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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Audiology | Communication Disorders | Speech Pathology and Therapy
Area of study
Health
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Speech-Language Pathology Assistant at Cerritos College

Associate of Science

A licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant is a skilled technical worker who performs speech and language therapy intervention under the direction of a Speech-Language Pathologist. Successful completion of the degree requirements leads to eligibility for state licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant from the California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistants have the opportunity to apply for work settings such as: in-home health; public, non-public, and charter schools; and medical settings such as rehabilitation centers and private clinics.


Salary, Growth, and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $43,000 to $169,000 with an average salary of $100,000.


Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.


Careers

  • Speech-Language Pathologists
    • Education Level: Master's degree
    • Job Growth: +19.3%
    • Average Salary: $112,000
  • Audiologists
    • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
    • Job Growth: +10.6%
    • Average Salary: $106,000
  • Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
    • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
    • Job Growth: +19.1%
    • Average Salary: $130,000
  • Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
    • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
    • Job Growth: +5.7%
    • Average Salary: $55,000

Program Map

Pathway: to Degree

This program map represents one possible pathway through the program and is for reference only.


Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Associate of Science

61.0 - 65.0 Units


  • Major Course
  • General Education Course
  • Elective Course
  • Milestone
  • Offers Microcredential

Program Requirements

  • 1st Term (2024): 13.0 - 15.0 UNITS
    • MAJ / GEN: CD 110 (3.0 Units) - Child Development
    • GEN: English Composition (4.0 Units)
    • GEN: Proficiency: Mathematics (3.0 - 5.0 Units)
    • GEN: U.S. History or Government (3.0 Units)
    • MILE: Department Information
  • 2nd Term (2025): 14.0 UNITS
    • MAJ / GEN: A&P 120 or A&P 150 (4.0 Units)
    • MAJ: CD 139 (3.0 Units) - Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior
    • MAJ: SLP 105 (3.0 Units) - Speech and Language Development
    • MAJ / GEN: ASL 110 (4.0 Units) - American Sign Language I
  • 3rd Term (2025): 14.0 - 16.0 UNITS
    • MAJ: SLP 100 (1.0 Units) - Introduction to Speech and Language Pathology
    • MAJ: SLP 101 (3.0 Units) - Introduction to Communication Disorders
    • MAJ: CDSE 150 or CDSE 152 (3.0 Units)
    • MAJ: SLP 208 (3.0 Units) - Introduction to Phonetics
    • GEN: Communication and Analytical Thinking (3.0 Units)
    • GEN: Proficiency: Health & Wellness (1.0 - 3.0 Units)
    • MILE: SLP Aide Certificate
    • MILE: Submit Application
  • 4th Term (2026): 11.0 UNITS
    • MAJ: SLP 225 (5.0 Units) - Childhood Disorders and Treatment
    • MAJ: SLP 230 (3.0 Units) - Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication
    • ELEC: Elective (3.0 Units)
  • 5th Term (2026): 9.0 UNITS
    • MAJ: SLP 235 (5.0 Units) - Adult Disorders and Treatment
    • MAJ: SLP 250 (4.0 Units) - Fieldwork Experience
    • MILE: SLPA Associate degree

Notes

  • To ensure that you have sufficient units to graduate (at least 60 semester units/90 quarter units for an associate degree and 120 semester units/180 quarter units for a bachelor's degree), make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Program Outline


Speech-Language Pathology Assistant at Cerritos College


Degree Overview:

  • Objective: To prepare students to become licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) who can provide speech and language therapy intervention under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
  • Graduates can work in various settings like in-home health, public and private schools, and medical settings like rehabilitation centers and clinics.

Outline:

  • Structure: The program follows a semester-based structure with six terms spanning three years.
  • Course Schedule: Each term includes a combination of major courses, general education courses, and elective courses.
  • Modules:
  • Term 1:
  • ASL 110: American Sign Language I
  • CD 110: Child Development
  • English Composition
  • Term 2:
  • A&P 120 or A&P 150: Anatomy and Physiology
  • CD 139: Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior
  • SLP 105: Speech and Language Development in Children
  • Proficiency: Mathematics
  • Term 3:
  • CDSE 150: Introduction to Children with Special Needs
  • SLP 101: Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • Communication and Analytical Thinking
  • U.S. History or Government
  • Term 4:
  • SLP 108: Introduction to Phonetics
  • SLP 125: Childhood Disorders and Treatment
  • GE or Elective
  • Term 5:
  • SLP 235: Adult Disorders and Treatment
  • SLP 241: Clinical Experience I
  • Proficiency: Health & Wellness
  • Term 6:
  • SLP 230: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  • SLP 246: Clinical Experience II

Assessment:

  • Method: The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
  • Exams
  • Quizzes
  • Assignments
  • Clinical experiences
  • Criteria: The program evaluates students' performance based on their:
  • Knowledge of speech and language development and disorders
  • Ability to assess and treat speech and language disorders
  • Clinical skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills

Teaching:

  • Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
  • Lectures
  • Discussions
  • Simulations
  • Clinical experiences
  • Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in the field of speech-language pathology.
  • Unique Approaches: The program offers a unique approach by providing students with hands-on clinical experience starting in the second term.
  • This allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Careers:

  • Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in various settings, including:
  • In-home health
  • Public and private schools
  • Medical settings
  • Salary: The average salary for SLPAs in California is $90,000, with a range from $33,000 to over $208,000.

Other:

  • The program offers a micro-credential in SLP Aide.
  • Students can petition for an SLP Aide Certificate after completing the third term.
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About University
Bachelors
Diploma
Courses

Cerritos College


Overview:

Cerritos College is a community college located in Norwalk, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, career training, and transfer pathways for students seeking to further their education. The college emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, creating a welcoming environment for all students.


Services Offered:

Cerritos College provides various services to support student success, including:

    Learning Communities:

    Students can join learning communities to connect with peers and receive additional support.

    Free Metro GoPass:

    Students can ride the Metro for free with the GoPass program.

    Career Training Programs:

    The college offers a variety of career training programs to prepare students for in-demand jobs.

    Transfer Center:

    The Transfer Center assists students with transferring to four-year universities.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Affordable Education:

    Cerritos College is known for its affordable tuition and high value.

    Diverse Student Body:

    The college boasts a high Hispanic enrollment, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.

    Career-Focused Programs:

    Cerritos College offers a wide range of career training programs to prepare students for the workforce.

    Transfer Opportunities:

    The college provides excellent transfer pathways to four-year universities.

    Military-Friendly Campus:

    Cerritos College is recognized as a Military-friendly campus, supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Other:

    Equity Champion of Higher Education:

    Cerritos College was recognized as an Equity Champion of Higher Education in 2023.

    Best Value Accounting Associate Degree School in CA:

    The college is ranked as the best value accounting associate degree school in California.

    High Hispanic Enrollment:

    Cerritos College ranks 5th in the US for the highest Hispanic enrollment.

Total programs
221
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Overall GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for all applicants.
  • Prerequisite Courses: Completion of the following courses is required:
  • English Composition
  • Math (proficiency level)
  • Communication and Analytical Thinking
  • U.S. History or Government
  • Health & Wellness (proficiency level)
  • American Sign Language I (ASL 110)
  • Child Development (CD 110)
  • Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior (CD 139)
  • Introduction to Children with Special Needs (CDSE 150)
  • Anatomy and Physiology (choose A&P 120 or A&P 150)
  • Speech and Language Development in Children (SLP 105)
  • Introduction to Communication Disorders (SLP 101)
  • Introduction to Phonetics (SLP 108)

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • English Language Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score on one of the following exams:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - Minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based)
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - Minimum score of 6.5
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) - Minimum score of 59
  • Acceptance into the program is competitive and based on a comprehensive review of all application materials.
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