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  • Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) certificate

Contact for additional information:

Email:
Jeffrey.Meeks​@nau.edu
Call:
(928) 523-6155


Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Undergraduate Certificate

Communication disorders can arise in childhood, manifest in adulthood, or be caused by trauma. Students in this certificate program will explore the broad scope of history, etiology, anatomy, physiology, and clinical skills pertaining to the role of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.

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Requirements Accordion Open

  • To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
     

    Federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.

Overview Accordion Closed

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion21
Some online/blended courseworkRequired

Purpose Statement

The overall purpose of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Undergraduate Certificate is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills that will prepare them to work under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the screening and treatment of communication disorders.  Courses provide students with a foundational knowledge of the role of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in the screening and treatment of communication disorders.  Courses provide instruction in the development of communication in children, phonetics, professionalism, ethics, scope of practice for the SLPA, methods of screening for speech, language, and hearing disorders and in following written protocols designed to remediate individual communication disorders.

Completion of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Undergraduate Certificate is not a license to practice as a SLPA.  However, students who complete the certificate will have the necessary coursework to complete clinical practicum experiences and apply for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license in Arizona as well as other states where licensing is available.  Licensing requirements vary by state.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Explain normal development of motor function, cognition, social-emotion, and communication from birth through adolescence.  
  • Describe how anatomy and physiology impact speech, language, and hearing. 
  • Apply the fundamental principles of phonetics to the treatment of speech sound disorders. 
  • Describe characteristics of communication disorders across the lifespan and across culturally and linguistically diverse populations. 
  • Explain typical intervention approaches for common communication disorders across the lifespa
  • Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication through data collection, record keeping, and professional communication.
  • Demonstrate entry-level core technical skills in the role of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in the screening and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. 
  • Summarize the ASHA Scope of Practice as it pertains to professional communication, ethical practice, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary relationships.
  • Explain the distinction between the role of the SLP and the SLPA in service delivery per the ASHA Scope of Practice guidelines and various state licensure board statutes.

Details Accordion Closed

Certificate Requirements
  • Take the following 21 units:

    • CSD 191, CSD 251, CSD 350, CSD 352, CSD 390, CSD 391, CSD 454
  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

  • Students enrolled in this certificate may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

    • Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS
Additional Information
  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

Availability Accordion Closed

  • Flagstaff
  • Online

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Kristan Elizabeth Culbertson
Teaching Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Kristan.Culbertson@nau.edu
+1 928 523-8619
Health Professions , room 238A
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Jeff Meeks
Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Jeffrey.Meeks@nau.edu
+1 928 523-6155
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Benjamin V. Tucker
Associate Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Benjamin.Tucker@nau.edu
Health Professions , room 306

Overview

If you are interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and working as support personnel to a speech-language pathologist, this program may be right for you. Many prefer the flexibility of our online courses given their busy lifestyles. 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.

Financial aid

This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Licensure

The SLPA certificate meets the minimum speech-language pathology technical coursework requirements required for licensure in Arizona, as recommended by ASHA. A supervised clinical interaction experience is also required for licensure, which can be fulfilled through elective coursework. The SLPA License to work in Arizona and most other states requires (a) speech-language pathology technical coursework, (b) general education coursework, and (c) direct clinical interaction experience.  The NAU SLPA Certificate meets the speech-language pathology technical coursework requirement in most states. Check the SLPA license requirements of your specific state to create an educational plan that meets the requirements for the licensure and employment in that state. If you plan to be employed as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Arizona, the SLPA license is issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University
Location
Room 302 Building 66
Health Professions
208 E. Pine Knoll Dr. PO Box: 15045
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Contact Form
Email
speech@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-2969
Fax
928-523-0034
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