Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
The University of Utah's Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) coursework pathway offers an academic and clinical training designed to prepare students for rewarding careers as SLPAs in public schools. This coursework may be completed in one to two semesters and equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to excel in the field.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Overview
Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) are trained support personnel who work under the supervision of ASHA-certified Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), performing tasks that are prescribed, directed, and closely monitored to meet the needs of individuals with communication disorders.
Individuals who complete the coursework pathway will be eligible to take the Assistant Certification Exam administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (i.e., C-SLPA). The curriculum includes traditional coursework as well as a clinical externship. For more information, please visit the Coursework Outline tab below.
SLPA eligibility requirements and job responsibilities vary by state and employer. Prospective students should consult their licensing agencies (e.g., State Boards of Education) and employer guidelines to ensure they meet all necessary qualifications.
Certification (C-SLPA)
C-SLPA certification eligibility from AHSA requires specific coursework and clinical experiences. Our coursework pathway meets ASHA’s requirements and will qualify a student to take the SLPA certification exam offered through ASHA.
SLPA eligibility requirements and job responsibilities vary by state and employer. Prospective students should consult their licensing agencies (e.g., State Boards of Education) and employer guidelines to ensure they meet all necessary qualifications.
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) provides a license area known as the Speech-Language Technician (SLT). Similar to Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), SLTs work under the supervision of a master’s-level Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to support students with speech-language challenges and learning needs. To qualify for an SLT license, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders. Additional training and specific requirements are also necessary to meet USBE’s licensing standards. For a description of the SLT licensing program, please contact USBE directly. Please note that the SLPA coursework pathway does not fulfill any additional training requirements for the USBE SLT professional license.
Coursework Outline
A final grade of no lower than a B- in all program coursework is required for successful completion.
- CSD 5700: Foundations of Clinical Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: 3 credit hours - online (asynchronous)
- CSD 5710: Field-Base Clinical Externship: 3 credit hours - on-site public school placement
Eligibility and Prerequisite Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited speech-language pathology or communication disorders (CSD) program, OR a bachelor’s degree in a field other than CSD with completion of all required prerequisite coursework (i.e., leveling) prior to participation in the SLPA coursework pathway.
Out-of-State Students
- Required to find own externship in desired state and school district
- Externship information, including school district and point of contact name, phone number, and email address, is required as part of completion of the SLPA coursework pathway readiness form.
- Our program will find and place all students completing externships in Utah
Tuition Support
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Special Education Personnel Preparation Student Scholarship Grant
- We are happy to announce the support of our SLPA coursework pathway by USBE. This funding demonstrates the valued relationship between our department and USBE. Up to $1,500 per student, may be awarded to the first 8 semester applicants (i.e., first come, first served for each semester) who are accepted into the program and meet the additional requirements:
- Wish to practice in Utah public schools as an SLPA/Speech-Language Technician (SLT).
- Be able to commit to 1 full school year of full-time employment after becoming licensed through USBE.
Contact Us
Tyler Christopulos, PhD, CCC-SLP
Director of SLPA Coursework Pathway
tyler.christopulos@utah.edu
Leigh Ann Benevides
Program Information Coordinator
leighann.benevides@utah.edu
Related SLPA Coursework Pathway Links