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Annie Fochs at her school internship as speech language pathology assistant

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) certificate prepares students to work as an SLPA, where they provide therapy and support services under the supervision of a licensed SLP. Students gain academic knowledge and clinical training to serve individuals who need speech-language therapy.

Available as
Certificate
Description

Set Your Resume Apart

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to earn the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Speech-Language Pathology Certification (C-SLPA).

Designed for students seeking a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, the SLPA certificate gives you the opportunity to learn real-world clinical procedures as well as the roles and responsibilities of an SLPA. Graduates of the certificate leave with practical experience, including 100 hours of supervised clinical practice in an off-site clinical setting.

This certificate is available to students in the face-to-face and online programs. For those in the face-to-face program, the clinical placement is located near Eau Claire. For those in the online program, the clinical placement is completed in a site in your home community.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Certificate
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asCertificate
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Online
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
Students in CSD lab using instrumentation
Prepare for a Career in Speech-Language Pathology

Completing the SLPA certificate will prepare you to work in a variety of settings, from elementary schools to private practice clinics. The program is designed so that you are eligible for the national SLPA certification upon graduation. You'll also be ready to seek licensure in states across the country.

An image of two women in clinic, and using stethoscope to listen heartbeat
Real-World Clinical Experience

While completing your SLPA certificate, you'll first earn 25 hours of observation and then over 100 hours of actual clinical experience. You'll develop your clinical skills by working in a school or clinical setting with real students/patients. Help children reach their communication goals!

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Opportunities for Online Learners

Students completing their degree online can complete the SLPA certificate. You probably have schools or clinics in your region in need of additional services for speech and language. Your SLHS advisor can guide you in locating those opportunities, which could turn into a job immediately after graduation!

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Online
This program can be completed entirely online.
Courses information
SampleCourses

The speech-language pathology assistant curriculum is designed to capitalize on your bachelor’s degree in CSD, adding training specifically for employment as an SLPA. Your add-on coursework will include topics related to working with diverse learners, behavior management techniques, and the nuts and bolts of doing speech-language therapy. The certificate culminates in a community-based clinical experience, in which you will earn the required hours for certificate as an SLPA. Completion of the certificate will put you in an excellent position to take your first job as an SLPA in a school-based or outpatient setting.

Here are a few courses in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at UW-Eau Claire.

CSD 370

Clinical Procedures in Communication Disorders

Basic information and skills necessary for functioning in clinical situations. Topics include: preparation of goals and objectives, report writing, counseling, clinical equipment and materials, professional organizations and behavior, and observation. Twenty-five clinical observation hours accrued.

CSD 419

Classroom Language Applications in AAC

Classroom language applications using augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) tools and devices are explored for school age children with complex communication profiles. Current research, public policy issues, and effective clinical and educational practices will be emphasized.

CSD 471

SLPA Clinical Practicum Seminar in Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Students enrolled will earn at least 100 hours of supervised clinical practice within the scope and sequence of a speech language pathologist assistant. They will cover topics in bi-weekly meetings such as ethics, universal precautions, diversity, and therapy techniques.

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