Online SLPA Certification
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) work under the supervision of a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and may command good hourly wages with opportunities to practice in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, Head Start programs, and other sites that treat individuals with communication disorders.* The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at NAU offers courses in Speech-Language Pathology Assistance (SLPA) completely online. These courses will lead to a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) certificate. Additional general education coursework and clinical training is required for licensure, and will depend on state laws in your geographical location.
The Department of Health Special Licensing Division now requires state licensure for speech-language pathology assistants. View their website for information on Arizona’s SLPA licensing requirements.
Courses
The top 7 courses (21 hours) are required for the SLPA certificate offered through NAU. CSD 460 is an elective course:
Course | Title | Credit Hours | Semester Offered |
---|---|---|---|
CSD 191 | Communication Disorders in Society | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 251 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Swallowing | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 350 | Communication Development in Children | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 352 | Phonetics | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 390 | SLPA Professional Issues | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 391 | SLPA Clinical Skills | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 454 | Introduction to Clinical Practice in Communication Disorders | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
CSD 460 (elective) | Clinical Interaction in SLP | 3 | Fall/Spg/Sum |
The NAU distance education website has tuition information.
For more information
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program
Box 15045
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5015
Phone: (928) 523-2969
Email: speech@nau.edu or Jeffrey.Meeks@nau.edu
*Work opportunities for SLPAs vary by state with some states not permitting the use of SLPAs. Check with your state Department of Education or Department of Health to determine coursework requirements and employment opportunities for SLPAs.