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.
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.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.