Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) work with supervising licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to help children with communication disorders.

Chico State’s Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Pathway is an intensive 10-unit, postbaccalaureate licensure pathway that provides students with the clinical training and supervised fieldwork experience they need to apply for speech-language pathology assistant licensure.

The program consists of two courses: a three-unit online course (CMSD 500) that addresses the scope of practice and ethical standards for SLPAs followed by a seven-unit field experience (CMDS 501) in the student's own community/region. The field experience allows SLPA students to work with community speech-language pathologists in a variety of settings to complete the required, supervised direct patient contact hours for California State SLPA licensure.

Program Overview:

• The synchronous online course will take place in summer.
• 275-hour field experience takes place during the fall term.
• Total program fees are $4,750* for '24-'25

Eligibility

As specified by the California state licensing board, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Application Process

Step 1: Watch a recording of a recent online information session led by program director, Dr. Jessika Lawrence [View Information Session here]. You'll learn important details about the program, the SLPA licensure requirements and profession, and our program application process. After watching an information session in full, you can access the application with the links provided below in Step 2.

Step 2: Submit the online application and request your references:

• Online Application Form: Have the following information at-hand before beginning your application: Unofficial transcripts that include academic work from higher education institutions; clinical work and observation hours (optional), including location(s) and number of hours completed at each location; and resume, including employment history.
• Reference Form: Two references are required. One from a current or previous professor from within your major who can attest to your academic work. One from an employer who can attest to your work performance. The employment does not have to be in a related field. You may also provide an additional reference from someone of your choice (optional).

Step 3: If you are admitted to the program, you may need to submit to a criminal background check and/or drug screen if required as part of your field placement.

Coursework

CMSD 500: Roles & Responsibilities of the Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant      

Description: This online course covers the roles and responsibilities of the speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). Students who complete this course will learn about the scope of practice of the SLPA, ethical considerations, liability issues, educational and training requirements for the SLPA, supervision of the SLPA, state and federal laws and regulations, and reimbursement.

Instructor: Amy Simmons
Dates: June 2–August 8, 2025
Live online meetings on Tu & Thu, 4-7pm
Course fee: $1,350 (3 units x $450/unit)*
Acceptance into the program required for registration.

CMSD 501: Field Experience – Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Description: Students will complete a 275-hour field experience, with a minimum of 100 direct client contact hours necessary to effectively work as a licensed speech-language pathologist assistant (SLPA). The field experience will expose students to clinical documentation, staffing responsibilities (i.e., attending IEP meetings, team conferences, and staff meetings), lesson planning, therapy preparation, and therapy delivery under the supervision of a licensed SLP supervisor.

Successful completion of this course (and CMSD 500) will allow the student to apply for a California SLPA license.

Eligibility: Students who have successfully completed CMSD 500 and are ready to participate in the field experience necessary to attain a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) license in the state of California.

Instructor: Amy Simmons
Dates: August 25–December 19, 2025
Course fee: $3,150 (7 units x $450/unit)* 
Acceptance into the program required for registration.