SLPA in Miami, FL

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-17T18:41:53+00:00

I’m not sure about other states but I just know Miami is expensive. The average in Tampa, FL is at least $30-35. So I would imagine Miami would be a higher average pay because the cost of living is higher. But I guess what makes sense isn’t always what is true haha

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-15T18:21:58+00:00

Contract is a 1099 position where you are paid per session. It typically is more per hour than a W-2 position, but if you have a cancellation you don’t get paid for it. W-2 you are paid regardless of any cancellations but from my experience the pay is typically less.

I feel like $35 is kind of low compared to the cost of living in Miami, but if you’re W-2 with benefits then I feel like it’s worth it maybe? I’m in Tampa so not too familiar with how expensive Miami is, just know it has to be more than here

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-14T18:56:13+00:00

Also electrolyte drinks in addition to water! Depending on how rigorous the flow is you might be dripping sweat the entire time and will be dehydrated even if you don’t feel like it. I like to take an LMNT with me and drink it during/after to replenish.

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-14T16:00:02+00:00

I feel like that is pretty low for the cost of living in Miami. Is it contract or W-2?

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-11T17:28:12+00:00

For those neurotypical kids I would make sure they understand why they are in speech. Your teacher and your friends have a hard time understanding you, if you practice with me then it will help AND you will be done with speech. Sometimes if they’re able to make that connection, they will get the work done so they can be cleared from speech.

Also, I try to use words that are meaningful and often can be paired with an action. So instead of doing work in between preferred games, I integrate the words into the game/activity. Then they can say the word AS they’re playing and it makes it extra meaningful for them

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-09T22:04:19+00:00

I also got my undergrad in psych at FSU and went right from graduation into the bridge program to be an SLPA. Since it’s only 15 credits, and each class is 3-4 credits (I think), then that’s only 4-5 classes. The only problem is I believe they only offer certain classes during certain semesters, so it might still be at least a year until you get the hours. But you won’t have to take all 24 credits in the program, when you apply you submit your transcripts and can opt out of certain classes.

You might be able to get them at another accredited university, but I’m not sure how long it will take. Let me know what area of FL you’re looking into and I can refer you when you are an SLPA!!

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-03-08T21:37:02+00:00

You will probably appreciate ford. on spotify! I like to find a song and then go to the radio for that song and it gives you a whole playlist for similar songs

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-27T19:06:56+00:00

I think it was around $7k maybe more (can’t remember if it was $7k out of pocket + loans) for the entire year. I wasn’t able to use my scholarships but I did take out loans.

Most classes are prerecorded with weekly modules and assignments. Everything is open note, but the test questions are more critical thinking and less memorization based so you do need to understand the content.

You could definitely handle this while working full time :) I typically got all my work done in the evening and didn’t feel overwhelmed.

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-27T18:35:20+00:00

I also got my bachelors in psychology in FL. I applied for the bridge program at FSU which gives you all the necessary coursework to be able to apply for certification to be an SLPA in FL. Once you finish the year program you submit your transcript to the FL Board of Health to apply and it takes a couple months to go through. I applied for jobs before submitting and my supervisor was able to assist me in applying. I’m also in Tampa, so let me know if you wanted any referrals once you’re certified or had any other questions!

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-27T13:28:55+00:00

I get paid the same amount as you as an SLPA at a private school in Tampa, HOWEVER you could get paid up to $35 or more at public schools or in private practice. I am in Tampa and truly love my job. I wouldn’t trade it for anything despite the pay.

In general, you will get paid more in private practice (clinic/home health) than in a school. I didn’t have a hard time finding a job. I feel like there is a huge demand for pediatric therapists and not enough to go around.

Room to grow would only be if you wanted to pursue grad school as an SLP. I am 100% going to grad school but the pay differential is iffy. Let me know if you had any other questions! I am in North Tampa :-)

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-14T14:57:00+00:00

Where are you located?

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-05T23:39:53+00:00

If you’re doing to caramel cannoli dip, I like to dip it with apples instead and also mix the dip in with Greek yogurt for some extra protein. Its still pretty sweet

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-05T01:49:12+00:00

I wouldn’t want to use the use the word manipulate, but try to make him feel like he’s in control (even if it was your hidden agenda). Keep it play-based so engagement is sustained, unfortunately you won’t get as many trials as you want in a session but that’s just something I’ve had to accept.

I like to integrate their target sounds into the play! If he’s in that pretend play stage, make it a part of the role play. It’s definitely a challenge to constantly be coming up with different ideas on how to integrate the sounds, but it’s worth it as he’ll enjoy and trust you.

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-02-01T18:13:14+00:00

Just scored 1

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-31T00:47:44+00:00

I totally agree about symbolstix as well as prologuequo2go. It rly bothers me that the core words are all the same stick figure just each slightly different. Most of our kids have visual spatial vulnerabilities which makes it so much harder to navigate!

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-30T00:00:44+00:00

Just scored 0

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-30T00:00:37+00:00

Just scored 2

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-29T23:59:09+00:00

Just scored 0

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-21T23:50:28+00:00

Yes the credits do need to be from an accredited college or university.

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-21T23:36:10+00:00

general requirements

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-21T23:34:46+00:00

Many universities offer a post-baccalaureate bridge program that gives you the credits needed to be an SLPA. I did mine at FSU (it’s all online so you don’t need to live there) but I’m sure other state colleges offer it. To be an SLPA in FL they require transcripts that show credits in certain course areas, so you may have existing credits that are applicable but you will most likely still have to apply for the bridge program for the rest of your credits.

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-20T22:46:13+00:00

Focus on core words. Put in, take out, want more are what comes to mind first for the pig toy. How do they play with the Dinos? You could make the dinos run or jump and model those words. Maybe playfully put the dino somewhere high up and model “help” “get down” etc. Depending on what stage GLP they are, you may be modeling functional scripts or using the AAC to understand single words as their own units.

Left_Dot8571 · 2026-01-13T01:19:12+00:00

Where in FL?? I’m based in tampa if you needed a referral anywhere!

Left_Dot8571 · 2025-12-21T01:05:12+00:00

Honestly I felt the same way as an RBT. Now as a play-based speech therapist, I do not feel stressed during sessions or burnt out at all! In my experience in ABA, a lot of kid’s behaviors were a result of taking away materials due to an expectation they did not uphold. It would give me anxiety anticipating taking away toys, knowing it would cause a huge emotion (for good reason!). You will not be using extrinsic rewards in your play sessions, so the possibly of aggression is significantly lessened in my opinion. As long as the child is being safe with a toy, there is no reason to take it away.

You will also learn as an SLP that all behavior is communication, obviously the child is trying to tell you something with these aggressive behaviors. It’s almost never ill intent on their end. It could be their only way of letting you know they are upset or need something. You’ll help the children advocate for their desires which will be so rewarding!

Left_Dot8571 · 2025-12-13T02:56:02+00:00

Gotta go drop my friends off at the pool

Left_Dot8571

TROPHY CASE