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Speech Language Pathology Assistant program graduates will:

• Provide quality services as outlined by the supervising SLP in a documented treatment plan
• Complete speech and language screenings without interpretation
• Assist SLP during diagnostic testing if requested by the supervising SLP
• Document progress toward goals in established therapy plan and assist with informal documentation
• Perform clerical duties, assist with departmental operations, and perform equipment maintenance checks as requested by the supervising SLP
• Provide support in research projects, in-servicing, and public relations programs, and collect data for quality improvement
• Exhibit compliance with scope of service
• Exhibit compliance with regulations and reimbursement requirements
• Exhibit professional behavior, ethical conduct, and interpersonal skills when interacting with clients/patients and families, supervisors, and staff
• Assume responsibility for continued professional and personal growth
• Apply for licensure through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations
• Contribute positively to the speech language pathology profession and community

A career in speech language pathology may be right for you if helping people communicate sounds exciting. In addition to a strong desire to help others, the following skills or traits are needed for success in this field:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to be adaptable 
• Interest in and commitment to continued education, even after completion of a degree

In Illinois, the Scope of Service of SLPA is organized by function. Refer to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to view the Illinois Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.

Therapy

• SLPAs may follow a documented treatment plan outlined by an SLP.
• SLPAs may not write, develop, or modify a treatment plan in any way.

Evaluation and Screening

• SLPAs may complete speech and language screenings without interpretation and assist SLP during diagnostic testing.
• SLPAs may not interpret screening results or perform diagnostic testing.

Swallowing

• SLPAs may not complete feeding or swallowing screening, perform diagnostic services related to feeding and swallowing, utilize a check list or tabulate results of a feeding or swallowing evaluation or  demonstrate swallowing strategies or precautions patient, family, or staff.

Documentation

• SLPAs may document progress toward goals in established therapy plan and assist with informal documentation.
• SLPAs may not write, develop, or modify the therapy plan in any way or sign any formal document.

Determination of Need for Services

• SLPAs may not select clients for service, discharge clients from service or make referrals for additional service.

Counseling and Conferencing

• SLPAs may not counsel the client or family, consult with client, family, or others regarding status or service, disclose information (verbal or written) to anyone not designated by SLP or participate in any conferencing activity without the presence of an SLP.

Clerical/Miscellaneous

• SLPAs may perform clerical duties, assist with departmental operations, perform equipment maintenance checks provide support in research projects, inservice, and PR programs or collect data for quality improvement.

Ethics

• SLPAs must exhibit compliance with scope of service and exhibit compliance with regulations and reimbursement requirements.
• SLPAs may not represent himself/herself as an SLP.

Workplace Behaviors

• SLPAs must relate to clients/patients in a supportive manner, follow supervisor’s instructions, maintain confidentiality and other appropriate behaviors,  communicate in oral and written forms and follow health and safety precautions.

A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is an individual who has earned a master's or doctoral degree in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. He or she has completed a nine-month fellowship, referred to as the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), received his or her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCCs) from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and has been licensed by the state(s) in which he or she practices. The SLP provides diagnostic services, develops plans of intervention, and provides direct therapy or consultative services for individuals with communicative, cognitive or swallowing deficits. Entry-level salaries for ASHA-certified SLPs are approximately $45,000 for those on a academic contract year (9 to 10 months) and $52,000 for those on a calendar year contract (11 to 12 months).

Guidelines for the use of support personnel in Speech Language Pathology were formally instituted by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in 1969. However, support personnel functioned under a multiple of different titles and varied widely in terms of training. The formalization of the SLPA profession in terms of education, training and scope of service is a recent addition to the speech language pathology landscape, with national and Illinois state guidelines being finalized in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

SLPAs can work in a multitude of settings and provide services for a wide variety of individuals. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of SLPA graduates from COD are employed working with children, specifically in the early intervention system. In 2005, credentialing through the early intervention system (which provides services for children age birth to three years) became available for licensed associate-level SLPAs. Since that time, the early intervention system has become a significant employment resource for our graduates. Graduates have also found employment in educational and pediatric clinical settings. Job opportunities in hospital settings or caring for adult patients are limited at this time, secondary to reimbursement issues.

Refer to SLPA Admission Packet for admission criteria.

As stated in the SLPA Admission Packet, a student should apply to the program while he/she is completing his/her prerequisite SLPA courses. All application materials are due by the application deadline date.