Communications Sciences and Disorders

To enroll in this program, students must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure they are well prepared for the successful completion of the course. 

1. Educational Background: Students must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) or an equivalent degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

2. Degree Recency: Eligibility to enroll in the required courses is restricted to those who have completed their Bachelor's degree within the last 5 years. 

   Example: If applying for the Fall 2024 term, the student must have completed their academic coursework in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019 or later. Students who completed their coursework before Fall 2019 would be ineligible to apply.

The SLPA Preparation Program is available to students within the state of California who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (or equivalent title) and who are not enrolled in any Communication Sciences and Disorders programs at Loma Linda University. Students will register as a Non-Degree Student (upon approval from the SLPA Program Coordinator).

The following required courses must be taken concurrently.

1. CMSD 368 – SLPA Scope of Practice
   • An online course that focuses on the Scope of Practice and Ethical standards of the Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant.
     • 10 hours of Online Lecture/Presentation/Discussion
     • 20 hours of Independent Learning Activities
2. CMSD 369 - SLPA Fieldwork Experience
   • Under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, which has been approved by the SLPA Program Coordinator, a minimum of 115 hours of fieldwork experience (divided into the following categories) must be completed.
     • Observation …………………………………………………… 15 hours minimum
     • Direct Client Contact / Treatment/ Screening ……………... 80 hours minimum
     • Administrative Tasks/ Clinical Support ……………………… 20 hours minimum
       • Unfortunately, hours completed before the start of the quarter that you are registered for will not be accepted. 

The SLPA Preparation Program requires the completion of two courses, CMSD 368 and CMSD 369, in one academic quarter. View our tuition information here.

Effective Fall 2024, applicants must secure a supervisor that has:

• Two (2) years of full-time experience as a licensed or credentialed speech-language pathologist (SLP)
• Provide the applicant with a verbal or written agreement to serve as their supervisor 

Additionally, it is highly recommended that the supervisor also has:

• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) with a minimum of 9 months of full-time work experience after receiving their CCCs
• A minimum of 2 hours of professional development in clinical instruction/supervision

*Applicants may select a private practice, school district, or medical facility for their fieldwork experience. Once the Approval Request Forms (ARF) are accessible, applicants will submit the online form to demonstrate interest in the program. This form includes your demographic information, educational history, the proposed site, and the supervising SLP's details, such as their name, state license number, and ASHA certification number (if applicable).

Covid-19 Update

Loma Linda University remains committed to staying up to date with the California Department of Public Health mandate. Effective August 5, 2023, students are no longer required to attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. Please continue to monitor Loma Linda’s webpage for updates regarding this course for any changes. We pray that you remain healthy and safe. Please see LLU Student Guidelines for more information.

The Strategic Plan was developed by the faculty to address long term goals for all of the programs housed within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. It is our action plan for implementing the department’s Mission, Purpose and Vision.

View our Strategic Plan