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Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Help others communicate through our online program that includes both theory and practical experience to prepare you to become a certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.

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  • Teacher working with her child in the classroom
  • A baby boy and girl playing with blocks
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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 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.

  • PROGRAM OPTIONS

    The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program offers the Associate of Applied Science Degree. 

    Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree

    You may earn an associate of applied science degree by successfully completing 91 credit hours. (45 credits of SLP specific classes, and an additional 46 general education credits) with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.

    Required Classes

    Class

    Title Credit Hours
    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 284 Language Therapy 3
    SLP 285 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Language 3
    SLP 286 Speech Intervention with Children, Adolescents, and Adults 3
    SLP 287 Clinical Documentation and Materials Management for the SLPA 3
    SLP 288 Communication Disorders in Low Incidence Populations 3
    SLP 289 SLPA Practicum 1 3
    SLP 290 SLPA Practicum 2 3
    SLP 291 Ethical and Legal Considerations in Speech Language Pathology 3
    SLP 292 Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3
    SLP 293 Adult Communication Disorders 3
    SLP 294 Language, Culture and Society: Cross-Cultural Communication 3
    General Education Requirements (50 credit hours)
    Required Classes
    Class Title Credit Hours
    WR 121 The College Essay+ (or higher) 4
    MTH 070 Elementary Algebra +(or higher) 4
    PSY 101 Psychology of Human Relations+ (or higher) 4
    CIS 101 Computing Concepts (or higher) 3
    COMM 100  Introduction to Communication (or higher)
    Elective Arts and Letters  8
    Elective Physical Education or Health 
    Elective Science/Applied Science
    Elective Social Science

     

  • 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 183

    Winter 1

    SLP 181
    SLP 285
    SLP 294

    Spring 1

    SLP 284
    SLP 286
    SLP 287

    Fall 2

    SLP 288
    SLP 289* practicum term
    SLP 292

    Winter 2

    SLP 290 * practicum term
    SLP 291
    SLP 293

    * Only students who have a clinical contract in place for practicum will be allowed to register for the class*

  • COST OF PROGRAM

    Certificate of Completion Program option (57 credits)

    In addition to tuition and feesestimated costs for students are –

    • Books – $1,400

    Associate of Applied Science Degree Program option (95 credits)

    In addition to tuition and feesestimated costs for students are –

    • Books – $2,350
    • 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 $26 fee.

    Out of State Tuition Information:

    All students residing in or with a permanent address in states outside of Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada or Washington will be charged out of state tuition. 

     

     

  • STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

    The Chemeketa SLPA program encourages students to review their individual state licensure requirements for SLPA licensure/certification. The Chemeketa SLPA program meets many other state licensing requirements. Please see document listed above for specific contact information. Please contact SLPA program faculty with any questions regarding licensure. 

    Oregon: Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

    Requirements:

    • Transcripts showing completion of AAS degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting
    • Fieldwork hours

    California: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Dispensers Board 

    Requirements:

    • Transcripts showing completion of AAS degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting
    • Fieldwork hours
    • Program syllabi

    Washington: Washington State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology

    Requirements:

    • Transcripts showing completion of AAS degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting
    • Fieldwork hours