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Certificate

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant


Gain the knowledge and practical training you need to be eligible for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license with a comprehensive program designed for working adults.

 
 

Open the Door to New Possibilities

Cal State East Bay’s Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program is specially designed for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology and want to expand their professional options. With tailored curriculum to meet the requirements of the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, you’ll receive the additional coursework and practicum experiences needed to obtain a license as a speech language pathology assistant.

Best in the West

Selected as a "Best in the West" college by The Princeton Review

Faculty Excellence

Taught by educational leaders in CSUEB’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

One-of-a-Kind Training

Learn from a combination of both lecture and fieldwork


Unique Training that Puts You on the Fast Track to Success

With the program’s convenient hybrid format, you can look forward to both online and hands-on components while completing your certificate in as little as four to six months.


Make a Positive Impact in the Community

As a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, you’ll conduct speech and language intervention programs under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. You’ll also have the opportunity to work in both educational and medical settings where you can assist a licensed speech-language pathologist in a variety of ways, including clerical duties, treatment plans, informal documentation, collecting data for monitoring quality improvement, and more.

Occupational Outlook

High Demand

According to The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, more service providers are needed to serve a growing and more diverse client base and an expanding scope of practice.


11.5% Growth

Employment of healthcare support workers is projected to grow 11.5 percent from 2022 to 2032.

—Labor Market Analytics – Lightcast


Growing Employment Opportunities

42 percent of school-based SLPs and 32 percent of health-care based SLPs reported that there was one or more SLP support personnel employed at their facility.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)


Expand Your Professional Reach

After completing the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program, you’ll be able to combine your academic knowledge and practical training to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and increase your diversity of employment options.

You can look forward to joining the list of successful graduates who are making a positive difference in the health field and work in a variety of settings, including educational services, offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists, and more.


Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, you’ll have the skills to:

  • Discuss ASHA standards/guidelines and the Code of Ethics
  • Implement various clinical approaches/procedures
  • Gather objective data about client behaviors
  • Learn professional report writing
  • Summarize client information and present case
  • Discuss multicultural considerations
  • Develop skills in professional conduct and collaboration
  • Discuss professional conduct required of a SLPA and identify scope of practice

Program Format

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program is conveniently offered in a hybrid format. The program includes one online lecture course and fieldwork.



Certificate Requirements

To earn your certificate, you must complete the following courses:

EXTX 650 Clinical Methods and Professional Ethics

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge in providing intervention to clients with disabilities/disorders under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist. Students will learn specific and professionally accepted methods for collecting data and writing progress reports and will learn general treatment methods to treat typical disorders, special populations, groups, and behaviorally challenged clients. Overview of multicultural and ethical considerations will be presented. An overview of scope of practice and professional ethics as guided by the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association’s Code of Ethics will be discussed.

EXTX 651 Fieldwork Experience

Pre-requisite: EXTX 650 Clinical Methods and Professional Ethics

This course will provide supervised clinical practice experience with children and adolescents with a variety of communicative disorders in an educational setting. It will provide opportunities for clinical application of principles learned from coursework and for carrying out speech- language pathology assistant responsibilities of observation, implementation of screening procedures, administration of treatment protocols, maintenance of clinical documentation, and computation of clinical data under the supervision of a licensed and/or credentialed speech-language pathologist.

Our Fieldwork program includes rolling start dates from mid-Fall into Spring semester, and while our goal is to have Fieldwork Placements completed within 3-4 months, applicants are advised that a significant extension of this time may be needed.

Featured Faculty

Shubha Kashinath

PhD, Chair, CSD Program Director

Dr. Shubha Kashinath is an Associate Professor of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, and the Department’s Continuing Education Administrator. She received an MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona and a PhD in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University. Dr. Kashinath’s research is focused on efficacy of communication interventions for individuals with autism, family-centered practices for children with disabilities, and development of innovative personnel preparation programs in speech language pathology. She has over 20 years of clinical experience serving families of young children with disabilities in Florida and California.

Anna Krajcin

MS

Anna Krajcin received both her bachelor’s degree and MS in Communication Disorders from Missouri State University. She has extensive experience providing pediatric speech and language therapy to children with a variety of disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Krajcin has provided hundreds of instructional workshops to professionals and families throughout the U.S and in Eastern Europe, where she has established three preschools in Bosnia that continue to provide speech, language, and behavior intervention to children. In 2016, she became a dually certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Jenny Rosenquist

MA, Program Coordinator

Jenny Rosenquist joined Cal State East Bay in 2007 as a full-time Clinical Supervisor and intermittent lecturer. She received her BA and MA degrees in Communication Disorders from San Diego State University. After seven years of working with adults in various levels of rehabilitation, including outpatient, acute care, and skilled nursing, she spent the next nine years working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorders. During this time, she worked extensively with families and caregivers in the home environment and frequently supervised interns and clinical fellows in both the home and classroom. Her areas of interest include clinical supervision, Autism Spectrum Disorders, early childhood language, and family centered therapy, and she continues to provide speech therapy to both pediatric and adult clients in their homes.

 
 Swipe left or right for the next/previous instructor
Shubha Kashinath

Shubha KashinathPhD, Chair, CSD Program Director

Anna Krajcin

Anna KrajcinMS

Jenny Rosenquist

Jenny RosenquistMA, Program Coordinator

Admission Requirements

Qualified applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Communication Disorders or Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, or an equivalent program.

How to Apply

To apply to the program, please complete an online certificate application, as well as submit the following documents:

  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Official transcript(s) that indicate your degree awarded*
    • Mail official transcript(s) to:
      Jenny Rosenquist
      SLP-A Program Coordinator
      Cal State East Bay
      25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, MB 1088
      Hayward, CA 94542
  • GPA calculator for CD coursework (emailed to jenny.rosenquist@csueastbay.edu)

Given the high volume of SLPA Certificate Program applicants, priority consideration will be given to applicants who identify a speech language pathologist with current ASHA CCC's and CA license to supervise their fieldwork experience.

*Please note: if you completed your degree from Cal State East Bay, you do not need to provide official transcripts.

SLP Supervisor requirements

In seeking a SLP to supervise your SLPA Fieldwork experience, please be sure to convey these primary requirements and ensure the SLP is willing to comply with Supervisory guidelines.

The SLPA Internship Supervisor must:

  • be licensed by the State of CA and have ASHA CCCs
  • have at least 2 years of professional SLP experience
  • have (or be willing to acquire before the completion of the internship) at least 6 hours of supervisory training/continuing education, as required by SLPAHB and ASHA
  • provide a minimum of 100 hours of supervised SLPA fieldwork experience: a minimum of 90 of these hours must be in direct client contact and 10 hours in indirect/supportive activities
  • provide a minimum of 10 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience to the SLPA Intern
  • remain on site for all direct contact provided by the SLPA Intern
  • directly supervise at least 50% of all direct client contact hours
  • supervise no more than 2 SLP or SLPA students at one time
  • be flexible in potential start dates throughout the academic year

Admission Deadlines

Semester Application Filing Period Transcripts & Other Docs Due By
Fall 2024 May 1-July 1, 2024 July 15

Common Questions

What do SLPAs do? Where are they needed, and how are they different from SLPs?
Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) support speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in a variety of settings. For more information on the field, see the formal statement of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) here: https://www.asha.org/associates/SLPA-FAQs/
If I am a current student in an undergraduate program in speech pathology, can I apply?
You can apply while you are still in an undergraduate program, but you may only enter this SLPA program after you have earned your bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology.
How long does this program take to complete?
The program will take between 1-2 semesters to complete, depending on the beginning date and hours-per-week of your clinical fieldwork. You will be enrolled concurrently in your coursework and fieldwork to support a shorter timeline to your degree.
How much does a SLPA job pay?
In general, SLPAs can expect to earn between $15.00 and $35.00 per hour.  SLPA salary varies based on geographical location, years of experience, multilingual expertise as well as inclusion of a benefit package.
Where can I find information on the job outlook for SLPAs and current job opportunities?
There is no centralized listing of SLPA jobs. However, you can find job listings on career/job listing websites such as www.slpjobs.com, www.indeed.com, and http://careers.csha.org/jobs/.
Is an SLPA license from California valid in other states?
Although SLPAs can gain employment in states across the nation, not all states allow for the use of SLPAs. Additionally, some states have different requirements for the education of SLPAs. Some states may utilize individuals with education and scope of service similar to SLPAs under a different name, such as paraprofessionals. For information regarding a particular state's regulations in terms of speech-language pathology support personnel, contact that state's licensure board and department of education (https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/applicants/app_pack_slp_assist.shtml).
I am a working student. How will I be able to balance my current job with this program?
While many students continue to work part-time during an academic program, keep in mind that you will need to be flexible with your work hours to accommodate clinical fieldwork schedules, as well as class and study time.
How much does it cost to complete this program?
This program, including the academic course and enrollment in fieldwork practicum, will cost about $5200.
Will I need to find my own supervisor for my clinical fieldwork?
It is highly preferred that students have personal connections to supervisors/practices who will oversee their fieldwork placement.  If students are unable to find a placement on their own, we will do our best to assist students in finding supervisors for clinical fieldwork.
How big will my cohort be?
The incoming cohort will have no more than 25 people.
What are the minimum application requirements?
A bachelor’s degree in SLP.
I am thinking of becoming an SLPA to gain experience for my graduate school application. Will this degree strengthen my application?
Graduate programs in SLP consider a variety of factors when reviewing applications. Clinical experience is frequently one of these factors and being an SLPA offers you an opportunity to gain extensive and valuable clinical skills that may be viewed positively when you apply to graduate school.
Is this program online or brick-and-mortar?
The lecture course is fully online and the clinical fieldwork is completed face-to-face in real-world community settings.
How long will it take me to get my SLPA license after I have completed the fieldwork? What do I need to do?
As you are nearing the completion of your program, you will need to submit paperwork to the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers’ Board.

Financing

Is there financial aid available for this program?
Traditional Financial Aid (such as completing the FAFSA, Pell Grants, etc.) is not applicable for Continuing Education certificate programs. However, there may be other options available to you. Learn more about other financial aid options.
Are any discounts available for this program?
Yes, this program qualifies for the Forever Pioneer discount for Cal State East Bay alumni. You can complete and submit the Forever Pioneer Registration Form to receive the discounted pricing. Advanced registration is required to qualify for the discount.

Accessibility Services

Does the university provide accessibility services?
Yes, our Accessibility Services department provides academic accommodations and support services to address the individual needs of students with differing abilities, permanent disabilities or temporary disabling conditions. For more information, including program details and contact information, visit csueastbay.edu/accessibility.

Certificate of Completion

How do I request my certificate?
To obtain your official certificate, you must complete all requirements of your program and then complete and submit this form. Upon verification of requirement completion, your certificate will be sent to you.

Search Results

At Cal State East Bay, we pride ourselves on putting students first, from the moment you inquire until you graduate. We hope you've found answers to your questions in this support center, but if not, please get in touch.

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At a Glance

Area of study: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Ideal for: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology who have not yet enrolled in, or do not currently wish to enroll in graduate studies in the field.

Program format: Hybrid

Number of courses: 2 courses

Program length: 5-8 months (depending on the duration a student requires to complete their fieldwork experience)

Tuition cost: $5,200 (Tuition fees are subject to change at any time.) Forever Pioneer discount is available for Cal State East Bay alumni.

Questions?

Please let us know if we can answer any questions about the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program. Many answers can also be found in our online Support Center.

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