WELCOME TO THE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT PROGRAM!

The SLPA program provides the following options for students who are beginning a career in communication disorders:

1) Speech-Language Pathology Aide Certificate (20 units)

A Speech-Language Pathology Aide assists in the operations of a speech-language department through clerical tasks, therapy materials preparation, and maintenance of equipment. They interact with clients under direct supervision by a state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and do not conduct therapy sessions independently. This is an entry level position that typically offers minimum wage for compensation. Speech-Language Pathology Aides are hired in school districts, clinics, and medical settings. This position is monitored by the state licensing board and requires a qualified SLP supervisor.  

Required courses (effective Fall 2026):

• • ASL 110 (4 units) American Sign Language I
  • CD 110 (3 units) Child Development
  • CD139 (3 units) Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Child Behavior
  • CDSE 150 (3 units) Introduction to Children with Special Needs
    • OR CDSE 152 (3 units) Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs *new!
    • OR EDEL 210 (3 units) Special Education, Disability, Equity, and American Education *new!
  • SLP 100 (1 unit) Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology*
  • SLP 101 (3 units) Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • SLP 105 (3 units) Speech and Language Development in Children

*SLP 100 MUST BE TAKEN AT CERRITOS (effective for the Spring 2027 application cycle; no course substitutions or equivalencies from other colleges will be considered).

2) Associate of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (60 units which includes 52 units of degree-specific coursework):

A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is a skilled technical worker who performs speech and language therapy, and related clinical tasks, under the direction of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Successful completion of the degree requirements leads to eligibility for state licensure as a SLPA from the California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers’ Board. Licensed SLPAs have the opportunity to apply for work with individuals of all ages in settings such as: in-home health; public, non-public, and charter schools; and, medical settings such as rehabilitation centers and private clinics. Compensation typically ranges from $25-30/hour, depending on the employer and other factors.

This associate's degree requires students to complete the following prerequisites and apply to the program before they can complete their A.S. degree in SLPA: 

• • A&P 120 (4 units) Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
    • OR A&P 150 (4 units) Introduction to Human Anatomy
  • ASL 110 (4 units) American Sign Language I
  • CDEV C1000 (3 units) Child Development
  • CD 139 (3 units) Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Child Behavior
  • CDSE 150 (3 units) Introduction to Children with Special Needs
    • OR CDSE 152 (3 units) Curriculum & Strategies for Children with Special Needs
    • OR EDEL 210 (3 units) Special Education, Disability, Equity, and American Education *new!
  • SLP 100 (1 unit) Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology*
  • SLP 101 (3 units) Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • SLP 105 (3 units) Speech and Language Development in Children
  • SLP 208 (3 units) Introduction to Phonetics (previously SLP 108)
  • AREA 2 Mathematical Concepts and Qualitative Reasoning Requirement (see the CGEC for course options)
  • AREA 1A English Composition (see the CGEC for course options)
  • AREA 1B Oral Communication and Critical Thinking (see the CGEC for course options) *new!

* SLP 100 MUST BE TAKEN AT CERRITOS (effective for the Spring 2027 application cycle; no course substitutions or equivalencies from other colleges will be considered).

Once students have those courses completed they may apply to the program in the Spring semester (see the application page for more information about this process). 

All speech-language pathology coursework must be taken within 8 years. Anatomy and physiology, sign language, child development, math, and English courses do not have a recency requirement but must comply with the respective department's curriculum and degree requirements at the local and state levels for the year the student is applying. 

OFFERS OF ADMISSION

The program typically accepts 25 students who meet the GPA requirements and have all their courses completed. If there are more than 25 qualifying students, admission will be offered on a lottery basis. If there are any additional spots available, students who may have 1-2 courses in progress are allowed on a lottery basis. There is no waiting list maintained for the SLPA program. Students may re-apply if they meet the requirements for application. 

Upon acceptance, students will submit various compliance requirements (e.g., CPR certification, immunization results) prior to being enrolled in the courses.

• Once enrolled in the degree program, students will complete the following coursework:

• • Fall semester: 
    • SLP 225 (5 units): Child Disorders and Treatment (previously SLP 125)
    • SLP 230 (3 units): Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication 
    • Area 6 (3 units) Ethnic Studies course (see course options in the CGEC) 
  • Spring semester:
    • SLP 235 (5 units): Adult Disorders and Treatment
    • SLP 250 (4 units): Fieldwork Experience
    • Area 7 (3 units): American Institutions (see course options in the CGEC)

Upon completion of all curriculum and fieldwork requirements, students with a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate's degree can apply to the state board for licensure in order to work in the state of California.

 The Cerritos College Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program is an accredited program by the California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers (SLPAHAD) Licensing Board.