A Communication Disorders Technician (CDT) helps people of all ages with speech and hearing. They provide screenings, coaching, support, and treatment for preschool children and adults. CDTs work under the directions of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other care settings.
For example, a CDT may see:
- Children with autism
- Newborns
- Children with speech and language disorders
- Adults who had a stroke, brain injury, tumor or other neurological conditions
Examples of what a CDT might do:
- Prepare “low tech” communication aids (e.g., visual supports, communication boards, etc), as well as “high tech” aids (e.g., iPad, text to speech, etc).
- Conduct therapy sessions independently with goals outlined by the speech-language pathologist or audiologist
- Provide coaching for caregivers, clients and families
- Conduct speech-language, newborn hearing, and audiology screenings
Educational requirements:
- Successful completion of a Communication Disorders Technician formal training program or completion of a recognized diploma in a related field (e.g., OTA/PTA, ECE, CCA, LPN, etc)
- Candidates may be currently enrolled in one of the above programs, provided they will graduate before starting employment