Receive the training and certification to begin a career as a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Why study Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: Fieldwork Experience?
This non-credit certificate program is for those who have completed a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders and Sciences and wish to become licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), regardless of whether they intend to pursue a master’s degree. Licensed speech-language pathology assistants earn considerably more than registered speech-language pathology “aides,” which are the only paraprofessional positions available for those with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in communication disorders and sciences/speech-language pathology who have not yet obtained – or do not wish to pursue – a master’s degree.
Why study Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: Fieldwork Experience at CSUN?
- Offered in collaboration with CSUN’s College of Health and Human Development, the SLPA certificate program is a 130-hour course of study that provides approximately 20 hours of anytime/anywhere online instruction and 110 hours of clinical fieldwork
- SLPA clinical fieldwork consists primarily of face-to-face work with clients (100 hours) and also includes an administrative/support services component (10 hours)
- Supervision of clinical fieldwork is provided by experienced speech-language pathologists with current California license/credential and preferably American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) memberships
- The entire program can be completed in one semester
- More than one-fourth of all speech-language pathologists in California are CSUN graduates
This program is offered through self-support. Visit Tseng College for more information.
What You'll Learn
The CSUN Certificate in SLPA Fieldwork Experience is comprised of two required courses:
- A 20-hour fully online “leveling” course to reacquaint students with the practical field of speech-language pathology assistants in preparation for the fieldwork experience.
- A 110-Hour Clinical Fieldwork Opportunity for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant student.
Students will complete no less than 100 hours of face-to-face clinical fieldwork plus no less than 10 hours of additional clinical support/administrative work included in the tasks necessary to effectively work as a licensed Speech Language-Pathology Assistant (SLPA), including clinical documentation, staffing time (i.e. attending IEP meetings, team conferences, staff meetings), lesson planning, and therapy preparation under the supervision of the licensed SLP supervisor.
Supervision will be provided by speech-language pathologists with a California and current American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) membership. Supervision by an individual who has obtained the licensure and the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) will ensure that the clinical field work experience completed by students will be recognized by SLPAB and ASHA.
In addition to the total of 110 hours of clinical fieldwork, online assignments will be completed by all SLP 902 Students with their CSUN instructor/s.
Benefits of the CSUN Certificate in SLPA Fieldwork Experience delivery format include:
- Completion of certificate in 1 semester
- Online coursework allows for ultimate flexibility
Careers & Outcomes
An excellent alternative to a master’s degree in Communication Disorder Sciences or Speech-Language Pathology, this program provides the clinical and didactic preparation for a career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. You'll finish with the certification to immediately begin working in top positions in the field, and you'll be ready to help clients and organizations in a variety of contexts.