A Speech-Language Pathology-Assistant (SLP-A) is defined as a professional who supports the speech-language pathologist by engaging in tasks that are planned, delegated, and supervised by the speech-language pathologist. In doing so, the SLP-A provides exceptional patient care, provides speech-language pathology services, and enhances the productivity of the speech-language pathology practice to improve patient experiences and services in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations (ASHA 2020).

The Department of Communication Disorders at Marshall University is committed to ensure all students graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication disorders secure employment. The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Program is a 2-semester program (excluding prerequisite coursework) that provides a pathway students may select to achieve this goal.

Additional information can be found on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, (ASHA) website at https://www.asha.org/assistants-certification-program/slpa-faqs/.

Admission to the SLP-A Certificate Program

Students interested in enrolling the SLP-A Certificate Program must:

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 overall (associate degree or bachelor’s degree); formal transcripts must be submitted through CSDCAS.
• Submit a personal essay. This should provide answers to the following questions:

1) Why are you interested in enrolling in the SLP-A Program at Marshall University?

2) What are your professional goals?

3) What skill sets do you hold that qualify you to be an SLP-A?

• Submit 3 letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly through CSDCAS from the person writing the letter.

The SLP-A Certificate Program at Marshall University has rolling admissions but all students will begin their curriculum requirements in the fall or summer. 

Entry to the program:

There are two pathways for entry into the SLP-A Certificate program.

Pathway 1: The individual is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from an accredited institution.

Pathway 2: The individual is pursuing or currently holds an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and has completed the following coursework in person or online: (Prerequisite coursework must be completed within five years prior to admission to the SLPA certificate program).

Prerequisite courses will be delivered via face to face and/or online.  All of the prerequisite courses are presently part of the undergraduate curriculum for the bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders. These include:

CD 101 - Introductory or Overview Course in Communication Disorders
CD 239 - Phonetics
CD 228 - Language Development
CD 322 - Speech Sound Disorders
CD 328 - Language Disorders
CD 229 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

Students who are interested in enrolling in the above courses to prepare for admission to the SLP-A Program, should contact Shae Dean at powers4@marshall.edu / 304-696-3577.

In order for students to remain in good academic standing and continue in the program, a GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

Program Requirements

Once admitted to the SLP-A Program, students will adhere to the following curriculum:

Course Requirements For SLP-A Certificate

CD 471: SLP-A Practicum I                                                             3, 1-hour graded credits

CD 471L: SLP-A Practicum Lab                                                     2 hours, non-graded credit

CD 472: Clinical Practicum in Schools                                           3, 1-hour graded credits

CD 472L: School SLP-A Practicum Lab                                         2 hours, non-graded credits

                                                                                      Total:       10 credit hours

Students without a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders are eligible to apply for the certificate program.