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

Field work hour requirements

Note: Hour requirements might differ slightly based on the SLPA program enrolled.

• 80 hours of direct client services – Under supervision of an SLP
• 20 hours of indirect client services – Under supervision of an SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT APPROVED PROGRAMS (by the board)

• American River College
• Cerritos College
• Orange Coast College
• Pasadena City College
• San Joaquin Delta College
• Santa Ana College
• Madera Community College

OTHER SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT PROGRAMS

• Loma Linda University

LOCAL SCHOOLS WITH COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS DEGREES

• 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

Application checklist

1. 2×2 passport quality photograph along with the application
2. $50 check or money order to the Board, made payable to SLPAHADB
3. Official transcript sealed in an envelope by the institution
4. Photocopy of diploma
5. Verification form for completed field work hours
6. Fingerprint – Live scan
7. Supervisor Responsibility Statement – required after SLPA registration is issued. Must be submitted within 30 days.

References

You can refer to ASHA website for more information.

You can refer to California Speech and Hearing Board for more information.