Program Overview

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant - Graduate Certificate

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certificate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) in public school settings. This program is specifically tailored to meet the requirements for SLPA authorization in the state of Colorado, through the Colorado Department of Education.

Overview

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) play a vital role in supporting students with communication challenges in public schools. The SLPA Certificate program at the University of Colorado Boulder is designed to address the shortage of qualified personnel in this field, particularly in high-need districts and rural areas in Colorado. The program is offered as a BA Plus program, allowing students to gain additional experience in speech-language pathology prior to applying for a master's degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the SLPA Certificate program is competitive and requires a complete application in electronic format. Preference is given to in-state students, especially those from rural areas. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission.

• Completion of one of the following options:
  • Last semester SLHS senior (students may be enrolled in a maximum of two required prerequisite courses concurrently with the SLPA program, although enrollment in only one is preferred)
  • BA in SLHS
  • BA in a field other than SLHS with completion of 24 credits of "leveling" prerequisite coursework in SLHS

Prerequisites or "Leveling" Coursework

The following courses are required for admission to the SLPA Certificate program:

• LING 3100: Language Sound Structures (or SLHS 3006: Phonetics)
• SLHS 3106: Hearing Science
• SLHS 3116: Anatomy, Physiology, and Science of Speech
• SLHS 4502: Language Disorders Across the Lifespan
• SLHS 4512: Speech Disorders Across the Lifespan
• SLHS 4560: Language Development
• SLHS 4704: Audiological Evaluation
• SLHS 4714: Audiological Rehabilitation
• SLHS 4918: Introduction to Clinical Practice (Requires documentation of 25 hours of observation of ASHA-certified SLPs)

Required Courses and Credits

The SLPA Certificate program requires the completion of two courses:

• SLHS 5032: Competencies and Strategies for the SLPA (3 credits)
• SLHS 5930: Speech Language Pathology Assistant Internship 1 (4 credits)

Program Details

The SLPA Certificate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work under the supervision of a certified SLP in public school settings. The program is specifically tailored to meet the requirements for SLPA authorization in the state of Colorado, through the Colorado Department of Education. Successful completion of the SLPA certification program can also apply towards ASHA National SLPA Certification requirements, given successful completion of the ASHA SLPA national certification exam.

The program is offered as a BA Plus program, allowing students to gain additional experience in speech-language pathology prior to applying for a master's degree. Many interested students complete the program as part of their residency in Colorado, while others in rural or high-need areas see this online opportunity to continue their education and work as an SLPA as they prepare to move on to graduate school through distance learning programs.

At this time, this program may not meet the educational requirements for SLPA certification or licensure in states other than Colorado. Students residing outside of Colorado are encouraged to consult the speech-language pathology and audiology board in their state prior to applying or enrolling in the program. Out-of-state students are considered only if they can arrange a local internship in a public school setting with an MA-SLP, CCC.