Working as an SLPA while attending SLP grad school

[LivMASpeechie]

Hey guys!

So I just finished applying to SLP graduate schools and was planning on getting certified as an SLPA this semester since I have my 25 observation hours completed.

I was curious if anyone on here has experience working as an SLPA while also attending SLP grad school full-time? I'm nervous that it may be too much to manage. 

Any advice would be appreciated! 

 

[MH13]

From what I’m told, it depends on the SLPA job and the graduate program. For example, my grad program that I will start this summer is designed for the students to work as a SLPA while in the program. My first SLP supervisor told me that traditional programs that have classes throughout the day don’t allow for time to work as a SLPA. If you can work and go to school, it can be done, but it is difficult. I worked full time and took a full load of graduate courses when I got my master’s in education. I completed about 75% of the degree when I got hired as a SLPA, so I just hurried up and finished. It was difficult but it is doable. 

Edited January 15, 2019 by MH13
Clarification

[LivMASpeechie]

On 1/14/2019 at 8:22 PM, MH13 said:

From what I’m told, it depends on the SLPA job and the graduate program. For example, my grad program that I will start this summer is designed for the students to work as a SLPA while in the program. My first SLP supervisor told me that traditional programs that have classes throughout the day don’t allow for time to work as a SLPA. If you can work and go to school, it can be done, but it is difficult. I worked full time and took a full load of graduate courses when I got my master’s in education. I completed about 75% of the degree when I got hired as a SLPA, so I just hurried up and finished. It was difficult but it is doable. 

Thank you for your insight! I think it really does depend on the grad school. My top choice offers afternoon classes which I think would be helpful to balance.

[MH13]

4 hours ago, LivMASpeechie said:

Thank you for your insight! I think it really does depend on the grad school. My top choice offers afternoon classes which I think would be helpful to balance.

No problem! Keep in mind that you will have clinic time in your program on campus and other places such as schools and skilled nursing facilities (nursing home). My program requires 6 practicum hours a week, which is about what most require.