Why choose program or class?

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.