Speech-Language
Pathology Assistant Program (SLPA)
The next Application Deadline is February 1, 2010. Student accepted will begin coursework Spring term 2010.
Application packets are available through the links posted below.
Applicants will receive notification via email by February 20, 2010.
**Applicants who apply by the February 1, 2010 deadline will receive notification of their entry status via e-mail by February 20, 2010. In the event that we still have open slots, we will pull from the waiting list.
Applications are not reviewed until February 1, 2010. We don't consider applications by their "submission date". All applications are considered equally as long as they are submitted by the due date. We will accept applications anytime prior to the due date, but there is not preferential consideration for early applications.
We willl send confirmation of receiving your application via email. However, please do not call to check your status until the deadline of February 1 has passed. Notification of acceptance will be sent to applicants from ashley.northam@chemeketa.edu. Notification is most likely sent near or on February 20th, 2010. To be sure that program communications are not blocked or sent to a SPAM mailbox, we encourage students to use their student chemeketa email address for correspondence.
AAS Degree Application 
Certificate of Completion Application
Cohort Coursework Outline - EXAMPLE
The above link to the "Cohort Coursework Outline" is an EXAMPLE document that details out a typical outline for SLPA program students.
The 45 credit program takes approximately 7 terms to complete.
Student must agree to follow the coursework outline for their cohort which identifies which courses to register for each term. Students will be enrolling in 6-9 credits per term, so the certificate program is NOT considered a full time program.
If you are a student who is pursuing a Certificate of Completion, you will be registering for approximately 6-9 credits per term. If you are a student pursuing an AAS degree, you may supplement the 6-9 SLPA program credits with general education coursework.
Interested Applicants will need to print out the application forms found through the above links. Please mail or fax your application and all supporting documentation. Complete application must be turned into the SLPA Department by the deadline. Only complete applications packets will be considered.
Application Introduction
Students entering into the SLPA program enter either as a candidate for a Certificate of Completion in Speech Language Pathology Assisting OR as a candidate for an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting. There is not a preference for more of one type of candidate over the other. Students in both of these groups will proceed through the SLPA program in the same progression of coursework. Each of these options ( Certificate of Completion, AAS Degree) requires an application packet with entry granted upon acceptance into the SLPA program. Acceptance into this program is competitive and utilizes a point system to rank applications.
The Program
The SLPA program is composed of a total of 45 credits in speech language pathology technical coursework in conjunction with some Education coursework. Students will need to complete all coursework with a grade of "C" or better in order to progress in the program and continue with coursework. Any student who earns a grade below a "C" will have to retake that course and progression in the program coursework may be temporarily halted until the coursework has been completed with a satisfactory grade.
What the Program Prepares Students For:
The SLPA program prepares students to work as Certified Speech Language Pathology Assistants. A SLPA works under the supervision of a licensed, supervising Speech-Language Pathologist to implement therapy plans, provide therapy in the areas of articulation, language, and fluency. SLPAs are responsible for taking and tracking data, following the direction of others while working independently as well as work closely with children and adults.
Specifically, the SLPA program will heavily emphasize communication skills in the areas of speaking and writing. Students who are ESL speakers must have a satisfactory TOEFL score, or ESL level. (see department with questions)
Students will be required to:
- Communicate in English with clear articulation skills.
- Use writing skills to take data, communicate clearly in chart notes, use written discourse in taking descriptive therapy data and dialogue.
Education Tracks
Students entering into the SLPA program fall into 2 tracks. This is dependent on whether a student has completed college credit or a degree prior to entering the SLPA program. Students will work towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Speech Language Pathology Assisting or a Certificate of Completion in Speech Language Pathology Assisting from Chemeketa Community College.
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Speech Language Pathology Assisting as well as the Certificate of Completion is granted by Chemeketa Community College upon successful completion of all necessary requirements.
Track 1:AAS Degree Candidates:
A student who is working towards an AAS degree, has no prior college credit or degree, or less than 45 college credits. These students will need to complete:
- 45 SLPA Program credits
- 45 General Education Credits. (These credits are in specific areas).
Students will need to work with a Counselor/Advisor from the Counseling and Career Services Department for guidance in general education coursework. Students must complete pre-requisite courses prior to being accepted in the SLPA program and beginning coursework. This would include:
- CA 121A Keyboarding A ( if less than 25 wpm)
- CS101- Introduction to Microcomputer Applications
- MATH 60- Introductory Algebra
- READING 90- College Textbook Reading
- WRITING 115- Introduction to Composition
* If you have questions about these courses, please contact Counseling and Career Services at (503) 399-5120 advising@chemeketa.edu
Track 2:
Certificate of Completion Candidates:
A student who has already completed a prior degree ( AA, BS, ), or in some cases have an excess of atleast 45 general education academic credits earned and documented on a college transcript. These candidates do not need to proceed through the COMPASS testing process as long as a prior degree has been earned that would include academic coursework in Math, Reading, and Writing. These students may have completed a degree in another discipline area. These students will need to complete:
- 45 SLPA Program credits
Track 3:
Bachelors level candidates:
There is no current anticipated offering for this track. We are currently not making tailored program arrangments for BS degree students. Any student who wishes to proceed through the SLPA program should apply for the Certificate of Completion application and plan to proceed through the entire program. Prior coursework taken for the Communication Disorder degree will be accepted as comparable. However, this decision is the responsibility of the SLPA Program. Students are encouraged to consult with SLPA Program faculty.Students who have completed or will complete a Bachelors degree in Communication Disorders or Speech and Hearing Sciences are eligible to apply to the SLPA program to gain the requirements for certification.
State Certification
Certification with the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (OBSLPA):
Students in the SLPA program who complete the requirements for a Certificate of Completion or an AAS degree in Speech Language Pathology Assisting are eligible to apply for certification as a Certified Speech Language Pathology Assistant with the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. The Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology is not connected to Chemeketa Community College. The OBSLPA is a state licensing agency for individuals practicing in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Any individual must hold current Certification with the OBSLPA in order to be employed as an SLPA.
To be eligible to apply for certification with the OBSLPA, an applicant must submit the following:
- Transcripts showing 45 credits of Speech-Language Pathology technical coursework with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transcripts showing 45 credits of general education coursework.
- Current Documentation of 100 clinical interaction clock hours.
Counseling and Career Services Department
The Counseling and Career Services Department will be responsible for handling the general advising requirements related to the general education credits and meeting the requirements for an AAS degree. The SLPA Program faculty will be responsible for advising tasks related to the specific SLPA coursework.
Release of Information/Criminal Background Check
In compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA), Chemeketa Community College releases only very limited information regarding students. All Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program students including those who have filed a Request for Non-Disclosure of Student Information Form should be aware that some confidential information may be shared. Every effort is made to limit access to confidential student information to those who have a need to know. For more information regarding Non-Disclosure of Student Information, contact the Registrar's Office at 503.399.5001. Students will be required to complete and successfully pass a criminal background check before being placed in a practicum setting. The student may be required to self-pay for the criminal background check (approx. $80).
Getting Started for AAS Degree Candidates:
- Meet with a Counselor/Advisor in the Counseling and Career Services Department to determine
prerequisite requirements, applicable testing, and receive answers to general education coursework questions.
You can reach the Counseling and Career Services at 503.399.5120 or email at
advising@chemeketa.edu.
The liasion for the SLPA program is KIM MARTIN. Please ask to make an appointment with Kim in person or via phone ( 503-399-5120). Kim Martin's email: kmarti11@chemeketa.edu
Distance Students: Advising can be done via phone or email. Please contact Counseling and Career Services to arrange an appointment with Kim Martin. ( 503-399-5120)
- Complete the college placement test (COMPASS or other ). This assessment can be completed at your local community college. Contact the Testing Center 503.399.6556 for more information. These scores will be used as a basis to waive the pre-requisite coursework if appropriate scores are obtained.
- Complete the Admission Application for Chemeketa Community College
- Submit the SLPA Application for Admission to the SLPA Program
Application Process
All applications will be reviewed for acceptance into the program. Entry into the program is determined by a point system for all submitted materials to the program including:
- complete application packet
- writing sample (scored for content, organization, sentence fluency, mechanics, vocabulary)
- letters of recommendation
- volunteer history
- technology statement
- college transcripts
Applicants who have not completed the pre-requisite general education coursework will not be admitted to the program. Applicants will be notified by the SLPA Department of their status by mail after the reviews are completed.
Application Deadline
Applications are due by February 1 , 2010 for Spring 2010 Term. Please submit completed application packets to:
Chemeketa Community College
Attn: SLPA Program, Bldg 1/259
4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Salem, OR 97308
* Application packets may also be turned into the Building 1 Administrative staff.
Updated September 16, 2009 by Web Services.