SLPA 1101
Introduction to Communication Disorders
4 Credit Hours

Students will be introduced to a survey of normal and disordered communication. Development and disorders of speech, language, cognition, and hearing across the age continuum will also be addressed according to etiology, clinical manifestations, and intervention. (4 lecture hours)

SLPA 1105
Phonetics and Phonology
3 Credit Hours

Students will be presented with an overview of the sciences of phonetics and phonology including an exploration of the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism and the mechanics of speech sound production. Other topics will include an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and commonly used diacritics with an emphasis on transcription in clinical settings. (3 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: SLPA 1101 or concurrent enrollment in SLPA 1101 or consent of instructor.

SLPA 1106
Speech Disorders and Intervention Across the Lifespan I
4 Credit Hours

Overview of the etiologies and characteristics of a variety of speech disorders across the lifespan with an emphasis on intervention strategies. Includes an exploration of motor speech disorders, tracheostomies, laryngectomies, organic and functional voice disorders, orofacial anomalies and fluency disorders. Includes a review of neuroanatomy and physiology as it pertains to motor speech disorders and anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism. (4 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program, SLPA 1101, and SLPA 1105, or consent of instructor.

SLPA 1107
Speech Disorders and Intervention Across the Lifespan II
2 Credit Hours

Examination of the potential etiologies and characteristics of articulation and phonological disorders with an emphasis on intervention strategies. Explores sequence and timing of speech sound acquisition. Addresses differences between articulation and phonological disorders in terms of nature and treatment. Includes an introduction to oral motor exercises. (2 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program, SLPA 1101, and SLPA 1105, or consent of instructor.

SLPA 1109
Language Development
3 Credit Hours

Exploration of the components of language and theories of language development. Emphasis placed on the typical sequence and timing of acquisition of language skills from infancy to adolescence. Includes typical changes in language during various stages of adulthood. Addresses issues of dialects and bilingualism. Explores the impact of environment and play on language development and the use of developmentally appropriate toys to encourage language development. (3 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program and SLPA 1101 or consent of instructor.

SLPA 1110
Language Disorders and Intervention Across the Lifespan
4 Credit Hours

Examination of the potential etiologies and characteristics of language disorders across the lifespan with an emphasis on intervention strategies. Addresses delayed/disordered language development in the pediatric population (infancy through adolescence) as well as aphasia, right hemisphere syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and dementia in the adult population. Includes exploration of language-based learning disabilities and language enrichment and literacy programs. Includes a review of neuroanatomy and physiology as it pertains to neurogenic language disorders. (4 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program and SLPA 1109 or consent of instructor.

SLPA 1112
Introduction to Audiology
2 Credit Hours

Overview of the study of audiology. Includes anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, review of audiological screening and assessment, aural pathologies and intervention strategies. Emphasis placed on impact of aural pathologies on communicative development and education as well as identification with hearing impaired/deaf culture. (2 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program and SLPA 1101 or consent of instructor.

SLPA 1301
Sign Language I
3 Credit Hours

Overview of the manual alphabet, numbers and basic sign vocabulary used in American Sign Language (ASL). Emphasis on development of both expressive and receptive signing skills. Explores Deaf history and culture and provides an understanding of the Deaf community. (3 lecture hours)

SLPA 1821
Selected Topics II
1 Credit Hour

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (1 lecture hour)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into program or coordinator approval is required.

SLPA 1822
Selected Topics III
2 Credit Hours

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college Class Schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (2 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into program or coordinator approval is required.

SLPA 1840
Independent Study - Individualized
1-4 Credit Hours

Exploration and analysis of topics within the discipline to meet individual student-defined course description, goals, objectives, topical outline and methods of evaluation in coordination with and approved by the instructor. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (1 to 4 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program and consent of instructor is required.

SLPA 2101
Clinical Methods and Documentation
4 Credit Hours

Exploration of the components of treatment goals, behavior modification, data collection and documentation. Includes instruction in planning a therapy session based upon a written therapy plan, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and effective activities and materials to elicit target behaviors. Explores commonly utilized screening and assessment tools as appropriate in the SLPA scope of service. (4 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program; and SLPA 1106, SLPA 1107, and SLPA 1110; or consent of instructor.

SLPA 2102
Professional Issues and the SLPA
4 Credit Hours

Addresses a wide variety of issues pertinent to the professional life of the SLPA. Explores SLPA scope of service, licensure and registration, workplace skills, ethics, employment settings, team membership and conflict resolution, universal precautions, culturally sensitive practice, and the psychosocial impact of communication disorders. Includes resume writing and interviewing skills. (4 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program; and SLPA 1106, SLPA 1107, and SLPA 1110; or consent of instructor.

SLPA 2104
Augmentative & Alternative Communication
3 Credit Hours

Overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) terminology, symbols, application of low versus high tech devices, and intervention. Includes overview of populations using AAC and issues of motor and sensory impairments. (3 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program; and SLPA 1106, SLPA 1107, and SLPA 1110; or consent of instructor.

SLPA 2112
Clinical Practicum
6 Credit Hours

Supervised clinical experience in two clinical placements, such as health care, clinic or school settings. Addresses development of clinical skills, including professionalism, implementation of prescribed therapy plans, data recording and documentation. Emphasis on developing competencies for ethical and effective Speech-Language Pathology Assistant practice. Requires attendance at assigned clinical sites three days per week. (24 clinical hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to program; and SLPA 2101 and SLPA 2102; or consent of instructor.

SLPA 2301
Sign Language II
3 Credit Hours

Expansion of American Sign Language (ASL) skills learned in SLPA-1301. Emphasis on development of both expressive and receptive conversational skills. Development of syntax skills and enhancement of vocabulary. Addresses Deaf history, culture and community in greater depth. (3 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: SLPA 1301.

SLPA 2860
Internship (Career & Technical Ed)
1-4 Credit Hours

Course requires participation in Career and Technical Education work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. (5 to 20 lab hours)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

Course types: Contemporary Life Skills (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.G.S.)

SLPA 2865
Internship Advanced (Career & Tech Ed)
1-4 Credit Hours

Continuation of Internship (Career and Technical Education). Course requires participation in Career & Technical Education work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. (5 to 20 lab hours)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

Course types: Contemporary Life Skills (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.G.S.)