Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Certificate

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Are you interested in helping those with communication disorders?  Our Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Certificate program (SLPA) is perfect for paraeducators or assistant teachers looking to gain certification in this rewarding, specialized field. 

Charter Oak State College has developed this online certificate to train students to work as Speech and Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) in Connecticut schools. Learn to assist with a variety of issues including speech articulation, voice quality, language disorders, social communication and more. Students must be CT residents to enter this program and hold an associate's degree. 

Students complete a 120 hour practicum, working under the guidance of a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist. All courses in the 24-credit certificate program must be taken at Charter Oak State College. 

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  • Introduction to Language and Communication Development

    3 credits

  • Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

    3 credits

  • Standards and Practices for SLPA’s

    3 credits

  • Methods of Intervention for Speech Disorders

    3 credits

  • Methods of Intervention for Language Disorders

    3 credits

  • Language & Literacy Development

    3 credits

  • Language & Communication Development in Autism

    3 credits

  • Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Practicum

    3 credits

Applicants must have earned an associate degree to participate in this certificate program.

Outcomes & Pathways

Students who graduate with the certificate in Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Studies (SLPA) will be able to:

  • understand and articulate how speech and language develops;
  • describe speech/language and hearing disorders;
  • use and explain evidence-based intervention techniques to evoke and sustain communication behaviors;
  • explain environmental factors that can support or erode the efficacy of treatment;
  • explain the role of the SLPA in supporting the SLP;
  • explain the role of the SLPA in serving on a multi-disciplinary team within a comprehensive service delivery system and the importance of that role;
  • utilize best practices in establishing and sustaining a culturally and linguistically responsive environment; and
  • demonstrate proficiency in the technical skills required of a speech and language pathology assistant.

Connecticut does not require SLPAs to be licensed. Students interested in the licensure exam upon completion of the SLPA certificate program may apply directly to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association) Learn how to apply for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Certification Exam (C-SLPA)

Why Charter Oak State College?