Get Started with SLPA
- The application will be open twice a year at this website: once in the Fall, and once in the Spring.
- Spaces in the program are filled by lottery from the pool of eligible applicants.
- Students who are not admitted may re-apply in subsequent years.
- Prior to admittance to the program, students may enroll in and complete General Education requirements toward an AS degree and the "other required" courses listed in the SLPA curriculum.
SLPA is an impacted program, which means that there are more interested students than there are available spaces. The size of the program is determined by several factors; primarily employment opportunities and available fieldwork sites.The program is continually seeking growth opportunities.
Please consult with a counselor regarding your interest in the program to see if SLPA is right for you!
Program Requirements
There are some requirements that you will need to meet in order to be successful in the program. Requirements include:
- Grades of “C” or better in all classes.
- No prior criminal convictions.
- A desire and ability to assist individuals with communication disorders.
- Ability to work in a pragmatic, ethical, and collegial manner in a team environment.
Additionally, as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant, you will be responsible for many types of client care. To be successful in this field and program, you must have skills and attributes in five areas:
Clinicians must communicate in a way that is understood by their clients/patients and others.
- Employ oral, written, auditory, and non-verbal communication at a level sufficient to meet academic and clinical competencies.
- Adapt communication style to effectively interact with colleagues, clients, patients, caregivers, and invested parties of diverse backgrounds in various modes such as in person, over the phone, and in electronic format.
Clinical practice involves a variety of tasks that require manipulation of items and environments.
- Engage in physical activities at a level required to accurately implement classroom and clinical responsibilities (e.g., manipulating testing and therapeutic equipment and technology, client/patient equipment, and practice management technology) while retaining the integrity of the process
- Respond in a manner that ensures the safety of clients and others
Clinicians use auditory, visual, tactile, and olfactory information to guide clinical practice.
- Access sensory information to differentiate functional and disordered auditory, oral, written, and visual communication
- Access sensory information to correctly differentiate anatomical structures and function
- Access sensory information to correctly differentiate and discriminate text, numbers, tables, and graphs associated with clinical materials
Clinicians must engage in critical thinking, reasoning, and comprehension and retention of information.
- Retain, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply auditory, written, and oral information at a level sufficient to meet curricular and clinical competencies
- Employ informed critical thinking and ethical reasoning to create, implement, and adjust therapeutic interventions appropriate for the client/patient's needs
- Engage in ongoing self-reflection and evaluation of one's existing knowledge and skills
- Critically examine and apply evidence-based judgment in keeping with best practices for client/patient care
Clinicians must interact with a diverse community of individuals in a manner that is safe, ethical, and supportive.
- Display compassion, respect, and concern for others during all academic and clinical interactions
- Adhere to all aspects of relevant professional codes of ethics, privacy, and information management policies
- Take personal responsibility for maintaining physical and mental health at a level that ensures safe, respectful, and successful participation in didactic and clinical activities
Clinicians have an obligation to practice in a manner responsive to individuals from different cultures, linguistic communities, social identities, beliefs, values, and worldviews. This includes people representing a variety of abilities, ages, cultures, dialects, disabilities, ethnicities, genders, gender identities or expressions, languages, national/regional origins, races, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and lived experiences.
- Engage in ongoing learning about cultures and belief systems different from one's own and the impacts of these on healthcare and educational disparities to foster effective provision of services.
- Demonstrate the application of culturally responsive evidence-based decisions to guide clinical practice
The core functions stated here are not conditions of admission to the program, rather they are presented in order to empower students to make informed choices. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop the Knowledge and Skills to meet the professional requirements specified by California licensing laws and regulations, as well as guidelines from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).