Apr 24, 2024  
2020-21 Catalog 
    
2020-21 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Option, Disability Specialist, A.S.*


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Program Design

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Option, Disability Specialist associate degree program is designed to prepare graduates for careers working in elementary and secondary schools with children who have communication disorders. SLPAs work under the supervision of a licensed, certified Speech-Language Pathologist. The SLPA option provides students with a specialized career path as a paraprofessional.

The array of courses and programs offered in this option will help to ensure learner success in the program and will meet local and state workforce demands in a field where there is a great need for qualified staff at the assistant level.

The program is designed for individuals currently working as paraprofessionals who wish to become Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, people seeking a career change, and all students interested in a career as an SLPA.

The SLPA option is guided by the program philosophy and mission statement of the Disability Specialist program. Students will receive specific skill instruction to prepare them to become effective SLPAs coupled with a positive value base that will prepare them to assist individuals with disabilities toward the goals of community inclusion and participation and the attainment of their potential.

Curriculum

The SLPA option is a career program and the academic preparation is at the associate degree level. In addition to General Education and other required courses, SLPA option students will complete specialty courses including a supervised internship.

Students may enroll in this program full- or part-time.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Option, Disability Specialist program degree requirements, graduates will

  1. Describe the process of communication and the characteristics of effective communication.
  2. Define the differences between communication disorders and communication differences.
  3. Describe the stages of language and literacy development and distinguish among language delays, language disorders and culturally-based language differences.
  4. Explain and differentiate among the characteristics, etiologies, and impact of phonology, voice, fluency and language disorders.
  5. Explain the effect of hearing loss on the development of communication skills.
  6. Describe the role of the speech language pathology assistant in supporting therapy plans for students in educational settings.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Option Requirements


Total Minimum Credits Required: 60


Note:


*Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. As a part of this merger, modifications will be made to academic programs. Students who do not complete their programs by the end of the Spring 2023 term will be matched with the Connecticut State Community College (CT State) program that most closely aligns with ​the student’s Spring 2023 program and is offered at the current Manchester Community College location. The College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption. Further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page: www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.

Students planning to transfer should take MAT* 165 .

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