Program Information

Catalog Description of Program

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program will provide the community with professionally trained personnel to assist the speech pathologist in this specialized field and to provide services in multiple settings to a diverse population in the administration of therapeutic and screening services.  Speech-Language Pathology Assistants work directly with clients or patients to conduct screenings for speech, hearing, or language disorders. They are in direct patient/client contact providing therapeutic treatment, assistance, and documentation of progress. Assistants work closely with the pathologist to make changes in the treatment protocol as the patient improves.  Graduates of the program are eligible for State licensure through the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Catalog description of SLPA Program.

Description of the job for which program prepares students

Speech-Langage Pathology Assistants work under the guidelines of the Speech Pathologist in testing and therapeutic application modalities.  They provide direct treatment following specific plans and document patient/client progress.  They conduct screenings for speech, hearing, and language disorders.  Assistants work with children and adults in the clinical, educational, and medical settings.

Program goal

To provide the community professional personnel trained to assist the Speech Pathologist in this specialized field in multiple settings, to a diverse population, in the administration of therapeutic and screening services.

Required program prerequisites    

• Allied Health A010: Health Occupations
• CDE  A180: Child Growth and  Development
• Biology A221: Human Anatomy & Physiology
• General Education Courses

Advisement Classes

It is recommended that students have Eng 100, Math 030 and as many of the GE class requirements completed as possible before entering the program.

Associate of Science Degree and program graduation

All students must meet OCC Associate of Science degree requirements even though they may have degrees from other institutions.  Students should have official transcripts evaluated and should contact the OCC Counseling office to meet with a counselor to assure all requirements have been met or transferred.

Procedure for program admittance

All students must complete the course Allied Health A010 – Health Occupations in order to apply to the program.  Students are then placed on the interest list after they have completed the course ALH 010- Health Occupations.  Students are selected and admitted to the program on a first come, first serve basis following completion of all general education and prerequisite courses. 

Does this program transfer? 

Program is recognized for transfer by California State University, Fullerton and California State University, Long Beach.  Students must complete minimum Option 2 Associate of Arts degree transfer requirements (see college catalog).

Program start

Fall semester of each school year

Employment possibilities upon program completion

Educational institutions, clinics, hospitals, private offices, sales

Salary

Salary range is from $19 to $27/hour to start.  Graduates have reported higher starting salaries depending on the employer.

Courses within the program which students can take while seeking admission to the program (subject to catalog restrictions)

• Allied Health A120: Human Diseases
• Allied Health A111: Medical Terminology
• Anthropology A190: Introduction to Linguistics
• CDE A155: Principles & Practices of Teaching
• CDE A156: EC Lab: Interaction Young Chld
• CDE A165: Observing & Recording Child Behavior
• CDE A210: Introduction to the Exceptional Child   

Length of program

Two years, Four semesters starting in the Fall of each school year.

Spaces available

 25

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background/drug screen check. The background check will include Fingerprints - LIVESCAN, County Criminal Records (past 7 years), Residency History Search, Social Security Alert, Nationwide Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Registry (OIG/GSA), Nationwide Sexual Offender Registry and a California DMV report. The drug screening will include THC, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methaqualone, propoxyphene and methadone. If requested by the clinical site, the results of the background/drug checks must be provided to them by the student.

Clinical requirements

The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities.  It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Just prior to entry into clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:

• A physical examination + immunizations requirements 
• Criminal background/drug screen check clearance, Drive Licence Check
• CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H A115
• Student liability insurance purchased for both years in the program 

Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, other program specific requirements. 

Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work.  There may be exposure to hazardous materials and infectious pathogens in the clinical setting.  Students will adhere to all safety and standard precautionary measures.  The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program. Clinical assignments are arranged by the program director.  Clinical hours are as follows:  Second Fall semester, 12 hours per week; Spring semester, 16 hours per week.  Clinical hours are scheduled within the program curriculum.

Employment prospects

Excellent

Accreditation of program

Approved for licensure by the State of California

Registration

Graduates of the program are eligible for State registration through the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board.  Registration requirements have certain legal requirements as determined by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs.