Speech Language Pathology Assistant Advanced Placement

Upon successful completion of the Speech Language Pathology Assistant Advanced Placement Certificate, the student is able to apply for licensure with the State of California. A licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) works under the direction of a supervising Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and demonstrates skills, knowledge and training to practice in a variety of settings within the parameters of the SLPA scope of practice. A licensed SLPA may work with infants, children, adults and seniors in the educational, clinical and medical settings. Limitations on reimbursement for services provided by SLPAs from potential third party insurers may affect employment opportunities in certain settings. The graduate will be able to conduct screenings for speech, language and hearing disorders without interpretation, administer treatment as prescribed by the supervising Speech Language Pathologist and assist with clinical documentation. Program Learning Outcomes 1. The certificate completer provides direct treatment assistance to patients or clients in multiple settings, with diverse populations, under the supervision of a speech language pathologist by implementing treatment plans, completing speech and language screenings without interpretation, assisting with evaluations and documenting patient/client progress. 2. The certificate completer provides program operational assistance to the supervising Speech Language Pathologist by completing clerical tasks, preparing appropriate therapy materials, scheduling, facilitating public relations and maintaining equipment. 3. The certificate completer meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant with the State of California, Medical Quality Assurance, Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. 4. The certificate completer demonstrates appropriate workplace behaviors related to the American Speech and Hearing Association Code of Ethics and the scope of practice for a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. Special Admissions In order to be eligible for admission to the SLPA program with Advanced Placement Status the student must: • Be admitted to San Joaquin Delta College, in good standing with no holds on college records. • Students must have completed a BA/BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech Language Pathology with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. • Complete all health and safety requirements necessary for admission to clinical practice sites (detailed instructions will be provided in the SLPA Information Packet for those accepted) including: a. Background Clearance for criminal history b. Physical Exam c. Immunizations, TB, and hepatitis and other disease screening d. Drug Screen e. Professional Liability Insurance f. HIPPA Training

An estimated 10 certificate completers are expected annually once the program is active.

The Advanced Placement Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide advanced SLPA students with the training in clinical practice assisting a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) needed to apply for licensure as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant according to the Speech Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHAD) for the State of California. Licensure is required for employment. Students who have completed baccalaureate degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders are in need of this additional coursework and training in order to be employed as a SLPA. Undergraduate SLP university programs do not provide this training. Due to the increasing demand for Speech Pathologists, there is an increasing demand for licensed Assistants (SLPAs). Program goals: The certificate completer: 1. Provides direct treatment assistance to patients or clients in multiple settings, with diverse populations, under the supervision of a speech language pathologist by implementing treatment plans, completing speech and language screenings without interpretation, assisting with evaluations and documenting patient/client progress. 2. Provides program operational assistance to the supervising speech language pathologist by completing clerical tasks, preparing appropriate therapy materials, scheduling, facilitating public relations and maintaining equipment. 3. Demonstrates appropriate workplace behaviors related to the American Speech and Hearing Association Code of Ethics and the scope of practice for a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. 4. Meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant with the State of California, Medical Quality Assurance, Speech Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Program objectives: 1. The certificate completer will communicate in an appropriate, clear, precise and accurate manner in oral and written forms, all information relevant to the care of the client and/or caregiver to the supervising speech language pathologist. 2. The certificate completer will demonstrate professional interpersonal communication skills and ethics regarding patient/client care according to the American Speech and Hearing Association Guidelines. 3. The certificate completer will follow appropriate protocols regarding health and safety precautions, confidentiality of client/patient records and other appropriate workplace behaviors. 4. The certificate completer will accurately document patient/client performance to assist the speech language pathologist. 5. The certificate completer will accurately implement documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising SLP according to the scope of practice for a SLPA. 6. The certificate completer will appropriately assist the speech-language pathologist according to protocols during assessment of patients/clients and complete appropriate speech and language screenings according to the scope of practice for a SLPA. 7. The certificate completer will develop and present therapeutic materials that are appropriate for the client/patient’s age, disorder and cultural/linguistic background. 8. The certificate completer will assist with departmental operations including scheduling, record keeping, office management systems, safety/maintenance of supplies and equipment, research projects, in-service training and public relations programs and data collection. 9. The certificate completer will demonstrate a clear understanding of job responsibilities, compliance with regulations, reimbursement requirements and ethical awareness. 10. The certificate completer will identify requirements for licensure as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant and meet the requirements for licensure as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant according to the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHAD) for the State of California

Core Requirements COMM DIS 005 Therapy Materials and Procedures 3 units COMM DIS 007 Service Delivery Issues for the SLPA 3 units COMM DIS 009 Assessment and Remediation 6-6.5 units