SLPA License Requirements in California

 

Each state might have different requirements for getting your Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) License. A license in one state does not guarantee a permission to practice as a SLPA in another state.

Here are the steps you need to take in order to become a SLPA in California.

 

EDUCATION

When it comes to education, you have a few different options.

Option 1: Associates degree from a community college or technical training program from an accredited institution. (2 years)
You also need to complete the clinical field work hour requirements before applying for the license.

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or Speech language pathology from an accredited institution.
You also need to complete the clinical field work hour requirements before applying for the license.

Note: if you have a degree in a field other than communication disorders or speech language pathology, you can still complete a SLPA certificate program with required courses.

 

Course Requirements

• Required courses from your institution
• 1 hour ethics course
• 1 hour course in universal safety precautions
• 1 hour patient confidentiality training course
• SLPA education modules – For ASHA – only if required in your pathway

 

Field work hour requirements

Note: Hour requirements might differ slightly based on the SLPA program enrolled.

• 80 hours of direct client services – Under supervision of an SLP
• 20 hours of indirect client services – Under supervision of an SLP

 

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT APPROVED PROGRAMS (by the board)

• American River College
• Cerritos College
• Orange Coast College
• Pasadena City College
• San Joaquin Delta College
• Santa Ana College
• Reedley College

SLPA programs from a 4-year college:

• State University of Chico
• California State University of Sacramento
• San Francisco State University
• San Jose State University
• California State University of Northridge
• California State University of Los Angeles
• California State University of Long Beach
• Chapman University
• California State University of Fullerton
• Loma Linda
• California Baptist University
• University of Redlands
• California State University of San Marcos
• San Diego State University

 

Application checklist

1. 2×2 passport quality photograph along with the application
2. $50 check or money order to the Board, made payable to SLPAHADB
3. Official transcript sealed in an envelope by the institution
4. Photocopy of diploma
5. Verification form for completed field work hours
6. Fingerprint – Live scan
7. Supervisor Responsibility Statement – required after SLPA registration is issued. Must be submitted within 30 days.