Step-by-step guide on how to become a licensed Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in California
Each state might have different requirements for getting your Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) License. A license in one state does not guarantee a permission to practice as a SLPA in another state.
Here are the steps you need to take in order to become a SLPA in California.
EDUCATION
When it comes to education, you have a few different options.
Option 1: Associates degree from a community college or technical training program from an accredited institution. (2 years)
You also need to complete the clinical field work hour requirements before applying for the license.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or Speech language pathology from an accredited institution.
You also need to complete the clinical field work hour requirements before applying for the license.
Note: if you have a degree in a field other than communication disorders or speech language pathology, you can still complete a SLPA certificate program with required courses.
Course Requirements
- Required courses from your institution
- 1 hour ethics course
- 1 hour course in universal safety precautions
- 1 hour patient confidentiality training course
- SLPA education modules – For ASHA – only if required in your pathway
- 80 hours of direct client services – Under supervision of an SLP
- 20 hours of indirect client services – Under supervision of an SLP
- American River College
- Cerritos College
- Orange Coast College
- Pasadena City College
- San Joaquin Delta College
- Santa Ana College
- Madera Community College
- Loma Linda University
- California State University of Fullerton
- California State University of Los Angeles
- California State University of Long Beach
- California State University of Northridge
- California State University of Chico
- California State University of San Marcos
- California State University of East Bay
- California State University of Sacramento
- San Francisco State University
- San Diego State University
- San Jose State University
- Loma Linda University
- University of Redlands
- California Baptist University
- University of the Pacific
- Chapman University
- 2x2 passport quality photograph along with the application
- $50 check or money order to the Board, made payable to SLPAHADB
- Official transcript sealed in an envelope by the institution
- Photocopy of diploma
- Verification form for completed field work hours
- Fingerprint – Live scan
- Supervisor Responsibility Statement – required after SLPA registration is issued. Must be submitted within 30 days.