Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to earn the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Speech-Language Pathology Certification (C-SLPA).

Designed for students seeking a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, the SLPA certificate gives you the opportunity to learn real-world clinical procedures as well as the roles and responsibilities of an SLPA. Graduates of the certificate leave with practical experience, including 100 hours of supervised clinical practice in an off-site clinical setting.

Beginning in the fall of 2024, this certificate will be available completely online for those accepted into this program in addition to face-to-face instruction.

The speech-language pathology assistant curriculum is designed to capitalize on your bachelor’s degree in CSD, adding training specifically for employment as an SLPA. Your add-on coursework will include topics related to working with diverse learners, behavior management techniques, and the nuts and bolts of doing speech-language therapy. The certificate culminates in a community-based clinical experience, in which you will earn the required hours for certificate as an SLPA. Completion of the certificate will put you in an excellent position to take your first job as an SLPA in a school-based or outpatient setting.

What classes do speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) students take?

Your classes may cover topics like:

• Working with diverse learners
• Clinical procedures in communication disorders
• Facilitating communication in preschool children
• Classroom behavior management

Learn more about the speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) certificate in the UWEC catalog.

Communication and sciences disorder majors are welcome to apply for the SLPA certificate. The following items are needed for admission:

• Declared CSD major
• Letter of intent that states why you would want to pursue the SLPA certificate
• Two recommendations from CSD faculty 
• Minimum junior standing
• A completed eform application

Thinking about becoming an SLPA? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.