Grounded in evidence-based practice and the professional standards of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), the SLPA certificate prepares students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills to support the delivery of speech, language and hearing services under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) who holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA.
This 30-credit certificate is designed for working professionals who already possess a bachelor’s degree and are seeking state licensure and national certification from ASHA following completion. Students will gain a strong understanding of communication sciences and disorders, clinical procedures, documentation practices and professional conduct expected of a certified SLPA, as well as culturally responsive and inclusive communication practices. This flexible, 100% online certificate equips learners to serve diverse client populations across educational , healthcare and community settings, consistent with their home state’s regulations and licensure laws.
This certificate can be completed in as few as five consecutive semesters with upcoming terms beginning in Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027.
Curriculum (31 credits)
- Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Survey of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Child Language Development
- Phonetics
- Speech and Hearing Science
- Introduction to Audiology
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Virtual Application of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Language Disorders
- Speech Disorders
- Clinical Methods
- Clinical Practicum (100 clock hours of fieldwork)
This course is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of speech-language pathology (SLP) and communication disorders. All nine domains will be addressed throughout the semester (articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, language, cognition, hearing, swallowing, social communication, and communication modalities). Topics will include assessment/evaluation tools, treatment goals and modalities, and interprofessional practice. Students will also observe SLPs in practice in various settings.
Students will be introduced to articulatory phonetics, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and transcription of typical speech in American English and dialectical speech. Students will also begin learning atypical speech transcription. This course will also introduce reading spectrograms.
An introduction to the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the systems and processes involved in speech production, with a focus on the respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, resonatory, and nervous systems. This course will introduce students to the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanical basis of communication behaviors. Content will focus on basic concepts of neural communication, anatomy, physiology and the relevance of these processes in typical and disordered states.
This class supplements learning about anatomy and physiology for the speech, hearing, and swallowing mechanisms through dedicated lab assignments, data collection, and data analysis. Students will gain competency in topics related to instrumentation, digital signal processing, and basic research methodology. This course will begin to prepare students for future research-related and evidence-based focused coursework.
This course is about the acquisition of language including phonology, semantics, morphology, and syntax. This course will also address acquisition of pragmatics, the role of social factors such as gender and ethnic background in language acquisition, school-aged acquisition, literacy, and bilingualism. Receptive and expressive language will be discussed.
This course will cover basic acoustics and psychoacoustics (including dB scale and spectral analysis) through the lens of speech and hearing science with a specific focus on the professional needs of Speech-Language Pathologists. Speech production, perception, and suprasegmental aspects will be addressed. Historical trends in speech and hearing science will be reviewed. Material from lectures will be supplemented using lab assignments.
This course will introduce students to basic anatomy and physiology related to the auditory system. Normal and disordered hearing will be discussed. Students will develop facility with pure tone and speech audiometry, audiometric interpretation, acoustic immittance, and masking through virtual application of clinical tests. Students will be able to perform and interpret an audiogram. They will gain an understanding of and an appreciation for cultural issues and the needs of different populations from infancy to late adulthood, including the use of hearing aids.
This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge about the etiology and characteristics of language disorders, including expressive and receptive language, across the human lifespan. The impact of language disorders on academic and occupational performance, activities of daily living, and social interaction will be discussed. This course gives students the tools necessary to effectively screen and implement treatment plans with individuals diagnosed with language, reading, and writing delays or disorders. Topics addressed include theoretical frameworks for the treatment of childhood language disorders, etiology and characteristics of language/communication disorders, principles and methods and multicultural issues involved in screening and intervention, as well as current issues in the literature for language disorders. (Prerequisite courses SLP 6010, SLP 6030)
This course includes a comprehensive overview of developmental and acquired speech sound delays and disorders. This course will include the theoretical basis of articulation and phonological development, motor speech disorders, and fluency disorders. Students will analyze and synthesize information related to theories on etiology, characteristics, cultural considerations, and evidence-based prevention, screening, and treatment approaches. Students will demonstrate and apply their knowledge regarding screening methods and the implementation of treatment plans for clients with speech disorders across the lifespan. (Prerequisite courses SLP 6010, SLP 6011, SLP 6012, SLP 6020 & 6021, SLP 6030)
This course will provide students with instruction in the application of knowledge acquired through didactic SLPA coursework for the foundations of clinical practice including documentation of services provided, privacy regulations (HIPAA, FERPA), ethics, legal, universal precautions, and professional practice issues. Students will implement the application of clinical skills through case studies, clinical simulations, and special projects. (Prerequisite courses SLP 6010, SLP 6011, SLP 6030, SLP 6020 & 6021, SLP 6012, SLP 6035, SLP 6045, SLP 6030)
Students will participate in an off-campus clinical practicum assigned by the Program Director and Director of Clinical Education in consultation with the faculty. Acceptable and verified clinical hours will be applied toward ASHA SLPA certification. Students are required to receive 100 hours (80 hours of direct client contact, 20 hours of indirect client contact). (Prerequisite courses SLP 6010, SLP 6011, SLP 6030, SLP 6020 & 6021, SLP 6012, SLP 6035, SLP 6045, SLP 6030, SLP 6013, SLP 6055).
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the SLPA graduate certificate program, graduates will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and professional competencies. Students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical and physiological aspects of typical and atypical speech, language, hearing, cognition, and swallowing processes, including typical development across the lifespan and factors that influence communication in diverse populations.
- Demonstrate technical and clinical skills to support the delivery of screening and intervention services for individuals with communication and/or swallowing disorders, including the implementation of SLP-developed treatment plans and the use of appropriate materials and strategies across diverse populations.
- Apply foundational principles of evidence-based practice by following established intervention protocols, integrating theoretical knowledge into clinical support activities, and contributing to data-informed decision making under the supervision of a licensed, certified SLP.
- Demonstrate a professional code of conduct consistent with the standards of the speech-language pathology profession, including adherence to the ASHA SLPA Scope of Practice, ethical and legal guidelines, accountability, effective communication, and culturally responsive care.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills for clinical documentation, data collection, and professional interactions, and collaborate with supervising SLPs and interprofessional team members to support the provision of quality services to individuals with diverse needs and backgrounds.
- Demonstrate competency in collecting, recording, and reporting client performance data, and in the use of clinical tools and technologies (e.g., AAC systems, telepractice platforms) to support service delivery under the supervision of a licensed, certified SLP.
- Demonstrate understanding of the distinct roles and responsibilities of the SLPA and SLP, including supervision requirements, task limitations, and appropriate participation in service delivery as defined by ASHA guidelines and applicable regulations.
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