Overview

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Preparation Program is designed for individuals seeking to meet the requirements for registration as a California licensed SLPA. Potential students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (or equivalent degree title) from an institution other than Loma Linda University.   

This program has been approved by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB) which mandates laws and regulations, as well as issue professional licensure within the state of California.  It entails the completion of two non-degree courses totaling 4 units. CMSD 368 – SLPA Scope of Practice is a one unit, online, didactic course that focuses on the laws, regulations, ethics, and clinical practice of the SLPA. CMSD 369 – SLPA Fieldwork Experience is a three unit course that involves the completion of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist at an approved clinical site.  Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive the required documentation to complete the application process to apply for their license as an SLPA. The SLPA Preparation Program is completed in one academic quarter.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Preparation Program

Eligibility

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.

Program Description

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. 

Tuition and Fees

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

Enrollment Preparation

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

Our Strategic Plan

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

Applying for Program

Overview

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.

Submission Dates

Approval Request Form Submission Dates
2023-2024 Academic Year Submission Dates
  • Fall Quarter:    June 19, 2023 – June 25, 2023
  • Winter Quarter:    September 25, 2023 – October 1, 2023
  • Spring Quarter:    January 1, 2024 – January 7, 2024

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

Approval Request Form

Registration Overview

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. 

For More Detailed Information

Thoroughly review our Frequently Asked Questions.

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

Contact Information

Please email LLUSLPA@LLU.EDU regarding any questions or additional information for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Preparation Program.