Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Associate in Science
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Associate in Science
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 registration 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.
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| CD V02 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CD V04 | Observation and Assessment | 2.5 |
| CD V04L | Observation and Assessment Laboratory | .5 |
| CD V05 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CD V10 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| CD V71 | Introduction to Communication Disorders | 3 |
| CD V73 | Speech and Language Development in Children | 3 |
| CD V75 | Introduction to Phonetics | 3 |
| CD V77 | Childhood Disorders and Treatment | 3 |
| CD V78 | Adult Communication Disorders and Treatment | 2 |
| CD V79 | Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| CD V80L | Clinical Experience | 2 |
| Required Core Units | 30 | |
| Required Additional Courses | ||
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGL V01B | Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature | 4 |
| ASL V01 | Elementary American Sign Language I | 4 |
| ANPH V01 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| or ANAT V01 | Human Anatomy | |
| COMM V15 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| MATH V40 | Exploration of Mathematical Ideas | 3 |
List A: Select 2 courses from the following: | ||
| ETHS V01 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHS V04 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| ETHS V14 | Introduction to Black Studies | 3 |
| CHST V01 | Introduction to Chicano Studies | 3 |
List B: Select 3 units from local GE Area 7: Health, Wellness, Counseling, and Career Planning. | ||
| Required Additional Units | 32 | |
| --------------------- | ||
| Total Major Units | 62 | |
| --------------------- | ||
| VCCCD General Education Pattern | ||
| Required Major Units | 62 | |
| VCCCD General Education Units | 24 | |
| Double-Counted Units | (24) | |
| Elective Units | 0 | |
| Total Units for the A.S. Degree | 62 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Units/Hours | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing (GE Area 1A - English Composition) | 4 |
| ASL V01 | Elementary American Sign Language I | 4 |
| CD V02 | Child Growth and Development (GE Area 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 |
| CD V71 | Introduction to Communication Disorders | 3 |
| MATH V40 | Exploration of Mathematical Ideas (GE Area 2 - Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning) | 3 |
| Units/Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ANPH V01 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (GE Area 5 - Natural Sciences) | 5 |
| CD V10 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| CD V73 | Speech and Language Development in Children | 3 |
| CD V75 | Introduction to Phonetics | 3 |
| COMM V15 | Interpersonal Communication (GE Area 1B - Oral Communication and Critical Thinking) | 3 |
| Units/Hours | 17 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CD V04 | Observation and Assessment | 2.5 |
| CD V04L | Observation and Assessment Laboratory | .5 |
| CD V05 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CD V77 | Childhood Disorders and Treatment | 3 |
| ENGL V01B | Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature (GE Area 1B - Oral Communication and Critical Thinking) | 4 |
| Units/Hours | 13 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CD V78 | Adult Communication Disorders and Treatment | 2 |
| CD V79 | Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| CD V80L | Clinical Experience | 2 |
| Select 2 Courses (6 units) from the Following: | ||
| ETHS V04 or ETHS V14 | Introduction to American Indian Studies (GE Area 3 - Arts and Humanities, or GE Area 6 - Ethnic Studies) or Introduction to Black Studies | 3 |
| CHST V01 | Introduction to Chicano Studies (GE Area 3 - Arts and Humanities, or GE Area 6 - Ethnic Studies) | 3 |
| Select three (3) units: VCCCD GE Area 7 (Health and Wellness) | 3 | |
| Units/Hours | 15 | |
| Total Units/Hours | 62 | |
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- 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.