Program Overview
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) work with individuals with communication challenges in public school and other clinical settings under the supervision of a qualified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPAs have a significant role in enhancing the quality of services for children and adolescents who need support for speech, communication, reading, and writing. They collaborate with SLPs to provide therapy services, prepare for sessions, work with clients, families, staff, perform administrative tasks, and engage in prevention activities. They serve a growing, diverse client base and an expanding scope of practice in Speech-Language Pathology. This certificate program meets and exceeds certification requirements of the Colorado Department of Education and ASHA. Work opportunities for SLPAs vary by state with some states not permitting the use of SLPAs. Check with ASHA and State Departments of Education and Health to determine certification requirements and employment opportunities for SLPAs.
Certificate Requirements — 30 credits
Required Courses — 27 credits
Complete all of the following:
| CSD 160 | Introduction to Human Communication and Its DisordersLAB3GT-SS3 | 3 |
| CSD 260 | Introduction to Phonetics | 3 |
| CSD 266 | Normal Speech and Language Development | 3 |
| CSD 267 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism | 4 |
| CSD 360 | Articulation and Voice Disorders | 3 |
| CSD 365 | Language Disorders in Children | 3 |
| CSD 469 | Clinical Processes in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 4 |
| CSD 473 | SLPA Seminar and Field Experience | 4 |
Elective Courses — 3 credits
Take one of the following courses:
| CSD 370 | Basic Audiology | 3 |
| CSD 431 | Introduction to Medical Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| CSD 478 | Aural Rehabilitation and Amplification | 3 |
Students must complete 25 guided observation hours with an ASHA-certified SLP prior to taking CSD 473 SLPA Seminar and Field Experience.
Students must receive a grade of C or higher and receive a score of at least “meets expectations” in all areas of clinical knowledge/skills as assessed by the CSD 473 clinical supervisor to meet SLPA certification requirements.
Note: Equivalent coursework from other institutions may be used to meet course requirements and electives with the exception of CSD 473 SLPA Seminar and Field Experience. Non-UNC students must complete all undergraduate prerequisites prior to starting the SLPA certificate program. UNC seniors may take one remaining required or elective course concurrent with the CSD 473 course during their last semester prior to graduation. Out-of-state students are considered for CSD 473 enrollment only if an approved internship can be arranged in a local setting with a clinical supervisor that holds the CCC- SLP credentials.