Speech-Language Pathologist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: CCC-SLP (ASHA), State SLP license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: assessment tests; AAC devices; therapy materials and games; telehealth platforms
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Speech-Language Pathologist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Follow swallowing precautions
Use infection control
Know choking response
Protect student and patient privacy
Shadow an experienced speech-language pathologist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: run an articulation therapy session
Supervised practice: screen for swallowing problems
Supervised practice: write IEP speech goals
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Evaluate speech, language and swallowing: independently
Diagnose communication disorders: independently
Plan and lead therapy: independently
Treat swallowing disorders: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, CCC-SLP (ASHA))
Discuss the career path: Clinical Fellow → Speech-Language Pathologist → Lead or Specialist SLP
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Run an Articulation Therapy Session
Screen for Swallowing Problems
Write IEP Speech Goals
Language assessment
Articulation therapy
Swallowing evaluation
Fluency treatment

How to measure onboarding success

Days until the new hire works without a preceptor
Competency sign-offs completed on time
Documentation or charting error rate
90-day retention

How Speech-Language Pathologist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Speech-Language Pathologist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Speech-Language Pathologist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Speech-Language Pathologist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Speech-Language Pathologist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)