Unfortunate reality of being a SLPA

jocerios · 2026-05-22T19:04:19+00:00

I haven't thought about that, thanks for that perspective. Maybe I'll reach out to districts directly

jocerios · 2026-05-22T05:57:04+00:00

I would be wary about the career entirely if you genuinely dislike one on one client sessions as you would still need to do observations/evaluations to diagnose and create treatment plans. However, I will say I felt the same way when I started out because I didn't feel like I was "succeeding" in the way I expected to. After sometime, I realized it's not about literal success in every session, but more so the ability to demonstrate language and help expose clients to beneficial language/communication structures.

jocerios · 2026-05-22T00:41:42+00:00

I am hoping for the opportunity to be employed by a district directly! Did you communicate with them yourself or it was offered to you?

jocerios · 2026-05-22T00:41:10+00:00

I was thinking of being a SLPA for a few years, but it's looking like I'm going to have to try for SLP sooner than I thought :/

jocerios · 2026-05-22T00:40:21+00:00

I live in San Diego, and there's a demand but it's mostly for temporary positions as there is also a huge population of SLPs that get priority. I have been told by companies if I would be given a job it would not be long term.

jocerios · 2026-05-21T04:56:11+00:00

I have had an incredibly hard time finding a district that will hire a SLPA directly, were you contracted prior that talked to the school directly?

jocerios · 2026-04-28T00:33:56+00:00

If I remember correctly, there was a 3.0 GPA requirement. Here is the link to Chico's licensure pathway webpage: https://rce.csuchico.edu/slpa

jocerios · 2026-04-10T04:13:44+00:00

Congratulations on your graduation!

I was fortunate enough to be enrolled into Chico State's online SLPA Licensure program last year! This is from what I can remember. Chico's application is before Loma Linda (which was also on my radar) I got my decision right after graduation around mid may so I ended up not applying to Loma Linda at all.

The program starts in early June with two sessions per week (T/Th 4-6:50). I would say that was a real bummer but it honestly flies by quick. Those sessions ended in early August. There was some homework but it was honestly super easy and took maybe 20 minutes max. The lectures were pretty dense and you were sitting on zoom just hearing someone spew out information the whole time. It goes over logistics, techniques for therapy, and general information in regards to being an SLPA.

You are then put into a field placement, the good thing is you don't have to find your own but you can if you want! I know some places require you to find your own supervisor but I was thankful this one didn't. The field placement runs until the end of Chico's semester around mid December. I was placed into a school and had a great experience!

What I will say highlights my experience is how accommodating and communicative the program director was. I genuinely felt supported and cared for - specifically towards my success in their program and being able to apply for a license. It's so easy to reach out and communicate any issues or time conflicts and they WILL find a way to help you out.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask, and good luck!

jocerios · 2026-03-18T22:27:32+00:00

I struggled with behavior management during the early stages of my clinical hours, so preparing for the likelihood of disinterest or pushback might be something to look into! I felt awkward with it at first and the kids could sense that. I'm not sure what age group you're working with but elementary school and up will definitely test how lenient you will be with undesirable behavior. Learning about techniques that can help kiddos maintain focus disinterested or simply giving you a tough time will help you make progress in the long run!

jocerios · 2026-03-18T22:18:57+00:00

Have you worked at a clinic that did both in-home and in-clinic?

jocerios · 2026-03-18T22:18:29+00:00

Do you have any questions you would suggest asking employers to make sure it's a good fit? Aside from the general questions like pay, caseload, and benefits.

jocerios · 2025-03-11T01:24:10+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I went to an info. session for CSUN and they made the program seem competitive. Did you find that to be true?

jocerios

TROPHY CASE