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. You must receive approval from the SLPA Coordinator prior to registering for the course. Fees are due at the time of registration.

*Both courses are required to be taken concurrently- $650.00 x 4 units)

**All students registering for a clinical affiliation are charged this amount)

***This course is not eligible for Financial Aid assistance

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 SLPA Preparation Program is offered to non-degree students and utilizes a different method for applying than typical Loma Linda University programs. An online Approval Request Form is utilized to request placement into this course. Approval Request Forms are available for one full week. Opening at 12:00am on day one (Monday), the online link will close at 11:59pm on the final day (Sunday).  Incomplete forms will be discarded and will not be reviewed.

• Approximately two weeks after the closing date of the application period, applicants will receive an email with the status of their placement in the program and direction on additional steps.
• There is a maximum capacity of 45 students accepted into the course each quarter. A submission form does not guarantee placement.
• The specific dates of each quarter will correspond with the Term dates of LLU academic calendar. Click here for the specific dates of the quarter.

Approval Request Form Submission Dates

2025-2026 Academic Year Submission Dates

• Fall Quarter:    June 22, 2026– June 28, 2026
• Winter Quarter:    September 22, 2025 – September 28, 2025
• Spring Quarter:    January 5, 2025 – January 11, 2026

*Dates are subject to change and will be updated on this webpage

Approval Request Form

Once it has been determined that an applicant is approved to register for this program, an email of approval will be sent with information regarding orientation/registration.  There is a mandatory orientation that will be held online via Zoom/Video.

• You will receive an email with directives on how to complete the registration after receiving final approval to register.
• The pre-recorded orientation, which provides an overview of the requirements for the course, will be available on the first day of class.
• This course is available to any student within the state of California that meets criteria. 

• When is this course offered? 

• This course is offered quarterly during the academic year. The terms offered are: Fall (late September – mid December),  Winter (early January – mid March) and Spring (late March – early June). The specific term dates will correspond with the University’s academic calendar.

• I am interested in enrolling. What do I do next?

  • There are 2 steps that you will need to take:
    • Find a placement with a supervisor who has a minimum of two (2) years of full-time experience as a licensed or credentialed speech-language pathologist (SLP). The supervisor must also provide you with a verbal or written agreement to serve as your supervisor.
      • An exception to this rule is if you choose to work in the Redlands Unified School District. Do not contact them directly. You must notify the SLPA Program Coordinator at LLU, via the Approval Request Form
      • Due to limited availability, students are not placed within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to complete their SLPA Fieldwork Experience Hours. Do not contact them to request placement.
    • Complete an Approval Request Form (ARF), found on the webpage, which will submit your request directly to the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office. The ARF form is available during specific times throughout the year for each quarter. Please see the webpage for the submission dates of the Approval Request Forms.
      • Potential students must get approval from the SLPA Program Coordinator to register for the course.
      • Required information, such as your demographic information, educational background the name of your secured site and supervisor, the supervisor’s contact email address, state license number, and ASHA certification number (if applicable), must be listed on the form for it to be reviewed; without the required information, your request form will not be reviewed.

• How should I approach an SLP to request Supervision for this course?

  • When contacting a potential supervisor, introduce yourself and let them know the reason for your phone call or email. Include the following information:
    • You have a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (or equivalent title), and you are looking to gain fieldwork experience under the supervision of a California-licensed SLP OR an SLP who holds a credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
      • The SLP must have a minimum of 2 years experience working as a licensed or credentialed clinician. (The 2 years do not include their Clinical Fellowship (CF) year.
    • Must accrue a minimum of 80 hours of direct client care (i.e., treatment), 15 hours of observation, and 20 hours of indirect client care (e.g., assisting with administrative tasks, treatment preparation) over a minimum of 9 weeks during the enrolled quarter.
      • A minimum of 13 hours per week should be scheduled with the site.
    • You are looking to complete this course during the quarter that you are applying for (include the dates) as a non-degree student at Loma Linda University. However, you have not yet been accepted into the course, therefore, the dates are contingent on your approval of the course.
    • You will follow up with the Speech Language Pathologist to notify him/her of your status when it is known to you.
      • If an SLP agrees to supervise you, it is highly advised to keep the communication lines open. If you are not approved for the quarter you applied for or you change your mind, contact the SLP to keep them updated.
      • Be prepared to answer any questions that they may have and/or prepare yourself for an interview in case they ask.

• When may I apply?

  • Approval Request Forms will be available for a one-week period beginning on Monday at 12:00 am PST and will close on the following Sunday at 11:59 pm PST. All Approval Request Forms require information regarding your personal identification, educational background, requested site(s) placement, and supervisor(s). All forms must be completed in their entirety. Incomplete forms will be discarded and will not be reviewed. Please see the SLPA webpage for the actual dates of submission.

• How many students are accepted each quarter?

  • Each quarter's cohort is 45 students.

• Do I need to apply to Loma Linda University before I submit an Approval Request Form?

  • No. This course is available to non-degree students, and approval from the SLPA Coordinator is required to register. All processing begins with the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office. The SLPA Coordinator must complete specific steps before students can register, so the Approval Request Form should be submitted several weeks before registration to allow time for these actions. Submitting an Approval Request Form does not guarantee acceptance into the course. You will receive an email with your approval status approximately two weeks after the form submission period closes.

• What is a Non-Degree Student?

  • A Non-Degree student is someone who has not been admitted to a degree or certificate program but is registered for selected courses within one of the University’s schools. 
  • The SLPA Preparation Program is not a certificate program. It consists of two courses designed to meet the requirements for applying for the SLPA license. While a certificate is not awarded upon completion, the SLPA Program Coordinator will sign your SLPA License Application to verify that you have met the minimum requirements.

• Is there a minimum GPA for the SLPA program?

  • No, there is not a GPA requirement; however, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology (or equivalent title) within the last 5 years of the quarter you are seeking to apply for.
    • 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. 
    • Applicants who have not completed their Bachelor’s Degree program at the time of the application period are not eligible for the course.

• When should I expect a response from the SLPA Coordinator regarding the status of my Approval Request Form?

  • You will receive an email from the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office with the status of your Approval Request Form—along with any next steps or concerns—approximately two weeks after the application period closes. 
  • Initially, applicants will receive either a Conditional Approval or Denial letter. If you receive Conditional Approval, the Administrative Secretary will provide instructions on how to obtain Final Approval. Final Approval is required before you can register and begin your clinical experience at your site.
  • Final Approval Requirement: A university agreement (contract) must be in place between your desired site and LLU before you can register. If a contract does not already exist, you will be notified and the process to establish one will begin. Please note this process can take several weeks. You will be informed once the contract is fully executed. 
  • The contract must be finalized by the stated deadline to receive Final Approval and begin your clinical experience. If it is not finalized in time, you will not be approved to register for the desired quarter. Instead, you will be placed on the list for the following quarter, with priority placement once the signed contract is received. A new Approval Request Form will be required to confirm your continued interest in the course.

• What shall I do if LLU does not have a contract with the site where I would like to complete my fieldwork hours?

  • If you are approved to register for this course but no contract exists for your requested site, you will receive an email granting you Conditional Approval. At that time, your supervisor will be contacted, and the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office will begin the process of establishing a contract.
  • All contract establishment is handled exclusively through our office. You are not to contact your site about this process. All communication will take place directly between the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office and the site.
  • Once the contract is signed and fully executed, you will be notified that you are eligible to register. You may not register until you have received this confirmation. The contract must be finalized by the stated deadline.
  • If the contract is not completed by the deadline:
    • You will be placed on the list for the following quarter, with priority placement once the signed contract is received.
    • You must submit a new Approval Request Form to confirm your continued interest in the course.

• What type of setting may I complete my fieldwork hours in?

  • You may complete your fieldwork hours in a variety of settings, including school districts, private practices, in-home settings, and hospitals/medical centers. This course requires a minimum of 80 hours of direct client contact or treatment, so it is important to discuss this requirement with your supervising SLP before selecting your site to ensure the minimum hours can be met. Please note:
    • Hospital placements are limited, can be challenging to secure, and may offer fewer treatment hours due to the types of patients SLPAs are permitted to treat.
    • In-home placements may also make it difficult to accumulate the required hours due to traveling to complete the course. Check with the potential supervisor to see if this is a feasible option.

• Do you have a list of supervisors or sites that are already approved by LLU that I can choose from?

  • No. While we maintain a database to confirm whether a contract exists, we do not provide a publicly accessible list for potential students to review.

• How do I find a Speech Language Pathologist to supervise me?

  • To find a supervising SLP, first consider the area in which you would like to work and contact the facility or school district to determine if there is an SLP available and willing to supervise you for that quarter.
  • If you are seeking a private clinical office, you may:
    • Visit ASHA.org and use the “Find a Professional” feature to search in your desired area.
    • Conduct an internet search for private clinical offices in your preferred location.
  • If you are interested in a school district, you may:
    • Contact the school’s SLP directly (if you have a specific school in mind), or
    • Contact the district’s Special Education department to identify potential supervisors.
    • Important:
      • If you are interested in working with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) or Redlands Unified School District, do not contact them directly. You must notify the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office at LLU, as both districts require communication through our office.
      • Due to limited availability, LAUSD is not currently placing SLPA students from our program.

• The school district that I contacted informed me that a Memorandum of Understanding (or contract) is required prior to me completing my hours at their site. What must I do to get one?

  • Since you are not yet enrolled in the course, an active contract is not required to submit the Approval Request Form. However, you must first secure a verbal or written agreement from a site confirming that they will provide you with a supervising SLP.
  • When contacting the district, share the following information:
    • You have not yet registered for the course but are applying for a future date.
    • Once you are approved to register, the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office will contact the district to establish the contract.
    • You are seeking a verbal agreement so that if you are approved and a contract is established, an SLP will be assigned to supervise you. 
    • If district personnel agree to a future placement but do not provide the SLP's name, list the name of the district personnel you spoke with on the Approval Request Form.
    • Note: Contracts are not initiated until an applicant has been approved to register for the course.

• How many supervisors or sites may I have?

  • You may have up to 2 approved sites and 2 approved supervisors. Both the site(s) and the supervisor(s) must be approved by the SLPA Coordinator.

• I have received a “Conditional Approval” to register for the quarter, what do I do next?

  • Once you receive Conditional Approval to register for the quarter—meaning all preliminary criteria have been met—your name will be added to the list of approved students for that specific quarter. You must then submit any requested documentation and follow all registration instructions provided.
  • To prepare for registration, gather the following (do not submit until requested):
    • Official transcripts (electronic preferred)
    • Proof of TB test within the past year
  • A pre-recorded orientation will be available online on the first official day of the quarter. This orientation will provide detailed information about course expectations and the clinical fieldwork experience.

• I have received “Final Approval” for the SLPA Preparation Program, may I begin at my site?

  • No. Even if you have been approved to register for the course, you may not begin at your site until all of the following have occurred:
    • You have completed your registration through the Office of Admissions.
    • You have obtained financial clearance.
    • The quarter has officially begun.
    • You have completed the online orientation.
    • You must meet all of the above criteria before starting at your site.
  • The university agreement between your site and LLU applies only to enrolled students and covers only the specific dates of the quarter for which you are registered. Any work done outside those dates is not covered under the University Agreement, will not be protected by LLU, and will not count toward your fieldwork hours.

• Do I need to register for the class once I receive “Conditional Approval” to register?

  • No. After submitting your completed Approval Request Form, you must wait for a response from the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office. 
  • If you receive a Conditional Approval email, your name will be added to the list of approved students for the desired quarter. This is not a waiting list, but you will not be able to register immediately. 
  • You must follow the registration instructions provided by the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office to complete your enrollment.

• Do you offer online or distant registration services? How often will I need to come to LLU?

  • Yes. Online registration is available. Your non-degree registration form will be completed online, after which you will receive a student email address and access to the student portal. From that point, all requirements can be handled online through the course website, email, or U.S. Mail. You are not required to come to campus.

• I have a B.A or B.S degree in something other than Speech-Language Pathology (or comparable title), am I eligible to take this course?

  • No. This course is open only to individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (or an equivalent title). Post-baccalaureate students who have completed the bachelor’s degree equivalent coursework, but do not hold the actual degree, are not eligible to register for this course.
    • For information on SLPA license education requirements, you may contact the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board: www.speechandhearing.ca.gov

• What type of payment is accepted for the course? May I set up a payment plan?

  • The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) department does not handle any of the financial matters. 
  • For questions or to set up a payment plan, please contact Student Finance at 909-558-4520 or [email protected]

• Does Financial Aid cover the cost of this course?

  • No. The SLPA Preparation Program is not a degree program and does not qualify for Financial Aid. For additional questions/clarification, please contact a Financial Aid Service Representative (909-558-4509 / [email protected]). The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) department does not handle any of the financial matters.

• If I apply for the SLPA program, will I have a student visa granted by Loma Linda University?

  • No. The SLPA Preparation Program is not a certificate program. It consists of two courses completed over one academic quarter:
    • CMSD 368 – SLPA Scope of Practice: An online didactic course focusing on the duties of the SLPA.
    • CMSD 369 – SLPA Fieldwork Experience: A course requiring a minimum of 100 clinical hours at an approved site outside of LLU under the supervision of a qualified SLP.
      • Because this program is not a degree or certificate program, a student visa is not required and will not be granted for course completion.

• If I complete my hours in less than 9 weeks, may I stop the fieldwork experience?

  • No. Our program’s goal is not only to meet the SLPA licensing board’s requirements, but also to ensure that students complete the experience with the skills needed to work at the minimum required level of supervision once hired. 
  • Because many undergraduate programs do not include clinical experience, this course is often an SLPA student’s first opportunity to provide direct clinical treatment. You should plan to be available for at least 9 weeks and approximately 13–14 hours per week to meet the minimum hours required to successfully complete the quarter.

• May I have a copy of the contract between the site and LLU?

  • No. The contract between LLU and the site is a legal agreement specific to those two parties. This information is confidential and is not shared with students.

• I am also interested in ASHA’s C-SLPA (certification), does this course meet its requirements?

  • Yes! The online didactic course (CMSD 368) satisfies Standard II: Education under ASHA’s requirements. In addition, our fieldwork experience course (CMSD 369) satisfies Standard III: Clinical Supervised Experience when completed under a supervisor who meets the criteria for an ASHA-certified SLP.
  • There are some additional differences between state licensure and ASHA certification, which will be explained during the course.

• Do I need my C-SLPA Verification Certificate to apply for my SLPA state license?

  • No. The C-SLPA Verification Certificate is not required to apply for your SLPA state license. It is only necessary if you plan to apply for ASHA’s C-SLPA Certification.
  • ASHA’s C-SLPA certification is optional and not required to practice as an SLPA in California. The differences between state licensure and ASHA certification will be explained during the course.

• Can my supervisor still supervise me if they are already supervising two other students?

  • No. Effective Fall 2025, a supervisor may not supervise more than two students from our program in any academic quarter.

• When I complete the course, will I receive Certification or Licensure as an SLPA?

  • No. Completing this course satisfies only one of the requirements set by the SLPAHADB. After you complete the SLPA Preparation Program, the SLPA Program Coordinator’s office will notify you of your eligibility to apply for the SLPA license through the SLPAHADB’s online application process. Once you submit your application, the SLPA Program Coordinator will receive an email requesting approval and a final signature to confirm your completion of the Fieldwork Experience.
  • The SLPA Program Coordinator will review your information and verify the hours you successfully completed in our program. Once the SLPAHADB receives all required documentation, they will grant your license. If there are any issues with the submitted information, the SLPAHADB will contact you directly.

• After I have completed the course and submitted my application to the licensing board, when will my SLPA license application be signed?

  • The SLPA Program Coordinator will sign and approve your application approximately two weeks after the start of the next academic quarter. For example, if you complete the program at the end of the Fall Quarter, your application will be signed within the two weeks after the Winter Quarter begins.

• When will I receive my C-SLPA Verification of Completion Certificate?

  • C-SLPA Verification of Completion Certificates—required for applying for certification through ASHA—are issued approximately two weeks after the start of the next academic quarter. For example, if you complete the program at the end of the Fall Quarter, your application will be signed within the two weeks after the Winter Quarter begins.

** Information may be updated and subject to change without notice.

For additional questions, please contact: 

Brianna Caldera SLPA Administrative Secretary: [email protected] 

Additional Administration: Amanda Whitaker, MS, CCC-SLP CMSD Educator/SLPA Program Co-Coordinator: [email protected]

SLPA Program Co-Coordinator [email protected] Aieshea Banks, PhD., CCC-SLP Associate Professor/SLPA Program Coordinator: [email protected]