What is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant
The Associate in Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant prepares students for employment as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). A SLPA works with clients/patients with communication disorders, under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Communication disorders affect people of all ages, including infants, children, adults, and seniors. Students will be trained to assist SLPs with the assessment and treatment of people with articulation, language, voice, fluency, and other communication disorders. There are a variety of locations of practice which may include educational, natural/in-home, clinical, and medical settings.
Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be eligible to apply to the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB) of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Students will also be eligible to apply to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the voluntary Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification.
Students will complete general education courses, specialized courses in speech language pathology, and a minimum of 110 hours of supervised clinical experience.
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Degrees & Certificates Offered:
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Associate in Science (AS)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
- Recognize and explain the laws and regulations pertaining to state registration as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
- Demonstrate skills to provide direct treatment assistance to diverse clients/patients in multiple settings, under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist, by implementing treatment plans, conducting screenings without interpretation, assisting with assessment, and documenting client/patient progress.
- Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors as a paraprofessional team member, under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist, by responding appropriately to supervisory feedback, assisting with clerical and operational tasks, and supporting prevention and advocacy efforts.
Career opportunities
- Part-time and full-time work.
- High demand job primarily in schools and private practice.
- 15%-20% expected job increase over the next 10 years (ASHA.org)
- A California Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) license provides the ability to work throughout the state and the possibility to apply for a SLPA license in another state.
- Becoming a SLPA may be the first part of your career journey where your ultimate goal is to become a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP).
- ASHA Career Path Information for SLPAs Nationwide
Scope of Sequence and SLPA specific classes:
Below you will find the suggested order of courses (scope of sequence) to take that will fulfill the requirements for the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Associate in Science (AS) degree. Please note that while many courses do not have pre-requisites (classes that must be taken before you can take the course listed) or co-requisites (classes that must be taken together during the same semester), there are some that do. Since pre-requisites must be complete at least the semester before taking the class the for which the pre-requisite is required, be sure to build time into your plan of study using the suggested order of courses (scope of sequence).
For the SLPA specific courses (CD V71, CD V73, CD V75, CD V77, CD V78, CD V79, CD V80L) the following applies regarding pre-requisites and co-requisites:
| CD V71 | No pre-requisites, no co-requisites |
| CD V73 | No pre-requisites, no co-requisites |
| CD V75 | Pre-Requisites: ANPH V01, CD V02, CD V71, CD V73; Co-requisites: CD V77 |
| CD V77 | Pre-Requisites: ANPH V01, CD V02, CD V71, CD V73; Co-requisites: CD V75 |
| CD V78 | Pre-Requisites: ANPH V01, CD V02, CD V71, CD V73, CD V75, CD V77; Co-requisites: CD V79, CD V80L |
| CD V79 | Pre-Requisites: ANPH V01, CD V02, CD V71, CD V73, CD V75, CD V77; Co-requisites: CD V78, CD V80L |
| CD V80L | Pre-Requisites: ANPH V01, ASL V01, CD V02, CD V04, CD V04L, CD V05, CD V10, CD V71, CD V73, CD V75, CD V77, COMM V15, ENGL C1000/V01A; Co-requisites: CD V79, CD V80L |
*Special Notes about CD V80L:
- CD V80L is the clinical placement for the SLPA degree and is a capstone course. In addition to the course pre-requisites and co-requisites, students will also need to submit the following evidence: a negative TB test or clear chest x-ray, free from and immunity to communicable disease such as measles and pertussis, at least 18 years of age, and clear fingerprint clearance. You will be provided direction with these additional requirements when you are registered for the class’s pre-requisite courses.
- Your clinical placement will be arranged by the course instructor or college designee at approved sites where Ventura College has an established MOU (memorandum of understanding) which guarantees the site placement supervisor meets state requirements. These site placements are limited therefore there will be no over-enrollment in the CD V80L course or its co-requisites.
Pre-requisites do not need to be taken in the same semester. As you are planning out your course of study, be mindful that you will need to build in time to take pre-requisites. See the recommended Year 1 and Year 2 path below.
Year 1
Year 2
Total Unit / Hours: 62
For individuals holding a degree in Communication Disorders from a two- or four-year college, we currently do not have a designated path to complete the required clinical hours. Our CD V80L fieldwork course is not a stand-alone class and is reserved for students who have advanced through the VC SLPA program.
