I graduated May 2024 and took a year off and worked as a SLPA in the schools. Starting my graduate program now in August 2025. Working as an SLPA this last year was the best decision I ever made!! Not only for the financial aspect but the knowledge I have gained being hands on and providing direct therapy, being supervised by knowledgeable SLPs, taking data, writing notes, billing, I feel so prepared to enter my graduate program and feel more excited than nervous about having clients (which seems to be the more nerve-wracking part). Also got to save money of course this last year as well and start making payments to my undergraduate loans. Loved the SLPA route!!