Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Help others communicate through our online program that includes both theory and practical experience to prepare you to become certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Potential Salary$40,000
topics Health Sciences
Skills & InterestHelping People
CareersHealth Sciences
Why choose Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Chemeketa's Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program is the only one of its kind in the western United States.
Taught entirely online, the SLPA program is considered to be a "distance learning program" and accommodates students from all over the nation. The program may be compatible with other state requirements. We encourage you to contact your state licensing entities to confirm compatibility.
The Chemeketa SLPA program takes approximately five terms to complete on a part-time basis with an option of receiving a certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting or up to two years by completing an additional 45 credits to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting.
Cohort Model
You are admitted in a cohort group and will move through coursework as a group. There are 15 courses of speech-language pathology technical coursework to complete as part of the SLPA program itself.
You will enroll in three courses (nine credits) of SLPA courses each term, resulting in program completion in five terms. Additional time may be needed to complete general education coursework. General education coursework may also be completed concurrently while enrolling in SLPA program courses.
Our SLPA program limits enrollment with special admission requirements. It is offered completely online.
What will you learn?
Program outcomes include –
- Conduct individual and small group speech and language therapy services as directed by a supervising speech-language pathologist
- Accurately record and organized data taken from the therapy sessions and communicate findings to a supervising speech-language pathologist
Instruction
Our classes introduce and examine deeply subjects like –
- Speech and language disorders
- Anatomy and physiology of speech and language
- Intervention strategies
- Language therapy
- Ethical considerations
- Cultural identity issues
See Course Sequences for more information.
Fieldwork
Our guided fieldwork experiences give you the opportunity to practice what you have learned in class. Fieldwork practicums will be arranged where you reside in conjunction with the SLPA program faculty. More information will be available once you are admitted into the program. The SLPA program will not solely place undergraduate/post-baccalaureate students in a practicum setting to complete required clock hours.
What will you do?
A speech-language pathology assistant is a certified support professional. You will work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. The SLPA performs specific therapy-related tasks that are prescribed and directed by their supervisor.
As a member of a speech-language therapy team, the SLPA helps children and adults with communication disorders. You will improve their ability to speak, listen and interact with others. SLPAs are responsible for following the directed treatment plant of their supervisor. You will also work independently to –
- Deliver therapy services to children and adults
- Taking and tracking data
- Various other roles and responsibilities within their scope of practice
The SLPA works closely with others in a variety of settings including –
- Early intervention (birth-5 years programs)
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private practice of a speech language pathologist
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national organization that advocates for the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology and related professionals. SLPAs are eligible to become members of ASHA through their associates program. The ASHA website has a wealth of information available to the public and professions.
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PROGRAM OPTIONS
The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program offers two options: the Certificate of Completion, or the Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate of Completion
You may earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing these required 57 credit hours with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.
Required Classes Class
Title Credit Hours MTH 070 Elementary Algebra +(or higher) 4 PSY 101 Psychology of Human Relations+ (or higher) 4 SLP 180 Survey of Speech and Language Disorders 3 SLP 181 Phonetics for Language 3 SLP 182 Intervention Strategies for SLP Assistants 3 SLP 183 Introduction to Language Development 3 SLP 184 Language Therapy 3 SLP 185 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Language 3 SLP 186 Speech Intervention with Children, Adolescents, and Adults 3 SLP 187 Clinical Documentation and Materials Management for the SLPA 3 SLP 188 Communication Disorders in Low Incidence Populations 3 SLP 189 SLPA Practicum 1 3 SLP 190 SLPA Practicum 2 3 SLP 191 Ethical and Legal Considerations in Speech Language Pathology 3 SLP 192 Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3 SLP 193 Adult Communication Disorders 3 SLP 194 Language, Culture and Society: Cross-Cultural Communication 3 WR 121 The College Essay+ (or higher) 4 Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree
You may earn an associate of applied science degree by successfully completing 95 credit hours (57 credits for the certificate, and an additional 38 general education credits) with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.
General Education Requirements (38 credit hours)
Required Classes Class Title Credit Hours CIS 101 Computing Concepts (or higher) 3 COMM 100 Introduction to Communication (or higher) 4 Elective Arts and Letters 12 Elective Physical Education or Health 3 Elective Science/Applied Science 8 Elective Social Science 8 -
COURSE SCHEDULE
Below is a sample plan of coursework. Students who are accepted into the SLPA program will be given a specific plan for their individual cohort.
You must stay with your cohort and take courses in the prescribed manner. You are not allowed to overload your coursework plan to complete the program more rapidly. This is considered a permanent part time program.
Coursework layout is designed to meet specific competencies and prerequisites as well as program planning for course offerings. SLP specific coursework is offered fall, winter and spring terms only.
Those of you admitted in the fall cohort will finish the following winter. Each cohort runs for five consecutive terms excluding summer terms.
SLP Specific Coursework Plan (sample)
Fall 1
SLP 180
SLP 182
SLP 183Winter 1
SLP 181
SLP 185
SLP 194Spring 1
SLP 184
SLP 186
SLP 187Fall 2
SLP 188
SLP 189* practicum term
SLP 192Winter 2
SLP 190 * practicum term
SLP 191
SLP 193 -
COST OF PROGRAM
Certificate of Completion Program option (57 credits)
In addition to tuition and fees, estimated costs for students are –
- Books – $1,400
- Online fee – $750
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program option (95 credits)
In addition to tuition and fees, estimated costs for students are –
- Books – $2,350
- Online fee – $1,050
- These costs are subject to change if you are transferring in previous college credits—this is the total to take both program options and all classes at Chemeketa
Practicum classes have an additional fee.
The SLPA program does NOT charge out of state tuition.
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STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
The Chemeketa SLPA program encourages students to review their individual state licensing requirements for SLPA licensure/certification.
California: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Dispensers Board
** CA students will need to submit the following to their licensing board –
- Transcripts showing completion of SLPA AAS program
- Fieldwork hours
- Program syllabus
Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Washington State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology
Other States: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Website
You can also view this list of State Licensing Boards