Get Started with SLPA

The application cycle for Fall 2024 will be March 18-29, 2024.
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There is an additional application to the SLPA program.  The prerequisite to apply is successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SLPA 018: Introduction to Communication Disorders. This course is typically offered in the Fall and Spring terms.

  • The application will be open annually each Spring, at this website. 
  • Spaces in the program are filled by lottery from the pool of eligible applicants.
  • Students who are not admitted may re-apply in subsequent years.
  • Prior to admittance to the program, students may enroll in and complete General Education requirements toward an AS degree and the "other required" courses listed in the SLPA curriculum.

SLPA is an impacted program, which means that there are more interested students than there are available spaces. The size of the program is determined by several factors; primarily employment opportunities and available fieldwork sites.The program is continually seeking growth opportunities.

Please consult with a counselor regarding your interest in the program to see if SLPA is right for you!

Program Requirements

There are some requirements that you will need to meet in order to be successful in the program. Requirements include:

  • Grades of “C” or better in all classes.
  • No prior criminal convictions.
  • A desire and ability to assist individuals with communication disorders.
  • Ability to work in a pragmatic, ethical, and collegial manner in a team environment.

Additionally, as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant, you will be responsible for many types of client care. To be successful in this field and program, you must have skills and attributes in five areas:

You must have adequate communication skills in order to:

  • Communicate proficiently in both oral and written English.*
  • Possess reading and writing skills sufficient to meet curricular and fieldwork demands.*
  • Perceive and demonstrate appropriate non-verbal communication for culture and context.*
  • Modify communication style to meet the communication needs of clients.
  • Communicate professionally and intelligibly with clients, and the supervising speech-language pathologist.
  • Communicate professionally, effectively and legibly on client/patient documentation completed under the direction of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
  • Convey information accurately with relevance to the services performed.

You must have adequate intellectual and cognitive skills to:

  • Comprehend, retain and apply written and verbal information sufficient to meet academic and fieldwork demands for completion of the SLPA program at PCC.*
  • Self-evaluate, identify and communicate limits of one’s own knowledge and skill to appropriate level of an SLPA.
  • Utilize detailed written and verbal instruction in order to implement treatment plans developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.

You must have adequate motor skills to:

  • Sustain necessary physical activity levels in required fieldwork activities, including services provided in the classroom under the direction of supervising speech-language pathologist.*
  • Respond quickly to provide a safe environment for clients in emergency situations according to the emergency procedures established at the work-site and/or as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
  • Access transportation to fieldwork placements.*
  • Manipulate equipment utilized by clients and patients such as AAC devices and hearing aids in a safe manner.
  • Access technology for communication with the supervising speech-language pathologist and/or clients if appropriate.*
You must have sensory skills of vision and hearing to:
  • Recognize when a client does or does not understand the verbal communication as presented to the clients served.

You must have social and behavioral skills to:

  • Display mature empathetic and effective professional relationships by exhibiting compassion, integrity and concern for others.*
  • Recognize and show respect for individuals with disabilities and for individuals of different ages, genders, race, religions, sexual orientation, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.*
  • Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, upholding college, state and federal privacy policies.
  • Maintain generally good physical and mental health and self care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and others in the academic and fieldwork settings.*
  • Adapt to changing and demanding academic and fieldwork environments.
  • Manage the use of time effectively to complete professional and technical tasks.
  • Accept appropriate suggestions and constructive criticisms.
  • Respond to such suggestions and constructive criticisms by modification of specific behaviors.
  • Dress appropriately and professionally for the demands of the situation.

Skills with a (*) next to them are skills that are more inherent and should be present when you enter the program.

You will learn and develop many of these skills during your coursework at PCC in our speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) program. Our curriculum will enable you to meet the professional requirements specified by California licensing laws and regulations, as well as guidelines from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).