The Oklahoma City Community College Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program is the state’s first and only SLPA program. If you aspire to make a difference in the lives of individuals with communication delays and disorders, this program is tailor-made for you.
Oklahoma and many other states need more speech-language pathologists. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and SLPAs work with people of all ages with speech, language, cognition, and swallowing difficulties. SLPAs are academically and clinically trained to treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders, working under the direction and supervision of a licensed and certified SLP. Employment opportunities include working in schools, clinics, private practice, and early intervention, as determined by each state’s regulations. As the demand for communication services rises, the need for skilled SLPAs also rises. The online Speech-Language Assistant (SLPA) program at OCCC aims to address this societal need.
OCCC SLPA graduates are eligible to apply for licensure from the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (OBESPA) and national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Graduates can also pursue a teaching credential or certificate from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). SLPA requirements vary by state. It is advisable to contact the OCCC SLPA program director and consult the ASHA State Advocacy website for specific state requirements.
The OCCC SLPA program is a two-year, five-semester online academic program with an on-site clinical component completed within a student’s geographical area. To graduate, students must earn a grade of C or higher in all major courses and a C or higher in their clinical experiences.
Students accepted into the program must complete a criminal background check and drug test. Students must have proficient reading, writing, hearing, and communication (verbal, written, and articulation) skills to perform the job of an SLPA competently. Students must possess adequate motor skills to manage clients and therapy materials in home and school settings. The program follows a preferential points system for applicant selection. Specific application requirements and procedures must be adhered to for successful entry into the program. Additional admission and application requirements information is available on the OCCC SLPA website.
Join us in shaping the future of communication health at OCCC. Apply for the SLPA program and become part of a dynamic profession meeting Oklahoma’s growing demand for communication services.
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).
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