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

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

Describe the process of communication and the characteristics of effective communication.
Define the differences between communication disorders and communication differences.
Describe the stages of language and literacy development and distinguish among language delays, language disorders and culturally-based language differences.
Explain and differentiate among the characteristics, etiologies, and impact of phonology, voice, fluency and language disorders.
Explain the effect of hearing loss on the development of communication skills.
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

ENG* 101: Composition 3 Credits (Gen Ed - English )
SLP* 111: Introduction to Speech Language Pathology 3 Credits
PSY* 111: General Psychology I 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Social Sciences )
PSY* 163: Children with Disabilities 3 Credits
Choose any course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Humanities 3 Credits
SLP* 112: Intro to Speech Language and Language Development: Birth to Five 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Social Sciences 3 Credits
SLP* 120: Language Disorders in School-Age Children and Treatment 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Physical and Natural Sciences 3-4 Credits
Subtotal: 15-16
SLP* 121: Phonetics for Speech-Language Pathology 3 Credits
POL* 111: American Government 3 Credits or
POL* 112: State and Local Government 3 Credits
PSY* 183: Learning Process and Disabilities 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - The Arts 3 Credits
Choose any course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
PSY* 184: Assistive Technology Across the Lifespan 3 Credits
ECE* 231: Early Language and Literacy Development 3 Credits
PSY* 193: Issues/Trends in Disabilities 3 Credits
SSC* 294: Cooperative Education/Work Experience 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mathematics 3 Credits^‡
Subtotal: 15

Total Minimum Credits Required: 60

Note:

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. See below for more detail about this exciting transition!

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. Connecticut State Community College (CT State), a statewide college comprised of all Connecticut’s current community college locations, plans to open its doors in the Fall 2023. Here are some important facts students need to know:

the final commencement ceremony for Manchester Community College is scheduled for May 2023. Ceremonies will continue to be held at each location as campuses of CT State.
as a part of the planned merger, students continuing their studies beyond summer term 2023 will be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major and is offered at the Manchester location,
students who begin an Associate degree program in January 2023 will complete their degree at the merged college, Connecticut State Community College,
in all cases, the College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption and staying in touch with your advisor/program coordinator is essential,
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 .