Speech-Language Pathologist to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Summary: 2 of the 6 core skills listed for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) carry over directly from Speech-Language Pathologist, and 2 more build on related experience. The US median salary changes by -59% ($82K → $34K). Difficulty: Moderate, typically around 6 months of focused upskilling.

The two roles

Speech-Language Pathologist: Assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Provide basic patient care under supervision of nursing staff. Growth outlook +8%; AI-resistant. Typical education: high-school. Typical experience: CNA certification.

Skills that carry over

• Communication
• Documentation

Builds on related experience

• Patient Care — builds on Treatment Planning
• Vital Signs — builds on Treatment Planning

Skills to learn for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Personal Hygiene Assistance
• Empathy

Salary comparison (median, estimated)

Salary figures are estimates benchmarked against public compensation data — see methodology.

Next steps

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Related

Speech-Language Pathologist career guide | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) career guide

Other transitions to consider

• Speech-Language Pathologist to Occupational Therapist — 4 of the core skills carry over
• Speech-Language Pathologist to Physical Therapist — 5 of the core skills carry over
• Speech-Language Pathologist to Physician/Doctor — 3 of the core skills carry over
• Speech-Language Pathologist to Clinical Social Worker — 5 of the core skills carry over
• Home Health Aide to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — 4 of the core skills carry over
• Occupational Therapist to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — 4 of the core skills carry over
• Registered Nurse to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — 3 of the core skills carry over
• Physician/Doctor to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — 3 of the core skills carry over