Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program
Professor/ Coordinator/ Dept. Chair: Monica Zarske
Office Phone: 714-564-6668
E-Mail: zarske_monica@sac.edu
Office Location: SAC Health Science (HS) Bldg 107-2
The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant A.S. Degree prepares graduates to work under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist to provide therapy to individuals with communication disorders. Communication disorders affect the way people understand and talk.
Examples of speech and language disorders include articulation, stuttering, voice, and language difficulties such as aphasia (the loss of speech and language abilities resulting from stroke or head injury). The field of speech-language pathology offers an opportunity to connect with people, and to help make a difference.
What do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Do?
Speech-Language Pathology assistants will be trained to conduct screening procedures, administer treatment plans as prescribed by the Speech-Language Pathologist and provide general support assistance to the Speech-Language Pathologist. Speech-Language Pathology assistants may work with infants, children, young adults, or seniors in educational, clinical, and medical settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Course work includes study in the areas of speech-language disorders, treatment, and fieldwork experience in an educational and clinical or medical setting. Under the supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists, students will be able to apply their classroom learning to practical solutions. Graduates of the program who complete all A.S. degree requirements with a grade of 'C' or better will be eligible for registration as a speech-language pathology assistant by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers board of California.
www.speechandhearing.ca.gov
The Assistants Certification Program is an optional certification that provides speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) the opportunity to become certified practitioners. ASHA certification provides validation and assurance that certificate holders, through their training and professional development, have the knowledge and expertise to do their job well. In addition, ASHA assistants have access to career-building resources, professional development opportunities, discounts, and more.
Eligibility to take the SLPA certification exam is determined by completion of one of three pathway options that best fit education and qualifications.
For further information regarding the certification process, go to
ASHA's Assistants Certification Program page.
