Program Overview

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) Program

The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) program at Medicine Hat College is a two-year diploma that prepares students to support Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) in their assessment and treatment of people with communication difficulties and disorders.

Program Overview

As a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant, students will find a rewarding career supporting SLPs in hospitals, private clinics, schools, and community programs. The program offers extensive classroom training and valuable practicum experiences, providing students with the opportunity to help people of all ages improve their ability to communicate and interact with others.

Admission Requirements

• High school diploma with:
  • ELA 30-1 (min. 60%) or ELA 30-2 (min. 60%)
  • Biology 30 (min. 60%)
  • Two 30-level subjects, one of which must be a 30-level science, Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 (min. 60%)
• Mature Student:
  • ELA 30-1 (min. 60%) or ELA 30-2 (min. 60%)
  • Biology 30 (min. 60%)
• Transfer Student Route:
  • ELA 30-1, or a post-secondary level equivalent or ELA 30-2
  • Biology 30, a post-secondary level equivalent or a university level lab science course (min. 60%, or C)

Pre-Program Requirements

Once successful in gaining admission and having received the program orientation package, students must:

• Complete a standardized health form, program of immunization
• Provide a current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Provide current Intervention Record Check (Alberta Residents only)

Program Courses

The program consists of the following courses:

Fall OS or Group 1 Online

• IDST 100 - Introductory Communications for Helping Professionals
• ENGL 1XX or 2XX
• KNES 261 - Human Anatomy
• PSYC 2XX - (PSYC 201 recommended)
• TAPC 110 - Introduction to Health Care and Rehabilitation

Winter OS or Group 2 Online

• LING 2XX - Introductory Linguistics
• SOCI 2XX
• TAPC 111 - Rehabilitation Process
• TAPC 112 - Health Disorders & Conditions in Rehabilitation
• TAPC 113 - Growth and Development for Rehabilitation Service Providers

Spring OS or Group 3 Online

• SLPA 212 - Basics for the Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Fall OS or Group 4 Online

• AUDA 212 - Introduction to Audiology
• SLPA 160 - Introduction to American Sign Language
• SLPA 215 - SLPA Therapeutic Processes I
• SLPA 216 - SLPA Therapeutic Processes II
• TAPC 210 - Professional Integration for the Therapist Assistant

Winter OS or Group 5 Online

• SLPA 206* - SLPA Therapeutic Processes III
• SLPA 207* - SLPA Therapeutic Processes IV
• TAPC 218 - Career Preparation for the Therapist Assistant

Fieldwork Requirements

• All program requirements must be completed appropriately and satisfactorily prior to commencing fieldwork
• Students who have not successfully met their course and program requirements will not be permitted into the fieldwork courses
• Fieldwork arrangements are made by Medicine Hat College with consideration of student preferences; however, students may be required to complete fieldwork at sites other than those requested by students

Transfer Opportunities

Graduates of this program are eligible for admission into various post-secondary institutions, including:

• Athabasca University: Bachelor of Professional Arts (Human Services Major)
• University of Calgary: Two-year post diploma BCR program (Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation)
• University of Lethbridge: Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
• Thompson Rivers University: Bachelor of Health Science or Bachelor of General Studies
• The University of Northampton (UK): Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Occupational Therapy

Program Details

• Credential: Diploma
• Duration: 2 years
• Intake: Fall (In-Person and Online), Winter (Online)
• School: Yuill School of Health & Community Services
• Campus: Medicine Hat

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will find employment opportunities with:

• Health Regions/Hospitals
• Schools
• Day cares and preschools
• Rehabilitation centres
• Private practices of Speech-Language Pathologists