Program Overview

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Program

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant certificate program prepares students with the educational and clinical experience needed to become speech-language pathology assistants. The curriculum is focused on:

• Clinical methods and treatment
• Developmental speech and language disorders
• Implementation of treatment plans
• Professional issues and ethical considerations

Program Overview

This program is a great option for students majoring or minoring in speech and hearing science, individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree in speech and hearing, and those pursuing the postbaccalaureate communication sciences and disorders certificate.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Health Solutions
• Location: Tempe

Curriculum

The certificate program includes 15 credit hours, including a clinical internship. A minimum of 12 credit hours must be completed at ASU. A minimum grade of "B-" (2.67 on a 4.00 scale) is required for each course.

• SHS 402 Clinical Methods and Treatment of Communication Disorders
  • Minimum Grade: B-
  • Credit Hours: 3
• SHS 470 Developmental Speech and Language Disorders or SHS 485 Acquired Speech and Language Disorders or SHS 565 Speech and Language Acquisition
  • Minimum Grade: B-
  • Credit Hours: 3
• SHS 473 Implementation of Treatment Plans for Individuals with Communication Disorders
  • Minimum Grade: B-
  • Credit Hours: 3
• SHS 483 Professional Issues and Ethical Considerations for the SLPA
  • Minimum Grade: B-
  • Credit Hours: 3
• SHS 484 Topic: SLPA Certificate
  • Minimum Grade: B-
  • Credit Hours: 3

Enrollment Requirements

Current undergraduate students who have completed at least nine credit hours in speech and hearing science coursework with an overall minimum GPA of 2.75 in the major and "B-" grade or higher in those courses are eligible to apply. Applications are also accepted from students who have completed a bachelor's degree in speech and hearing science or communication disorders from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association with a major GPA of at least 2.75 (scale is 4.00 = "A").

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Students will implement treatment strategies appropriate to client age and disorder in speech-language therapy sessions.
• Students will apply professional and ethical principles in the practice of speech-language pathology for treatment of individuals with communication disorders.
• Students will understand clinical activities by observing and interviewing speech-language pathologists or audiologists.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with this certificate are prepared to work with people with communication disorders under the direction and supervision of a speech-language pathologist in schools, clinics, and rehabilitation agencies that provide speech and language services.

Professional Licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.