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Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Curriculum - Core Requirements (34 units)

This Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Licensing Board-approved curriculum prepares students to assist Speech-Language Pathologists in treating disorders related to articulation and phonology, child and adult language, motor speech, voice, fluency and hearing. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants must be registered with the Licensing Board to work under the supervision of a licensed or credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist. Employment opportunities are available in public school programs, health care and rehabilitation facilities, private practices and clinics. In addition to the Associate of Arts or Science degree, a certificate of achievement is awarded upon completion of all required core requirements with a grade of "C" or better. Students have the option of continuing their education at a 4-year institution.

Students who enter the program with a BA degree should call the Performing and Communication Arts Division (626/585-7216) to discuss articulation and equivalence of prior course work.

The PCC Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program(pdf) has been designed to meet the recommended competencies for SLPAs as stated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. It is a 60 unit, two-year program offering an Associates degree and Certificate of Completion as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant upon completion of all required core requirements with a grade of "C" or better. Students have the option of continuing their education at a four-year institution. Those students who enter the program with a Bachelor’s degree should contact the Coordinator at (626) 585-7021 to discuss articulation of course work and transcript evaluation.

Students who desire to enter this program may do so without an entrance examination. To date, some courses are offered only once a year. Students must complete all GE courses prior to Technical Core Content. Students must follow the sequence outlined below for Technical Core Content. The majority of classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate the working student.

Pasadena City College is proud to have contracted fieldwork sites for Speech 126, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Fieldwork. SLPA students should prepare in advance that when they embark on the fieldwork, assignments, they will need to give a minimum of two full days per week for each eight-week period of each separate assignment.

Official online program and course descriptions, and requirements

Semester I (download printable Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program PDF(pdf))

Speech 3: Voice and Diction (3)

Physiological and anatomical basis of voice production and articulation. Instruction in articulation, pronunciation and vocal quality.

Speech 18: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (3)

Introduction to the field of communication disorders. Guidelines for determining the development of normal and pathological speech. Observation in various clinical sites.

Linguistics 12: Intercultural Communication (3)

Linguistic and cultural patterns; how and what people communicate. Designed to aid both Americans and foreign students in the development of intercultural understanding and communication skills.

Semester II

SET 100: Infants and Children with Exceptional Needs (3)

Impact of exceptional needs on physical, mental and functional abilities of infants, preschool and school-age children, adolescents and their families; how these affect the child’s emotional, social and educational development; specific techniques for the paraprofessional working in educational, clinical and recreational settings.

Speech 119: Speech-Language Pathology: Professional Issues (3)(spring semester only)

Principles and procedures for management of individuals with communicative disorders with consideration for cultural and linguistic variations. Legal and ethical considerations as well as requirements for employment in various work settings, including interdisciplinary and supervisory relationships, and scope of responsibilities of a Speech-Language Assistant.

Communication 10A: American Sign Language ( 3)

A basic study of American Sign Language as used by deaf individuals; development of receptive and expressive skills.

Semester III

Speech 123A: Communication Disorders: Assessment (3) (fall semester only)

Examination of specific disorders of communication, including their characteristics, causes and the anatomical structures and physiological muscle functions related to normal speech and language development. Assessment and screening techniques; scope of practice and role of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Data collection, clinical documentation and record-keeping.

SET 105: Behavioral Management in Special Education (3)

Basic concepts of behavior management and their application in special education, residential and home settings for children and adults with disabilities.

SET 122: Special Education Field Practice (2)

Supervised field practice in approved special education or relevant community agency settings, working directly with children or adults with disabilities.

Semester IV

Speech 123B: Communication Disorders: Remediation (3) (spring semester only)

Remediation techniques, rationale for commonly used therapeutic approaches, including assistive and computer technology. Scope of practice and role of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in intervention procedures including clinical documentation and appropriate use of therapeutic materials.

Chdv 15: Principles of Home, School and Community (3)

Introduction to individual development and socialization processes for children with emphasis on the interaction among the child, the family and community in a multi-cultural environment.

Speech 126: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Fieldwork (2)

Supervised fieldwork experience assisting with the clinical management of persons with communicative disorders. Opportunities to interact with clients/patients while implementing a prescribed remedial plan, assisting with screening or evaluation under the direction of a speech-language pathologist, record keeping and managing of clinical data, setting up clinical equipment and materials, and performing various clerical duties as needed.

Licensing Requirements and Regulations

You can find all the current laws and licensing requirements at the Speech-Pathology and Audiology Board site. http://www.slpab.ca.gov/laws/lawsregs.html

  AS Degree AA Degree
Core Requirements 34 34
GE Requirements 28 33
Total 62 67

**American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Guidelines for SLPA Training (1996)