Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program, A.A.S.

Oklahoma City Community College offers the first and only speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) program. If you are interested in working with clients or students who are experiencing communication delays and disorders, then this field of study is for you. Speech-language pathology assistants work in public schools and healthcare settings. Speech-language pathology assistants are prepared to work with licensed speech-language pathologists. Because there is a shortage of speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma, and the numbers of children and adults needing communication services are continuing to rise, the need for SLPAs is also increasing. OCCC SLPA graduates are qualified to apply for a license from the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (OBESPA) and a teaching credential for practice from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). To apply for the SLPA program you must complete a two-part process. First, you must apply to the college to be an OCCC student. Secondly, you must apply to the SLPA program. Applications may be found online and are available February of each year. The deadline to submit your application is the first Friday in June. Applicants who are accepted begin program studies in August. Special application requirements and procedures must be followed. Students who are accepted into the program are selected based on a preferential point system.

Program Notes

Notes: This Technical and Occupational program is designed to prepare students to enter the job force following completion. See Technical and Occupational Programs in the general information section of the catalog.

All Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) courses are offered online only. An on-campus two (2) day orientation prior to the first semester of the program is required. Students are obligated to meet a minimum of 25 observation hours and 100 direct clinical hours that will require clinical site participation. Other on-campus hands-on clinical activities will be offered periodically throughout the program sequence. 

For the application procedure please see our web page: http://www.occc.edu/health/slpa.html

++Special Admissions Procedures: All Health Professions students are required to submit a nationwide background and pre-placement drug testing prior to clinical/fieldwork. More information will be distributed upon acceptance into your respected program.

These courses have a clinical component that requires purchase of medical liability insurance, a clinical uniform (if applicable) and a physical (with completed health packet).