How to Be Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 19, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Speech-language pathology diagnostic technicians are responsible for providing support to speech-language pathologists in the diagnosis of speech, language and communication disorders in patients. They play an important role in helping to identify and diagnose disorders, as well as providing patients with support and education related to treatment. The work of speech-language pathology diagnostic technicians can have a direct effect on the success of the treatment plan.

By identifying the source of a patient's communication problems, the technician is able to provide the pathologist with the necessary information for creating a successful treatment plan. Furthermore, providing educational materials and support to patients can help increase their understanding of their condition and how to best manage it. this leads to better results in terms of their treatment and overall communication abilities.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, biology, and linguistics.
Complete an accredited Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician (SLPDT) program. Programs are available at community colleges and universities.
Pass the SLPDT certification exam.
Apply for state licensure as a SLPDT. Requirements vary by state.
Obtain experience by working as a SLPDT in a clinical setting. Many states require a certain amount of experience before granting licensure.
Maintain certification and licensure by completing continuing education courses and/or taking additional exams every few years.

Speech-language pathology diagnostic technicians play an important role in helping to diagnose and treat communication disorders. They use reliable and efficient practices to assess and evaluate patients, as well as provide support to speech-language pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. These techniques allow for a streamlined approach to identifying and addressing issues related to speech, language, swallowing, and other communication disorders.

Reliable and efficient diagnostic practices include using standardized assessments, conducting interviews, and using objective measures to collect data. This comprehensive approach helps to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses, which can lead to positive outcomes for patients. Furthermore, by utilizing efficient methods of data collection and analysis, speech-language pathology diagnostic technicians can help to reduce the amount of time needed for diagnosis and treatment, leading to improved patient care.

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Job Description

Provide direct and indirect services to individuals with communication and swallowing impairments, including assessment and diagnosis.
Administer and score standardized tests and assessments related to communication and swallowing impairments.
Assist with the development of treatment plans for clients.
Monitor and document client progress in speech-language therapy.
Educate clients, family members, and other healthcare professionals on communication and swallowing-related issues.
Provide guidance to individuals in areas such as cognitive-communication, articulation, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing.
Participate in team meetings to discuss treatment plans and outcomes.
Evaluate communication technologies and assistive devices to determine their effectiveness in aiding clients with communication difficulties.
Perform data entry and maintain client files in accordance with professional standards.
Provide recommendations to Speech-Language Pathologists regarding the type of therapy needed for a client.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the speech, language, hearing, and swallowing systems
Ability to analyze and interpret test data
Ability to administer, score and interpret diagnostic tests for speech, language, hearing and swallowing disorders
Knowledge of principles and techniques of evidence-based assessment
Ability to identify communication disorders and formulate appropriate intervention plans
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology
Knowledge of principles and techniques of case management
Knowledge of computer systems and applications used in healthcare delivery
Ability to accurately document patient care activities in the medical record
Ability to organize and prioritize workloads
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and other staff members

Good communication skills are essential for a Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician. Communication involves the ability to actively listen, ask questions, provide feedback, and express understanding. When working with clients, they must be able to accurately interpret their needs and provide appropriate information and support.

They need to be able to create a safe and supportive environment for the client to open up in. they must have the patience and understanding to work with clients who have divergent language needs. Furthermore, they must have an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and linguistics in order to accurately identify and diagnose speech and language conditions.

Without these skills, a Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician would not be able to effectively assess their clients needs and provide the best possible care.

Speech-Language Development Specialist, Speech-Language Pathology Program Manager, and Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in speech-language pathology?
How would you handle a difficult diagnosis or diagnosis that is uncertain?
Describe a time when you collaborated with other professionals to diagnose and treat a patient.
What techniques do you use to help a patient improve their communication skills?
How would you respond to a patient who is resistant to therapeutic treatment?
What kind of continuing education have you done in the field of speech-language pathology?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy in diagnostic testing?
What do you believe are the most important qualities for a speech-language pathology diagnostic technician?
How do you stay current on the latest advances in speech-language pathology?
Describe a time when you had to work under pressure to diagnose a patient quickly.

Common Tools in Industry

Articulation Assessment Tool. Used to assess a person's ability to produce speech sounds correctly. (e. g. The Speech-Language Pathologist may use the Kaufman Speech Praxis Test to evaluate a client's articulation skills. )
Language Assessment Tool. Used to evaluate a person's ability to understand and produce language. (e. g. The Speech-Language Pathologist may use the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test to assess a client's language skills. )
Dysarthria Assessment Tool. Used to evaluate the severity of a person's dysarthria, which is a type of speech disorder. (e. g. The Speech-Language Pathologist may use the Dysarthria Severity Rating Scale to evaluate a client's dysarthria. )
Voice Assessment Tool. Used to evaluate a person's vocal characteristics, such as pitch, volume, and quality. (e. g. The Speech-Language Pathologist may use the GRBAS Scale to assess a client's voice. )
Fluency Assessment Tool. Used to evaluate a person's ability to produce fluent speech. (e. g. The Speech-Language Pathologist may use the Stuttering Severity Instrument to assess a client's fluency. )
Cognitive Assessment Tool. Used to evaluate a person's ability to think and process information. (e. g. The Speech-Language Pathologist may use the Mini Mental State Examination to assess a client's cognitive abilities. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
International Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (IASPPA)
Association of Speech-Language Pathologists in Academic Health Centers (ASLP-AHC)
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHF)
Special Interest Division for Speech-Language Pathology Technicians (SIDSLPT)
Council of Schools of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (CSLPAA)
International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)

We also have Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Supervisor, Speech-Language Intervention Specialist, and Speech-Language Pathology Evaluator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Speech-Language Pathology. A medical field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders, including those related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.
Speech Sound Disorders. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty producing certain speech sounds correctly, or at all.
Language Disorders. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty understanding or using language.
Fluency Disorders. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty producing speech in an easy, smooth, and effortless manner.
Cognitive-Communication Disorders. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty with thinking processes and memory storage.
Voice Disorders. A type of communication disorder characterized by abnormally pitched or hoarse-sounding speech.
Swallowing Disorders. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty swallowing.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). A type of communication that involves the use of nonverbal methods, such as signing, gestures, pictures, and electronic devices, to communicate.
Dysarthria. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty controlling the muscles used for speaking.
Apraxia. A type of communication disorder characterized by difficulty planning and executing speech movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to become a Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician?

To become a Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician, individuals must have a Bachelors degree in Communications Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology and must be certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

What tasks does a Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician perform?

Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technicians typically perform tasks such as administering speech and language tests, collecting data, teaching communication skills, and assisting with speech and language therapy activities.

What type of environment do Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technicians work in?

Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technicians can work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, clinics, private practices, or research facilities.

What is the average salary of a Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technicians is $47,890.

How many hours do Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technicians typically work?

Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technicians typically work 40 hours a week, but may work additional or fewer hours depending on the demands of their job.