Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
10 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
SLPA 118 Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology Assisting
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Overview of the field of speech-language pathology, professional standards, legal and ethical issues, and scope of responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist and the speech-language pathology assistant in health care and educational settings.
SLPA 119 Speech-Language and Hearing Development Across the Life Span
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will learn about typical speech, hearing, and language development across the lifespan. Topics will include the differentiation of typical from disordered communication and communication development in bilingual populations.
SLPA 120 Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Management and Procedures
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: SLPA 118
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will learn the organizational and functional skills required in the speech-language pathology workplace. Topics include interdisciplinary and supervisory relationships, client and public interaction, safety issues, technical writing, data collection, record keeping, and computer applications.
SLPA 150 Observation of Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Practices
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 28 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: SLPA 118 and
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in: SLPA 160
- Transfers to
- CSU
Beginning clinical observation of practices and procedures required in speech-language pathology. Students will be required to complete 25 hours of directed observation meeting the California professional and vocational regulation for the educational preparation of a speech-language pathology assistant.
SLPA 160 Introduction to Communicative Disorders and Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will provide students with an introduction to disorders of communication, including classification, prevalence, assessment and remediation of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders in children and adults. The role of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist in educational and medical settings will also be presented.
SLPA 170 Introduction to Phonetics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of the articulatory foundations of the description and classification of speech sounds. Introduces the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), physiological properties of the speech-producing mechanism, and practice using the IPA for broad and narrow transcription. Emphasis will be on Standard American English along with comparison to the sound system of other languages and disordered speech.
SLPA 180 Speech-Language Pathology Screening Processes and Intervention Procedures
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: SLPA 120 and SLPA 150 and SLPA 160
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will learn general principles and practices regarding the screening and intervention processes and procedures used for the treatment of individuals with communication disorders.
SLPA 190 Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Clinical Fieldwork I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: SLPA 120 and SLPA 150 and SLPA 160 and Application to SLPA Department Coordinator required the semester prior to enrollment; current negative TB clearance; current CPR and First Aid certification; fingerprinting and background check may be required and
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in: SLPA 180
- Transfers to
- CSU
Beginning application of supervised clinical practice as required of a speech-language pathology assistant in a professional setting. The speech-language pathology assistant student will complete clinical hours under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist in accordance with requirements established by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board for registration as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
SLPA 200 Adult and Geriatric Communication Disorders
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: SLPA 160
- Transfers to
- CSU
Speech, language, and hearing disorders experienced by the adult and geriatric populations. Introduction to the assessment tools and treatment strategies used to treat acquired disorders such as adult aphasia, dysarthria, and hearing loss.
SLPA 250 Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Clinical Fieldwork II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: SLPA 180 and SLPA 190 and student submission of a SLPA Fieldwork application to the Department Coordinator is required a semester prior to enrollment; current negative TB clearance; current CPR and First Aid Certification; fingerprinting and background check may be required.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced application of clinical procedures in a professional setting. The speech-language pathology assistant student will complete clinical hours under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist in accordance with requirements established by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board for registration as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.