NEW CURRICULUM ALERT! NEW COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE SLP AIDE CERTIFICATE AND ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE!!!! PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR CHANGES EFFECTIVE FALL 2024. 

The SLPA program provides the following options for students who are embarking on a career in communicative 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:

• • 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
  • NEW!!! SLP 100 (1 unit) Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology (prerequisite for SLP 101)
  • SLP 101 (3 units) Introduction to Communication Disorders**
  • SLP 105 (3 units) Speech and Language Development in Children

Two sections of SLP 100, SLP 101, SLP 105, and SLP 208 will be offered in Fall 2024 to accommodate students who are interested in applying in Spring 2025 for a Fall 2025 start.

**Please be advised that students who wish to enroll in SLP 101 will have to enroll in SLP 100 first and then may enroll in SLP 101 once they have started the class in the Fall 2024 semester. Students cannot enroll in a course for which they have not begun the prerequisite coursework.

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 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.

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 Introduction to Human Anatomy
  • ASL 110 (4 units) American Sign Language I
  • CD 110 (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 (NEW!!) CDSE 152 (3 units) Curriculum & Strategies for Children with Special Needs
  • NEW!!! SLP 100 (1 unit) Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology (prerequisite for SLP 101)
  • SLP 101 (3 units) Introduction to Communication Disorders
  • SLP 105 (3 units) Speech and Language Development in Children
  • NEW!!! SLP 208 (3 units) Introduction to Phonetics (previously SLP 108)
  • Math proficiency course (if you think you have already taken a college level math class, please confirm with a Health Sciences and Wellness Pathway counselor that this math course meets the Plan A requirement)
  • ENGL 100 OR ENGL 100S

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). 

• Students who have taken SLP 101 & SLP 105 before this curriculum change will still need to take SLP 100 and SLP 208 to apply to the Associate's degree program in Spring 2025 for Fall 2025 start.

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 (*new sequence & clinical practicum course):

• • Fall semester: 
    • SLP 225 (5 units): Child Disorders and Treatment (previously SLP 125)
    • SLP 230 (3 units): Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (previously 1.5 units)
  • Spring semester:
    • SLP 235 (5 units): Adult Disorders and Treatment
    • NEW!!! SLP 250 (4 units): Fieldwork Experience

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.