ASSISTANTS: BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE AT WORK

Audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants: here's a simple technique: Take a sheet of paper and make three columns. One column should be "Things I Do Well," the second should be "Things I Like to Do," and the third should be "Things I Would Like to Learn." If you get stuck, ask a colleague or friend to give you an honest assessment.

Do you have a job description? Does your state have licensure or registration requirements for audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants? Do you know what the ASHA Associates Center says regarding training, qualifications, and scope of practice for support personnel? Review these resources and compare them to the inventory you just created.

Talk to your supervisor about creating a professional development plan, or ask for advice on how to best improve in some of your noted growth areas. Explain that you not only want to be a better audiology assistant or speech-language pathology assistant, but that you also want to deliver the highest quality of care that you can for the client.

Audiology assistants and speech-language pathology assistants have free resources to help with everything from speaking more professionally, to how to ask for a raise, to how to build your confidence.

Having someone help you create a plan—and stick to it—can help you progress faster. Team up with a partner (a co-worker or a friend), and set up regular sessions to track your progress and stay motivated.