Kent Said:

Is the job outlook for a Medial Assistant just as good as a Nursing Assistant?

We Answered:

Do the CNA--its faster & cheaper-especially since this is only temp. The MA will take you 9 months to 1-2 years and cost more to do & the jobs are hard to find & the pay is not a huge amount more.

Earl Said:

is it a good idea to become a speech therapist right now?

We Answered:

Physician's Assistant would be your money maker from these choices. All of these are good choices. Anything in the medical field will keep you working even in the worst economy.

Yolanda Said:

I'm confused: is my home office tax deductible?

We Answered:

Highly unlikely that it's a deductible home office. You don't make money as a result of what you do there. If you met with clients at home, then you would have a good case.

As an employee, home office expenses are part of a category that must exceed 2% of your Adjusted Gross Income and you must itemize your deductions in order to benefit.

I hope this helps.
Gary

Shannon Said:

What kind of careers are there in speech therapy?

We Answered:

Love this field...

You have a lot of options as an SLP. Speech therapist for kids in the public school system, teaching a class for kids with communicative disorders, private therapist at an independent clinic, acute care for post-stroke patients in hospitals, swallowing therapy in convalescent care facilities, the list goes on... And speech sound problems (articulation disorders) aren't the only thing you'd address either. You would also be working with structural disorders (like cleft palate), language disorders, aphasia, stuttering, voice disorders, and even swallowing issues.

The field does require a master's degree, but some states are hurting badly enough that those with a bachelor's degree might be able to get a credential waiver and go to work in the school system before finishing up.

Keep in mind that being a speech pathologist does not qualify you to work as a classroom teacher -- while school-based SLPs are credentialed through the teacher credentialing commission, it's a completely different educational background. Typical coursework is going to include not only normal childhood development, but psychology, neuroanatomy, audiology... tons of stuff that classroom teachers don't necessarily cover.

Some states have a market for Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants. Basically an AA or AS program, and you would work as an aide.

Before deciding though, I would recommend talking to someone locally in the field and checking out the possibility of shadowing them for a day. But don't depend on your memories of your experiences with SLPs in childhood... there's a lot of responsibilities that the students/clients don't always see. The only way you'll know if it's really for you is to have a look-see.

Tommy Said:

Anyone here an occupational therapy assistant?

We Answered:

I don't know that an extensive math background is need for the field of occupational therapy. More of a background in biology and anatomy & physiology (and please remember Not to take 'human anatomy' but 'regular' anatomy and physiology as the first one doesn't transfer) than math. I'm not sure that speech pathology assistants are utilized much but it may depend on one's geographic location. OT (even for the 'assistant') can be both emotionally and physically draining just fyi as my cousin went to school for that. I'm sure that it's quite rewarding though being able to help others function more independently.