The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) prepares students to work with speech and language disordered adults and children, including those from cultural and linguistically diverse populations. A speech-language pathology assistant works under the direct supervision of Alaska licensed, American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech-language pathologists to provide clerical support, administer speech, language and hearing screenings, assist in communication assessments, provide speech and language therapy services, and assist with documentation of such services.
Licensure and/or Certification
Successful completion of the program provides students with eligibility to sit for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's Certification Exam for SLPA's and to apply for Alaska state licensure.
This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in the State of Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in other states. Please see UAA’s Licensure and Certification website for more information.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Associate Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH A200 | Alaska Native Cultures | 3 |
| BIOL A111 & A111L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 4 |
| CSD A104 | Speech and Language Development for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 3 |
| CSD A105 | Phonetics for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants | 2 |
| CSD A106 | Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A201 | Foundations of Communication Disorders | 3 |
| CSD A211 | Speech Disorders and Intervention for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 3 |
| CSD A212 | Language Disorders and Intervention for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 3 |
| CSD A213 | Clinical Methods, Documentation and Professional Issues for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A220 | Communication Disorders in Low Incidence Populations for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A221 | Assistive & Augmentative Communication for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A295 | Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Practicum 1 | 6 |
| MATH A104 | Technical Mathematics 2 | 3 |
| PSY A111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY A150 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| Complete at least 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing 3 | ||
| Phonetics 3 | ||
| Language Development Across the Lifespan 3 | ||
| Introduction to the Field of Early Childhood Education | ||
| Child Development and Learning | ||
| Breaking Trail on Your Health and Social Services Career | ||
| Introduction to Population Health Sciences | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Community Service Learning | ||
| Total | 53 | |
- 1
CSD A295 can be taken in increments in at least two different clinical sites for a required total of 6 credits.
- 2
Or any MATH class that also satisfies the AAS Quantitative Skills GER.
- 3
For students pursuing a baccalaureate degree, this course meets the requirement for the Minor in Speech-Language Pathology.
A minimum of 62 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Speech- Language Pathology Assistant will be able to:
- Accurately select and administer screening instruments and calculations, taking cultural-linguistic factors into account, and report results to the Alaska licensed SLP
- Effectively assist an Alaska licensed SLP with regard to establishing and sustaining a culturally responsive environment for screening and intervention
- Comply with the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the Statutes and Regulations of the State of Alaska professional license for SLPAs
- Demonstrate intermediate to advanced skills performing as a speech language pathology assistant by following documented treatment plans, assisting a speech language pathologist in service delivery, accurately documenting client performance, accurately recording data and preparing materials, demonstrating appropriate written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, ethical behaviors and health and safety precautions
Sample Plan
The academic plan below is one pathway through the degree/certificate. It includes all requirements, taking into account recommendations from program faculty. Each student’s plan may vary according to their initial course placement, intended course load, additional majors and/or minors, and their placement into required prerequisite courses. Any change in the plan below can have an unforeseen impact on the rest of the plan. Therefore, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor to verify your personal academic plan.
Please review the following terms, definitions, and resources associated with the sample academic plan below.
- Each course in the far left column links to a pop-up bubble with a course description, prerequisite requirements, and associations with university requirements. For example, if a course fulfills a general education requirement, you will see that in the pop-up bubble.
- GER: indicates a General Education Requirement. GERs that also count toward degree/certificate requirements appear as a specific course in the plan. For these courses, "GER" is not indicated explicitly in the table, but if you click on the course, you will see the course's GER status in the pop-up bubble.
- Program Elective: indicates a specific course selection determined by program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
- Elective: indicates an open selection of 100-400 level university courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate.
- Upper Division Program Elective: indicates a specific 300-400 level course selection determined by the program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
- Upper Division Elective: indicates an open selection of 300-400 level courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate. These courses must be upper division in order to meet General University Requirements for the particular degree/certificate type.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BIOL A111 & A111L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 4 |
| CSD A104 | Speech and Language Development for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 3 |
| MATH A104 | Technical Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY A111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSD A106 | Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A201 | Foundations of Communication Disorders | 3 |
| PSY A150 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| WRTG A111 | Writing Across Contexts | 3 |
| GER Oral Communication Skills | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Summer | ||
| CSD A105 | Phonetics for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants | 2 |
| CSD A211 | Speech Disorders and Intervention for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 3 |
| CSD A212 | Language Disorders and Intervention for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 3 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ANTH A200 | Alaska Native Cultures | 3 |
| CSD A213 | Clinical Methods, Documentation and Professional Issues for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A220 | Communication Disorders in Low Incidence Populations for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A295 | Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Practicum | 3 |
| GER Written Communication Skills | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSD A221 | Assistive & Augmentative Communication for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | 2 |
| CSD A295 | Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Practicum | 3 |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 62 | |