Student Speak Out November 2021

Are you thinking about working as an AlliedHealth Assistant (AHA)?

The Association supports the employment of speech pathology students to carry out the role of an AHA and provide speech pathology related programs or therapeutic interventions under the guidance and supervision of a speech pathologist . However, AHAs should only facilitate the delivery of speech pathology services if supervised by a qualified speech pathologist. Supervising speech pathologists are responsible for determining the needs of the client, the AHA’s skill level, which tasks can be delegated, and which are beyond the AHA’s personal scope of practice and competency. Supervising speech pathologists should also develop clear standards and protocols and provide adequate training and regular supervision to guide AHA’s practice. Work as an AHA can be very different to the type of activities you carry out in your university practice placement. When you work as an AHA, you should only carry out specific activities delegated by the qualified speech pathologist and be aware that there are some tasks that SPA has indicated are not suitable for delegating to AHAs. These include:

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conducting assessments

differential diagnosis

10 Student Speak Out | November 2021