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About S-LPs, Audiologists and CHAs

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Speech-language pathologists and audiologists

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work with people of all ages to identify, assess and treat a wide range of communication disorders.

In addition to working in clinical settings, speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in research, education, advocacy, policy development and health administration.

Professional writing a note in a bright office

Speech-language pathologists

Speech-language pathologists are health professionals who identify, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.

Speech-language pathologists can help with:
  • Speech delays and disorders including articulation, phonology and motor speech disorders.
  • Language delays and disorders, including expression and comprehension in oral and non-verbal contexts
  • Fluency disorders, including stuttering.
  • Voice and resonance disorders.
  • Swallowing and feeding disorders in adults, children and infants.
  • Cognitive-communicative disorders including social communication skills, reasoning, problem solving and executive functions.
  • Pre-literacy and literacy skills including phonological awareness, decoding, reading comprehension and writing.
  • Communication and swallowing disorders related to other issues. For example, hearing impairments, traumatic brain injury, dementia, developmental, intellectual or genetic disorders and neurological impairments.

More than you think!

When most people think about speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) they probably think of someone who helps people who stutter or have a lisp. While it’s true that they do help with those issues, their scope of practice is a whole lot broader.

Speech-language pathologists are highly-educated professionals who have a minimum of a master’s degree in their field. As in any health-care related profession, S-LPs are required to study anatomy and physiology, but they also study neuroanatomy, genetics, human and language development, linguistics, psychology, acoustics and more, which is why they are qualified to evaluate, diagnose (restricted in some provinces/territories) and treat a broad range of delays and disorders.

➡️Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathology in Canada 

If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a master’s in speech-language pathology in two or three years (depending on the program).

➡️Academic Programs

Drive, perseverence, passion…and:

  • Meet entry requirements for a Master’s program in speech-language pathology (Canada has eleven);
  • Depending on your undergraduate degree, you may have to take some additional prerequisite courses;
  • You may have to complete volunteer work – preferably working in a speech-language pathology environment;
  • Successfully complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology including supervised clinical practicum;
  • Many provinces regulate the profession of speech-language pathology. If you wish to work in a regulated province, you must register with the regulatory body (college) in the province or territory you wish to practice in.

Optional:Earn SAC Certification, a nationally and internationally-recognized standard of excellence as set by your peers. Learn more.

Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you. However, doing a volunteer placement with an S-LP before you apply to a university program is probably the best way to find out. And, when you do, be sure to ask a lot of questions. Find out as much as you can about, not only that particular S-LP’s job, but other career avenues as well.

As an S-LP, you can work in many different environments, with a wide variety of issues and disorders across all age groups. Just because one particular path in the field isn’t right for you, doesn’t mean the profession isn’t right for you. 

Audiologists

Audiologists are hearing health professionals who identify, diagnose and manage individuals with peripheral or central hearing loss, tinnitus, vestibular and balance disorders and other communication disorders across the lifespan.

Audiologists can help with:
  • Hearing disorders in infants, children and adults.
  • Amplification such as hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
  • Auditory processing disorders: issues with how the brain processes sound.
  • Tinnitus: noise or ringing in the ears.
  • Hyperacusis and Misophonia: sensitivities to particular sounds.
  • Balance disorders including dizziness or vertigo caused by Ménières disease, ear infections and trauma to the skull.

More than you think!

When most people think about audiologists, they probably think of someone who tests hearing and fits hearing aids. While it’s true that they can help with those issues, their expertise and the services they provide are a whole lot broader.

Audiologists are highly-educated professionals who must have a minimum of a master’s degree in their field to practice in Canada, which is why they are qualified to assess, diagnose (restricted in some provinces/territories) and treat a broad range of hearing and balance disorders.

➡️Scope of Practice for Audiology in Canada

A master’s degree in Audiology is the minimum requirement for an audiologist to practice in Canada. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a master’s in audiology in two or three years (depending on the program).

➡️Academic Programs

Drive, perseverence, passion…and:

  • Meet entry requirements for a Master’s program in audiology (Canada has five).
  • Depending on your undergraduate degree, you may have to take some additional prerequisite courses.
  • You may have to complete volunteer work – preferably working in an audiology environment.
  • Successfully complete a master’s degree in audiology including a minimum of 350 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
  • Many provinces regulate the profession of audiology. If you wish to work in a regulated province, you must register with the regulatory body (college) in the province or territory you wish to practice in.

Optional: Earn SAC Certification, a nationally and internationally-recognized standard of excellence as set by your peers. Learn more.

Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you. However, doing a volunteer placement with an audiologist before you apply to a university program is probably the best way to find out. And, when you do, be sure to ask a lot of questions. Find out as much as you can about, not only that particular audiologist’s job, but about what other work settings are available to audiologists as well.

As an audiologist, you can work in many different environments, with a wide variety of issues and disorders across all age groups. Just because one particular path in the profession isn’t right for you, doesn’t mean the profession isn’t right for you.

Find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist near you.

Find a professional.

Communication health assistants

Communication health assistants are specifically trained to provide clinical services under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

Communication health Assistant helping a child
Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP) Assistants

Under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist (S-LP), S-LP assistants may help with:

  • assisting the S-LP during assessments;
  • performing screenings including hearing screenings using defined protocols;
  • providing direct treatment to patients;
  • following documented treatment plans developed by the S-LP; and
  • preparing materials for use in therapy, home programs and classrooms.

Download the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Guidelines to learn more. 

Audiology Assistants

Under the supervision of an audiologist, Audiologist assistants may help with:

  • assisting with hearing screening programs;
  • assisting the audiologist with assessments;
  • conducting electro-acoustic analysis of hearing aids and FM systems;
  • providing listening checks and troubleshooting hearing aids and FM systems.
  • making ear mould modifications and shell modifications;
  • demonstrating and orienting clients to assistive listening and alerting devices; and
  • educating clients regarding earplugs and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.

Download the Audiology Assistant Guidelines to learn more. 

  • Last modified:
  • 2025-10-24
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