Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
The
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has a
position statement and guidelines for training, credentialing,
using, and supervising speech-language pathology assistants.
Speech-language pathology assistants are to be used only to
supplement -- not supplant -- the services provided by
speech-language pathologists.
The
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program is an exciting
new technical health career program that trains SLPAs to assist
Speech Language Pathologists in the treatment of a variety of speech
language disorders in children and adults.
 Imagine
not being able to communicate simple thoughts like "Thank you" or
"Tell me a story". For millions of Americans with speech and
language disorders, this is a reality. For them, words don't come
easily. Speech and language disorders range from stuttering or
extreme hoarseness to an inability to speak or remember words or
simple sounds. Over 14 million Americans have some type of speech
or language disability. These problems can affect anyone of any
age, at any time. Young children can have a language delay that
limits early learning. Older people can suffer a brain injury or
have aphasia following a stroke, leaving them unable to express
their thoughts. People of all ages can stutter or have problems
with their voice.
Speech
and language problems are serious and can isolate us from other
people and frustrate our efforts to learn and grow. SLPAs are a
part of the solution. Under the supervision of a
credentialed/licensed speech language pathologist, SLPAs can provide
proper treatment that will eliminate or minimize the effect of
speech and language disabilities. Tasks performed by SLPAs may
include speech language screenings, following specified treatment
protocol, documentation of client's treatment progress and
communicating with members of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation
team in a school, skilled nursing facility or hospital.
Grossmont
Community College, located in El Cajon, California is launching the
first Speech/Language Pathology Assistant program in San Diego
County. Established in 1961, Grossmont Community College offers a
variety of degrees and certificates from its outstanding Health
Professions Programs that include Cardiovascular Technology,
Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Therapy,
Disabilities Services Management and Orthopedic Technology. The
addition of a SLPA Program seemed to be a natural progression for
the department toward offering exciting, cutting edge career
opportunities to students in San Diego County. Dr. Lois Knowlton,
Dean of the Business and Professional Studies Department, provided
seemingly untiring support to the program. She facilitated the
implementation of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at GCC
and shares speech pathologist Donna Swanson-Perrelet's vision of
this dynamic new career option.
Grossmont's SLPA program offers an Associate of Science degree and
include a strand specifically designed for the bilingual student.
Students will be prepared for successful careers that will include
placements in public schools as well as clinics, hospitals and rehab
facilities. General education courses for the A.S. degree are
selected to supplement SLPA courses, fulfill the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association's guidelines and conform to
California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board licensure
requirements.
SLPA
courses include normal speech/language development, communication
disorders, articulation and phonetics, screening and therapeutic
procedures for pediatric, adult and geriatric populations, as well
as administrative procedures and ethics. Laboratories will provide
'hands-on' practice. Required field placements in a wide variety of
actual work settings will provide students with extensive practical
experience. The program is intended to offer a career ladder to
students. Upon completion of GCC's program, students can either
enter the work force as SLPAs, continue their studies at one of the
California State University campuses, or use their new career to
support their choice of higher education while greatly enriching
their understanding of the field of speech-language pathology.
Grossmont College boasts the fifth highest transfer rate to
four-year colleges and universities among the 107 community colleges
in California.
The
excitement generated by this newly GCC program, both on campus and
throughout the community, has been exceptional.
The program has
received state-level accreditation.
|
Grossmont College
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
Counseling Office
(619)644-7208
Admissions
& Records Office
(619)644-7302,
JoAnn.Faulise@gcccd.edu |
