Become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
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.
The University of Utah's SLPA Certificate Program is a post-baccalaureate clinical training program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers as SLPAs in public schools. This intensive program, completed in one semester, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to excel in the field.
Individuals who complete the program 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 Program Outline tab below.
SLPA eligibility requirements and job responsibilities vary by state and employer. Prospective students should consult their licencing agencies (e.g., State Boards of Education) and employer guidelines to ensure they meet all necessary qualifications.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Overview
Program Options
Fall Semester Section (Open enrollment when application requirements are met)
- Online format for required coursework
- Clinical Field-Based Experience (i.e., Public School Externship)
Spring Semester Section (Open enrollment when application requirements are met)
- Online format for required coursework
- Clinical Field-Based Experience (i.e., Public School Externship)
Program Outline
A final grade of no lower than a B- in all program coursework is required for successful completion.
- CSD 6100: Foundations of Clinical Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: 3 credit hours - online (asynchronous)
- CSD 6110: Field-Base Clinical Externship: 12 credit hours - on-site public school placement
Application Requirements for Admission
- A bachelor's degree from a speech-language pathology or communication disorders (CSD) program from an accredited institution/program OR a bachelor's degree in another field of study other than CSD and has completed all University of Utah required leveling coursework prior to begining to the SLPA program
- Copy of undergraduate transcripts (unofficial accepted)
- Letter of Intent/Personal Statement
- Resume/CV
Out-of-State Students
- Required to find own externship in desired state and school district
- Externship information (school district, point of contact phone number and email address) is required at time of application
- Our program will find and place all students completing externships in Utah
Tuition Support
We offer 3 ways to help reduce the cost of program tuition by up to $5,000, outlined below.
CSD Department Scholarships
- All individuals accepted into the SLPA program will receive an automatic CSD department scholarship in the amount of $2,200.
Community Engaged Learning Funding
- All individuals accepted into the SLPA program will receive automatic funding that is supported by the program's Community Engaged Learning (CEL) designation in the amount of $300.
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Special Education Personnel Preparation Student Scholarship Grant
- We are happy to announce the support of our SLPA program by USBE. This funding demonstrates the valued relationship between our program and USBE. $2,500 per student, awarded to the first 20 semester applicants (i.e., first come, first serve 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.
Certification (C-SLPA)
C-SLPA certification eligibility from AHSA requires specific coursework and clinical experiences. Our program 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 licencing agencies (e.g., State Boards of Education) and employer guidelines to ensure they meet all necessary qualification
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 description about the SLT licensing program, visit the USBE website. Please note that the SLPA program does not fulfill the additional training requirements for the USBE SLT professional license.
For more questions about the SLPA program, please contact: Dr. Tyler Christopulos, Director of SLPA Certificate Graduate Program.