Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The licensing regulations state that the only acceptable academic coursework is either an associate's degree as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant from a community college SLPA program or a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders and Sciences. Completion of post-baccalaureate coursework does not meet the requirements for SLPA licensure.

A degree as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant is offered through community colleges in California, as an Associate of Arts degree. Colleges offering the degree in Southern California:

• Cerritos College

Ellen Horvath

11110 Alondra Blvd.

Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

(562) 860-2452 ext. 2351

• Orange Coast College

Anne McClanahan

2701 Fairview Road, P.O. Box 5005

Costa Mesa, CA 92628-5005

(714) 432-5883

• Pasadena City College

Rosemary Scott

1570 East Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91106-2003

(626) 585-7021

• Santa Ana College, Santa Ana

Monica Porter

1530 West 17th Street

Santa Ana, CA 92706

(714) 564-6668

You can also contact the state licensing board to seek additional information on approved Associate of Arts degree programs.

The program at CSUN is offered specifically for individuals who possess a Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences or in Speech-Language Pathology but lack the supervised fieldwork experience that is required to apply for a state license as a SLPA. An approved program at a community college provides academic coursework and fieldwork for the AA degree and meets the requirements for the SLPA license.

Many of our students are already working at a school district as an aide or sometimes with a private practice as a behavioral aide. These students usually arrange for an SLP at the site to supervise their clinical practicum hours.

If you know any SLPs in the field, I would contact them first. If not, then you may need to try contact some school districts or private practices in your area to see if they might be willing to supervise you for the client contact hours that you will need.

** For students in the Los Angeles area, please note that LAUSD does not take calls from students regarding placements. Any requests must come directly from the university and their priority is to place graduate students. Do not call LAUSD regarding a SLPA placement.