Bachelor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
The Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate program offers a pre-professional bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders. Training focuses on a broad-based education with emphasis on: the sciences, anatomy and physiology, psychology, development of audition, language and speech, principles of hearing science, technical instrumentation and problem solving. Students learn about individuals with communication disorders due to head injury, stroke, ear disease, noise exposure, vocal disease and misuse, autism, developmental delays, brain injury, genetics and many other issues. Additionally, students will explore the science behind how we talk, formulate language, hear and process our auditory environment, as well as how to diagnose, treat, and prevent communication disorders. Students who have interests in medical fields, applied sciences, psychology, acoustics, music or education are encouraged to consider audiology and speech-language sciences.
The degree program can be modified to serve as an excellent undergraduate foundation for entry into master's degree programs in Special Education, Rehabilitative Counseling, Public Health or Gerontology. Students interested in pursuing this option should see their advisor.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certificate Program
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) work with students with communication challenges in public school settings under the supervision of an ASHA qualified and nationally certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPAs have a significant role in enhancing the quality of services for children and adolescents who need support for speech, communication, reading, and writing. They collaborate with SLPs to provide therapy services, prepare for sessions, work with clients, families, andstaff, perform administrative tasks, and engage in prevention activities. They serve a growing, diverse client base and an expanding scope of practice in Speech-Language Pathology.
The program at UNC was developed to address shortages of qualified personnel to extend services to special education students, especially in high needs districts and rural areas in Colorado. This was accomplished through collaboration with our consortium partners at University of Colorado at Boulder and Metro State University. The program is competitive and requires complete applications in electronic format.
Certification Requirements
This certificate program meets and exceeds certification requirements of the Colorado Department of Education and ASHA. Work opportunities for SLPAs vary by state with some states not permitting the use of SLPAs. Check with ASHA and State Departments of Education and Health to determine certification requirements and employment opportunities for SLPAs.
This certificate is appropriate for individuals with a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), those who are currently completing a bachelor’s in CSD (juniors and seniors who have taken clinical methods), or those who have completed or are completing equivalent leveling coursework (24 credit hours) through an approved CSD department.
|
Requirements |
UNC SLPA Program |
CO Dept of Ed |
ASHA |
|
Undergraduate |
BA/BS in CSD OR juniors/seniors pursuing BA/BS in CSD who have completed clinical methods OR BA/BS in any major + 24 leveling credits in CSD |
Bachelor's in SLPA OR Bachelor's (in any major) + 24 CSDcredits |
Bachelor's OR Associate's + 18-24 CSD credits |
|
SLPA Coursework |
ASLS 473: SLPA Seminar and Field Experience
|
|
AHSA Modules in SLPA roles & responsibilities |
|
Clinical Fieldwork |
ASLS 473: SLPA Seminar and Field Experience
Minimum 100 hours direct services and minimum 44 hours indirect/observation |
100 hours minimum |
100 hours minimum |
|
Observations |
20 indirect hours minimum |
|
20 indirect hours |
|
Assessments |
Pass course with minimum grade C and receive a score of at least “meets expectations” in all areas of clinical knowledge/skills as assessed by the clinical supervisor |
Approved SLPA program certificate of completion |
Passing of ASHA Assistant Exam |
Required Prerequisite Courses
SLPA certification requires 24 credits of undergraduate coursework in SLP. UNC's SLPA program does not include the 24 credits of undergraduate coursework. If you have not taken the required undergraduate courses, see ASHA’s EdFind or UNC's prerequisite/leveling course for options to complete the needed coursework.
Non-UNC students must complete all undergraduate prerequisites prior to starting the SLPA certificate program. UNC seniors may take one remaining prerequisite course concurrent with the SLPA program enrollment during their last semester prior to graduation. Students must receive a grade of C or higher and receive a score of at least “meets expectations” in all areas of clinical knowledge/skills as assessed by the clinical supervisor to meet SLPA certification requirements. Preference for in-state students and especially qualified students in rural areas is given. A specific number of seats are reserved for Colorado students who qualify and are sponsored by BOCES to participate in the program. Out-of-state students are considered only if they can arrange a local internship in a public school setting with the CCC- SLP credentials.
Thank you for your interest in the SLPA course. The application window for Fall 2024 has closed. The application for Fall 2025 will open in early 2025.
Please contact Fawn Gold for more information.
