Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Overview

careers

  • Speech Language Pathology Assistant

  • Special Education Paraprofessional

  • Reading Tutor

Job Placement Rate ⓘ
0 %
Average Salary ⓘ
$ 0

Mitchell Technical College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

If your busy life is keeping you from getting the degree you always wanted, Mitchell Tech has the answer! Enroll in our ONLINE Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program!

One in six Americans has a speech, hearing, or language disorder. These disorders affect infants, children, adults, and the elderly. A communication disorder may affect a person’s ability to pronounce sounds intelligibly, understand what is being said, process and remember spoken information, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, speak fluently without stuttering, or use his or her voice appropriately. Accidents, illnesses, birth defects, and substance abuse can all contribute to communication disorders. These disorders isolate people from their friends, family, and the community and limit job and educational opportunities. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants help these individuals to recover their ability to speak, understand and interact with others.

This online program is offered for either a two-year or three-year plan, depending upon the student’s needs.

This program is eligible for federal financial aid.

What do Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) do?

SLPAs work under the direct supervision of licensed or certified speech-language pathologists to provide clerical support, administer speech, language, and hearing screenings, assist in communication assessments, provide articulation and language therapy services, and assist with documentation of speech-language pathology services.

Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) vary from state-to-state. Mitchell Tech will attempt to determine whether our coursework will meet your state’s requirements, but this is not possible in all cases. Please contact program director Jennifer Schultz to discuss your state’s requirements. Mitchell Tech strongly encourages prospective students to verify that Mitchell Tech’s coursework will meet their state’s requirements. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has information regarding state requirements on their website.

Why are Speech-Language Pathology Assistants needed?

Nationwide there is a reported shortage of fully credentialed speech-language pathologists. SLPAs can work under the supervision of SLPs to meet the needs of people with communication disorders, thereby increasing the overall effectiveness of the speech-language pathologist.

Are You Seeking A State Credential As An SLPA?

If you hold a CSD Bachelor’s degree and you need a professional option, check out Mitchell Tech’s online service. Mitchell Tech’s award-winning program is affordable and is designed specifically for those who need clinical fieldwork hours required to practice as an SLPA. Just two classes and a supervised fieldwork** experience in your local area may allow you to obtain your state’s SLPA credential.***

The Mitchell Tech SLPA program meets the requirements allowing a graduate to apply for SLPA Licensure from the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and SLPA Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

**Must complete a minimum 25 hours of observation of speech-language pathology services prior to enrolling in Clinical Fieldwork.

***Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) vary from state-to-state. Mitchell Tech will attempt to determine whether our coursework will meet your state’s requirements, but this is not possiblein all cases. Please contact program director Jennifer Schultz to discuss your state’s requirements. Mitchell Tech strongly encourages prospective students to verify that Mitchell Tech’s coursework will meet their state’s requirements. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website has information regarding state requirements on their website.

Mitchell Technical College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Want To Learn More?

Download the brochure here. Email Mitchell Tech department head/instructor Jennifer Schultz or call 605.995.7245.

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Occupational Outlook Information

  • High demand, high skill, high wage occupation
  • Nearly half of the utilities workforce will be nearing retirement age within the next 10 years, resulting in excellent  opportunities for qualified entrants
  • Persons with advanced technical education will have the best employment opportunities

Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

Semesters
0
First Semester
SLPA101Intro To SLPA3 credits
SLPA104Anatomy/Physio of Speech & Hearing3 credits
SLPA105Speech & Language Development3 credits
SLPA106Intro To Phonetics3 credits
SSS101Online Seminar I1 credit
MATH103Mathematical Reasoning3 credits
Total Semester Hours16 credits
Second Semester
SLPA102Clinical Observation1 credit
SLPA103Career Seminar1 credit
SLPA111Intro to Communication Disorders and Treatment3 credits
SLPA112Child Growth and Development3 credits
SLPA115Behavior Management3 credits
ENGL101English Composition3 credits
Total Semester Hours14 credits
Third Semester
SPCM101Fundamentals of Speech3 credits
Social Science Elective3 credits
Behavioral Science Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours9 credits
Fourth Semester
SLPA200Intro to Audiology & Aural Rehab2 credits
SLPA202Clinical Observation II2 credits
SLPA205Neurogenic Communication Disorders2 credits
SLPA220Speech Disorders & Intervention3 credits
SLPA230Language Disorders & Intervention3 credits
Total Semester Hours12 credits
Fifth Semester
SLPA210Alternative & Augmentative Comm2 credits
SLPA211Screening and Assessment Processes2 credits
SLPA235Clinical Mgt & Procedures4 credits
SLPA240Clinical Fieldwork6 credits
Total Semester Hours14 credits

Requirements

BEFORE ENROLLING

Before enrolling in Mitchell Tech’s online Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program, it is your responsibility to determine whether this program will meet your state’s requirements (if any) for SLPA certification or licensure. More information can be found below.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All students applying to the ONLINE Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program must submit to a criminal background check at the student’s expense. Mitchell Technical College has partnered with CastleBranch to complete your background check. You will need to create a username and password. Details are available from the Admissions office. Please click here to begin the process

Students are required to have good reading, writing, hearing and communication (verbal, written and articulation) skills in order to competently perform the job of a speech-language pathology assistant and to gain successful employment.  Students must possess the motor skills necessary to manage clients and manipulate therapy materials in home and school environments.  Applicants must have minimum scores on the English and Reading portions of the ACT or ACCUPLACER.

Additional requirements may have to be met before entrance to fieldwork sites.  Contact the instructor for details.

STATE LICENSURE DISCLOSURE

Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) vary across states. The MTC SLPA program meets the education and experience requirements for SLPA licensure from the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology. 

Speech-language pathology assistants are not licensed or certified in the following states: Connecticut, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin. We are currently accepting students from these states into the program.

Mitchell Technical College has determined that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota (SLPP only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming. We are currently accepting students from these states into the program.

Mitchell Technical College has determined that our program’s curriculum ALONE does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota (SLPA), Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, America Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands. Individuals from these states will not be accepted into MTC’s program unless we can determine that MTC’s program together with the student’s previously earned academic coursework will meet the student’s state requirements for licensure/certification. Please contact program director Jennifer Schultz to discuss your state’s requirements. 

Mitchell Technical College strongly encourages prospective students to verify that MTC’s coursework will meet their state’s requirements. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website has information regarding state requirements on their website at http://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/.

EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Hands-on skill practice, observation, and fieldwork requirements for the program cannot be completed online. Students will work with their academic advisor to identify resources for these requirements.

  • Lab Activities: Each semester, students will meet with an SLP to practice hands-on speech-language pathology assistant technical skills. Three lab meetings are required per semester. SD students meet in regional lab groups. Out-of-state students meet in an online lab group.
  • Observations: Students observe a total of 25 hours of speech-language therapy services in SLPA 101 Clinical Observation I and SLPA 202 Clinical Observation II courses. These observations are completed with an SLP in their geographic area.
  • Fieldwork: An 8-week, full-time fieldwork placement is required for successful completion of the program requirements. A total of 240 hours of clock time and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience is required. Fieldwork placement is completed in the last half of the student’s final spring semester. The fieldwork placement is completed with an SLP in their geographic area.

PROGRAM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

It is the goal of this program to prepare competent entry-level speech-language pathology assistants. To achieve that goal, students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all technical courses as a prerequisite to SLPA 240 Clinical Fieldwork. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in their clinical fieldwork in order to graduate.

Learn more by downloading the SLPA Online Student Guide.

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS

Computer, iPad, and internet access required. Your computer and iPad will have to meet our specifications to assure your operating system and software are current and compatible.

Here are the minimum specifications for computers or iPads for this program:

Computer/Laptop Minimum Specifications:
Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at MTI
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

 iPad Specifications:
4th Gen or newer
Internal Storage – 16 GB or more (32 recommeneded)
No iPad Minis
No Tablets

Outcomes

Upon completion of this two-year program, graduates will be prepared to assist a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the following ways:

  • Perform speech, language, and hearing screenings
  • Administer speech and language assessment and progress monitoring tools per examiner manual qualifications and SLP direction
  • Demonstrate speech, language, and related therapy procedures to implement treatment plans developed by the SLP
  • Create records, charts, or graphs to communicate client/patient/student performance to SLP
  • Perform clerical duties such as preparing materials, organizing records, and scheduling clients/patients/students
  • Evaluate clinical situations for compliance with ethical codes and federal, state, and local regulations
  • Create advocacy materials and presentations to promote public awareness and improve public policies related to communication disorders

The Mitchell Tech SLPA program meets the requirements allowing a graduate to apply for SLPA licensure from the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program Director / Instructor

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Instructor

Cost

Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ
$ 4000

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $2,936

Scholarships

$1000

4 AVAIL.

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills

$1000

1 AVAIL.

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.

$1000

2 AVAIL.

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

Charlene Bainbridge

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship

$500

2 AVAIL.

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

John and Diane Weber Family and Friends

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber, wife of former Culinary Academy of South Dakota instructor and Mitchell Tech alum, John Weber. Diane’s early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane’s desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. While attending Mitchell Tech she met John, completed her education, and then spent several years working as a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Full time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change GPA of 3.0 or higher Program instructor recommendation Documented employment of 10 hours or more per week Completion of current online scholarship application during the open application period time frame

$500

1 AVAIL.

Daniel Roy Todd Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Todd Family

Daniel Roy Todd, son of native Letcher, SD parents, returned to his family roots in 1998 to care for his father and in August, 2001 he accepted the position of Executive Director of the recently-established Mitchell Technical College Foundation. Dan’s varied experiences in research, planning, consulting, and community development allowed him to focus on strategic planning for the Mitchell Technical College Foundation. In a very short time he had established the Mitchell Technical College Alumni Association and provided an excellent base upon which the Foundation was built. Dan passed away in 2005 after a brief illness but the Mitchell Technical College Foundation still credits him with the early success of the organization. The Daniel Roy Todd Fund began providing scholarships in 2016.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority of scholarship recipient is a graduate of Sanborn Central or Artesian/Letcher High School. In the event there is not an application from Sanborn County the award will be given to a Davison County resident The award will be announced in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester

$1000

1 AVAIL.

BPO Elks #1059 Endowed Scholarship

BPO Elks #1059

The Endowment was established in 2010 with the first scholarship provided in the 2011/12 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and have attended school in the Mitchell area Applicant must be involved with student leadership Applicant must be currently enrolled full-time at Mitchell Technical College and be within two years of MTC graduation Applicant must complete the MTC online application form during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.6 Applicant must demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA Scholarship award may be retained for 4 semesters or put on hold for military service Applicant must permit selection committee to solicit oral or written recommendation from instructor or administrator Applicant must live within 50 miles of Mitchell

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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