs →
Common questions
What degree do I need to become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?+
An Associate's degree is commonly awarded, but Bachelor's degrees and shorter certifications are also options.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn about speech and language development, communication disorders, and clinical procedures.
What is the job outlook for this career?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.5%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 21 colleges in the U.S. that offer the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program.
What is the CIP code for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?+
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant is CIP 51.0816 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of speech-language pathologists, to assist in the provision of speech-language pathology services to individuals of all ages, including screenings and assessments, following treatment plans or protocols, documenting and reporting patient performance, performing checks and maintenance of equipment, and providing support in research projects. Includes instruction in speech and language development, phonetics, childhood and adult communication disorders, speech and hearing screening, and clinical procedures in speech-language pathology.
How many institutions offer Speech-Language Pathology Assistant programs?+
21 U.S. institutions reported Speech-Language Pathology Assistant graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 16 states & territories, awarding 304 credentials in the year. That is 0.4% of all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates.
How much do Speech-Language Pathology Assistant graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Healthcare Support Workers, All Other occupation, which Speech-Language Pathology Assistant most directly leads to, pays a median of $48,430 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services field report median earnings of $35,074 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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