Communications Sciences and Disorders

To enroll in this program, students must meet specific criteria that will prepare them for successful completion of the course.

1. Completion of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CMSD) or other degree title for Speech-Language Pathology.
2. Students must be within 5 years of completion of Bachelor’s degree to be eligible to enroll in the required courses.
   • Ex:  Using the example of Fall 2017, student must have completed his/her academic coursework in Speech-Language Pathology in the year of 2012 or later.  Students completing their coursework prior to Fall 2012 would be ineligible to apply for this course.

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 Coordinator).

The following required courses must be taken concurrently.

1. CMSD 368 – SLPA Scope of Practice
   • An online course to focus 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 Coordinator, a minimum of 115 hours of fieldwork experience (divided into the following categories) are required over a total of 9 weeks. 
     • Observation …………………………………………………… 15 hours minimum
     • Direct Client Contact / Treatment/ Screening ……………... 80 hours minimum
     • Administrative Tasks/ Clinical Support ……………………… 20 hours minimum
       • Unfortunately, any 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 2020, applicants will need to secure a supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) that meets all of the following criteria:

• Must have a current California state license or credential. 
• Must have ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology with a minimum of 9 months of full-time work experience after receiving their CCCs.
• A minimum of 2 hours of professional development/continuing education in clinical instruction/supervision is highly recommended.
• The SLP must provide a verbal or written agreement to serve as the student’s supervisor. 

 *Applicants may choose to complete fieldwork experience at a private office, school district, or medical facility.  Once the Approval Request Forms are available, applicants will submit the online form listing the proposed site and supervising SLP, including the SLP’s CA state license number and ASHA Certification number.

COVID-19 UPDATE:

Currently, telepractice and In-Person (when allowed) treatment are acceptable forms of service delivery for the SLPA Preparation Program when it is provided under the supervision of an SLP who meets the supervision criteria set by this program.

Changes may continue to occur as new information regarding COVID-19 and new regulations and guidelines are released.  Loma Linda remains committed to staying up to date. It is recommended that you continue to monitor Loma Linda University’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:

Covid-19 Student Guidelines

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