Speech Language Pathology Assistant
This joint program with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute will train you to help provide speech rehabilitation and restorative services.
What You Will Learn
The speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) can assist the speech language pathologist by providing services in multiple settings. Speech language pathology assistants can increase the frequency, efficiency, and availability of services for people who experience communication disorders, can help increase access to care for diverse populations, and increase diversity in the workforce by having different levels of entry into the profession. As a speech language pathology assistant, you will help a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) in a variety of areas, such as:
- conduct therapy in the areas of receptive and/or expressive language, articulation, fluency, augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), and oral motor skills
- prepare materials for speech/language therapy
- schedule clients for speech/language therapy
- maintain files and billing insurance
- maintain equipment
Speech language pathology assistants have a clearly delineated scope of responsibilities, which is much narrower than that of a certified professional. They may provide therapy under a written protocol and direct supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist. Assistants may perform hearing and speech-language screenings. They may not make independent clinical decisions, conduct evaluations, make admission or discharge recommendations, counsel patients, or prepare formal documentation. The Central Piedmont Speech Language Pathology Assistant program is offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. The program includes classroom instruction, clinical experience (fieldwork), and hands-on laboratory experience.
Graduates from the program may be eligible for registration with the NC Board and will be supervised by a licensed speech language pathologist when employed in various work settings, including schools, home health, and private practices. There is currently no accrediting body for speech language pathology assistant programs at the associate degree level; speech language pathology assistants in the state are regulated by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
During the fieldwork experience, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge and refine skills while working under the supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist. At the end of the final semester of the program, you will take the North Carolina Registration exam for Speech Language Pathology Assistants. This exam is offered through Castle Worldwide with the results shared and reported to the North Carolina Speech Hearing-Language Association (NCSHLA).
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.