Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) are supporting personnel who take direction from ASHA-accredited speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to assist in speech-language therapy services. In an era of inflation, some jobs are better suited for support staff than for speech-language pathologists.

The SLPAs are trained to assist in supplementary therapy services and administrative tasks. They lend a helping hand to SLPs by making preparations for sessions and sharing information with clients and staff. By hiring a speech-language pathology assistant, ASHA-accredited SLPs can extend their services and focus more on their professional tasks. This article features training programs duly curated to edify speech-language pathology assistants. If you are seeking a role as an assistant, these degrees can prove a boon!

Speech Therapy Assistant Programs: Online and On-Campus in the US

Enlisted below are some of the top-ranked colleges and universities extending their academic landscape to individuals striving for roles as speech therapy assistants. Continue reading to explore!

On-Campus Speech Therapy Assistant Programs in the US

If you are searching for an on-campus degree program to pursue your dream of becoming an SLPA, you have come to just the right place. Given below are top-notch community colleges and universities offering an Associate program in Speech-Language Pathology. 

University of Alaska Anchorage – Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

The University of Alaska Anchorage takes immense pride in extending its educational paraphernalia to individuals seeking an associate’s degree in speech-language pathology. This Associate of Applied Science program aims to prepare individuals desirous of working with children and adults with communication disorders. Enrolled students are given instructions to dispense clerical support, administer hearing and language screenings, and prepare sessional documents when necessary. Graduates exiting this program are eligible to take the ASHA certification exam or state licensure test. This 50-credit-hour program provides state-of-the-art instruction in courses like Professional Issues, Communication Disorders, Anatomy and Physiology, and Language Development, among others. If you still have questions, the university has a student portal open 24/7 for assistance and support. 

American River College – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program A.S. Degree

To map out a roadway for aspiring SLPAs, American River College offers an Associate of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Enrolled students are prepared to take prominent positions in school districts and private clinics. Students must take a total of 61 credit units to complete the degree. The scheme of study focuses on Child Development, Positive Guidance Strategies, Hearing Clinical Strategies, and Intercultural Communication, among others. Students aiming for a bachelor’s degree in SLP can transfer their credit hours to degree programs partnered with recognized colleges and universities. As full-time students, individuals can start their degree in the fall. Students applying to this program need to pass medical clearance tests to secure a seat in the program. If you want to earn an assistant certificate, going down this path can end up being really fruitful!

Pasadena City College – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program

An Associate of Science (A.S.) in speech-language pathology at Pasadena City College is a two-year program designed to prepare for a career as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA), assisting people with fluency, articulation, and communicative disorders. This program is approved by the Speech-Language Pathology Board of the State of California. Students accepted into this program gain instruction in hearing, voice, and fluency studies. The core course requirements of 50–53 credit hours must be completed in two years. Graduates exiting this program can apply for a license. Applying for the college’s financial aid program will enable you to pay the $3000 tuition cost. For further information, follow the above-mentioned link. 

Reedley College – Speech Language Pathology Assistant Associate in Science Degree

Reedley College exults in pleasure upon offering an Associate in Science degree to train SLPAs requiring firm knowledge and expertise to bag a position in a work setting. Reedley College demonstrates the abilities and procedures required to function in a variety of settings while upholding the ASHA standards. Infants, children, and adults can be assisted by careful evidence-based methodology on which students of this program are trained. Graduates exiting this program can apply for a state license to conduct hearing screenings and administer treatment as directed by ASHA-accredited speech-language pathologists. The plan of study emphasizes courses like Hearing development, Therapy Analysis, Remediation Fieldwork, American Sign Language, etc. Furthermore, students are facilitated with support programs and annual seminars for character development to ensure holistic growth. Further information can be obtained by contacting the admissions office or visiting the website. 

Marshall University – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) Certificate Program

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program at Marshall University is a two-semester-long certificate program designed to impart progressive and innovative education needed to ensure the highest standards of morality and ethics required in the domain. Students in this program are trained on the guidelines of ASHA to hone the skills and proficiency needed to adapt to culturally diverse and inclusive settings. Students with a minimum of 2.8 CGPA in their associate’s or bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply to this program along with two letters of recommendation. The university offers two pathways. The coursework has its curriculum sketched by considering major topics like phonetics, fluency, speech and sound disorders, and anatomy. Clinical practicums are also offered to enhance professional skills and practical knowledge. If this fascinates you, joining this program can speed up your path to success!

Fayetteville Technical Community College – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program

Approved by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Fayetteville Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Made with an amalgamation of avant-garde clinical coursework and high-quality academics, the college has designed a profound curriculum for aspiring SLPAs. Students are given instructions on ethically sound grounds to treat clients coming from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The 5-semester-long coursework forms a roadmap for incorporating professional discourse subjects to enhance written and oral communication skills. The prerequisites for this course include a high school diploma, a placement test equivalent, and a unit of biology. The plan of study provides ample focus on developmental disorders, acquired disorders, assistive technology, and fieldwork seminars. 

San Joaquin Delta College – Speech Language Pathology Assistant program 

To pave the way for aspiring speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs), San Joaquin Delta College proposes an Associate of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) to prepare skillful individuals ready to assist their ASHA-accredited supervisors. An associate degree in SLP usually takes 66–68 credit hours of study. However, if a person aims to transfer their credits to a bachelor’s program, studying a minimum of 80 credit hours is a must. During the course of four semesters, students gain a firm grip on subjects like service delivery issues, therapy analysis, critical thinking, human development, and American sign language. A full-time student usually takes two years to complete the degree. If you are interested in this program, filling up the form online and submitting the necessary documents can help you secure a seat. 

Lake Region State College – Associate in Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Paraprofessional

It so happened that the US faced a serious shortage of SLPAs in school settings. To compensate for the shortage, Lake Region State College stepped forward with its Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Paraprofessional. If you possess good communication skills and can follow directions while working with children, you are just the right fit for this program. Furthermore, students enrolling in this program are taught to screen, perform designated tasks, process documents, and maintain equipment. A total of 63 credit hours are to be studied for the issuance of a degree. Students are taken in if they meet the LRSC admission criteria along with letters of recommendation and high school assessment scores. For further queries, visiting the university website can clarify any confusion. 

Online Speech Therapy Assistant Programs in the US

Here’s a detailed list of top-ranked virtual programs offered to aspiring speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) by several colleges and universities located in the US. 

Harding University – Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

A Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant at Harding University is a 120-credit-hour program sketched out for next-generation SLPAs determined to work under the supervision of ASHA-accredited speech-language pathologists (SLPs). All majors at Harding University fulfil the requirements of liberal arts courses. After that, they are destined to take major courses like Audiology, Phonology, Aural Rehabilitation, etc. Distance learners are expected to take 60 hours of on-site clinical coursework to nurture the professional skills and therapy protocols necessary to excel in this field. Enrolled students must keep their CGPA above 3.0 to be eligible for fieldwork courses. If you are determined to kickstart your professional career, this degree can benefit you in unimaginable ways. 

Northern Arizona University – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certificate

Northern Arizona University has designed a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program keeping the ASHA technical coursework requirements in mind. This degree is curated to assist working professionals; therefore, all classes are conducted online to suit the needs of distance learners. This program puts ample focus on courses in communication disorders, anatomy and physiology, phonetics, child development, and clinical skills. Distance learners can take supervised clinical coursework in a clinical setting near their residences. If you are interested in making a mark in the vast realm of speech pathology, this degree can supplement practical and theoretical grounds crucial to conducting successful speech therapies. 

Laramie County Community College – Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

An Associate of Applied Science A.A.S. at Laramie County Community College is mapped out to edify SLPAs aiming to work under certified speech-language pathologists. This program is completed online in a synchronous format. To hone clinical experiences, students must take on-site fieldwork courses to enhance operational learning. Classes are conducted online on a schedule mostly starting in the evening at 5:30 p.m. Graduates exiting this program can appear for Wyoming SLPA Certification. This course can be completed by taking courses in four different semesters. For students unable to pay their tuition fees, financial aid programs can be sorted out. Graduates exiting this program can apply for the position of SLPA at public and private sector schools. If you are interested, follow the link to proceed. 

Longwood University – Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisite Courses and SLPA Pathway

Longwood University has launched a fully online Speech-Language Pathology prerequisite course that follows the SLPA pathway and has received certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Master’s degree holders can enroll in this program as an additional course online. This online supplementary course can be completed in as few as three semesters. Students are given instruction in courses like Syntax, Morphology, Phonology, Phonetics, Speech Science, and Clinical Practice, among others. Students can apply online by submitting an application and an unofficial transcript. For further information, contact the university officials. 

University of Utah – Online Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

The College of Health at the University of Utah extends its avant-garde landscape with an SLPA Certificate Graduate Program, which is designed as a post-baccalaureate graduate-level assisting program. Students who are interested in taking jobs as speech-language pathology assistants at public schools are more than welcome to apply. Students who successfully pass this certificate can go for SLPA National Certification to gain a state license. This intensive program can be completed by studying for one semester. A total of 15 credit hours are taken, of which 3 go towards didactic courses and 12 to clinical experiences. Classes are conducted online. However, externships can be arranged near one’s residence. Students applying to this program must submit their unofficial undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resume. If this looks interesting, visit the university website for further information. 

Eastern New Mexico University – SLPA Associate of Science Degree

Eastern New Mexico University offers an online Associate of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program to provide the foundations necessary to become a certified SLP. Enrolled students must accrue 100 clock hours in a fieldwork course, out of which 80 hours must go to direct client dealing and 20 hours to indirect patient service. Classes are offered online through Mediasite and Canvas according to the time schedule. Credit hours earned in this program can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program. Graduates exiting this program can apply for ASHA certifications and licensure programs. If this seems fascinating, enroll now!

Alexandria Technical & Community College – Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) program 

An Associate of Applied Science A.A.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant at Alexandria Technical and Community College is an online program designed based on the prerequisites as dictated by ASHA. A total of 76 credit hours must be studied to fulfill the requirements needed for the degree. Students are instructed in general education courses along with the three goal areas, which are major-specific. Courses offered online include Language Development, Speech Disorders, Communication in Diverse Languages, Life-Span Psychology, and Children with Differing Abilities, among others. Tuition fees can be waived by seeking financial aid loans and scholarships. Wait no more; this degree can prove a great push towards your future endeavors!

University of Montana – Online Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate

The online SLPA certificate at the University of Montana takes on the traditional fall start. This SLPA certificate program is not a licensure program. Rather, it has been designed to create the firm educational background needed to pass a licensure program. Enrolled students complete a total of 25 observation hours through clinical experience. The university has set two 8-week sessions in fall and spring across a usual 16-week semester. Students are given instructions in major courses like audiology, phonetics, and language development.  In case of any queries, emails can be sent to the department office. 

Fort Hays State University – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program at Fort Hays State University has a multitude of pathways that can be adapted according to one’s discretion. If you have your bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, you won’t need to take 120 credit hours of detailed coursework. In that case, you’ll just take 12 credit hours of clinical preparation. Whatever pathway a person chooses, completing 100 hours of onsite clinical experience is mandatory for the grant of a certificate. This degree can help you prepare for the national examination. Classes are conducted online. If you are rooting for virtual education, this online degree is just the right option for you!

Santa Ana College – Speech-Language Pathology Assistant A.S. Degree

Curated to prepare the next generation of speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) for conducting screenings and managing administration, Santa Ana College has offered an Associate of Science A.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. The study plan includes instruction in the areas of speech-language disorders, clinical fieldwork, and therapy sessions. These ASHA assistants have their degrees certified by the organization, enabling them to work in clinical settings. This degree is pursued online in a synchronous format. Graduates exiting this program can work at schools, agencies, or hospitals.

Conclusion

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants SLPAs are in great demand these days. Several colleges and universities located in the US vouch for the timelessness of this major, making it one of the most credible professions to join. Mentioned above are top-ranked colleges that can be joined to materialize your dreams in a smooth and steady manner!