Speech-Language
Pathology Assistant Program (SLPA)

The next Application deadline is July 15, 2008 for Fall 2008 term entry. Application packets are now available at the bottom of this page. Applicants will receive notification via mail by August 1, 2008.

*UPDATE: Applicants who applied by the Feb 15, 2008 deadline will receive notification of their entry status via mail by March 1st 2008. In the event that we still have open slots, we will pull from the waiting list.

Application Packet

Interested Applicants will need to print out the application forms found below and turn them into the SLPA Department by the deadline. Only complete applications packets will be considered.

Application Introduction

Students entering into the SLPA program enter into 1 of 2 tracks. Each of these tracks 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:

1. Communicate in English with clear articulation skills.
2. 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 at least 45 general education credits with a grade of "C" or better is eligible to earn a Certificate of Completion in the area of Speech Language Pathology Assisting. 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.

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:

1. Transcripts showing 45 credits of Speech-Language Pathology technical coursework with a grade of "C" or better.
2. Transcripts showing 45 credits of general education coursework.
3. 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

1. 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. 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.
   
2. Complete the college placement test (COMPASS). 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.


3. Complete the Admission Application for Chemeketa Community College


4. 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 July 15 , 2008 for Fall 2008 Term. Please submit completed application packets to:

Chemeketa Community College
Attn: SLPA Program, Bldg 1/263
4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Salem, OR 97309

* Application packets may also be turned into the Building 1 Adminstrative staff.

Application Forms

Please download and print out the following application materials to form a complete packet for admission to the SLPA program:

SLPA Program Application Packet

Updated October 2006 by the College Advancement Department.