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Speech Language Pathology Assistant
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The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Speech Language Pathology Assistant is designed to provide comprehensive academic and practical education and training for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. The program provides curriculum and clinical experience in working with individuals with communication disorders across the lifespan. The program content is aligned with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines and the Arizona State License Statute for Speech Language Pathology Assistants. In addition to work in the classroom, the program provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in working with clients under the direction and supervision of an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. A Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Speech Language Pathology Assistant is also available.
This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Speech Language Pathology Assistant (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3776
Total credits required
61-71
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Admission criteria
Formal application and admission to the program is required. All program prerequisites and admission criteria must be completed prior to submission of application. See Estrella Mountain Community College website for application instructions, materials, and deadlines.
Admission to the Speech Language Pathology Assistant Associate in Applied Science program requires a current and valid Level One Identify Verified Fingerprint (IVP) Clearance Card. Applicants must present a copy of the front and back of the Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card with their application. For a Fingerprint Clearance Card application, contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Applicants must also provide a copy of any official transcripts and a certificate of attendance at a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Orientation.
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
License/Certification Requirements:
Students must meet all applicable state and/or national license and/or certification requirements to practice as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. Please visit state and national governing bodies for specific licensing/certification requirements.
Waiver of License/Certification Guarantee:
Formal admission or graduation from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice as an SLPA. License requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the state and/or national licensing/certifying bodies. Students must satisfy the requirements of the SLPA Practice Act: Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college or school requirements for graduation.
What You'll Learn
- Abide by state and national scope of practice.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in accordance with state and national standards.
- Administer informal screenings and therapy probes to gather data to support a treatment plan.
- Draw conclusions from multiple sources of information to inform the implementation of a treatment plan.
- Execute therapeutic and evidenced-based practices using an understanding of speech, language, voice and fluency disorders under the direction of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
- Identify appropriate technology solutions to meet client needs.
- Document progress toward goals in an established treatment plan.
- Communicate in a culturally responsive manner, demonstrating empathetic and active listening skills.
- Communicate complex information clearly with a purpose appropriate to the context and audience in written and oral forms.
- Produce documentation of services in compliance with regulation and reimbursement requirements.
- Demonstrate the ability to learn from and adapt to changing contexts.
- Select relevant continued professional and personal growth opportunities within the field.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
$41,030
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
- Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLP205 | Introduction to Communication Disorders | Critical course Gateway course | 3 | ||
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| BIO160 or BIO201 or PHY101 or PHY111 |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology or Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Introduction to Physics or General Physics I | NSI, SQ or NSI, SG or NSI, SQ or SQ | 4 | ||
| COM110 | Interpersonal Communication | Critical course | SB | 3 | |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | SB | 3 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLP104 | Speech, Language, and Hearing Development | Critical course | 3 | ||
| SLP210 | Speech and Hearing Anatomy and Physiology | Critical course | 3 | ||
| SLP217 | Clinical Ethics and Documentation | Critical course | 3 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | L | 3 | ||
| MA | Mathematics | MA | 3–6 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLP212 | Language Disorders and Rehabilitation | 3 | |||
| SLP214 | Speech Sound Disorders and Phonetics | 3 | |||
| SLP215 | Speech, Language, Hearing Disorders and Rehabilitation | 3 | |||
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 3–4 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLP218 | Behavior Management | 3 | |||
| SLP240 | Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication | 3 | |||
| SLP242 | Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 | |||
| SLP235AA or SLP235AB |
Speech-Language Pathology Practicum or Speech-Language Pathology Preceptorship | SLP235AA may be repeated for a total of two (2) credit hours. | 2 | ||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 3–4 |
Restricted Electives
Students are required to select two courses from the list below:
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=16457151.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Speech Language Pathology Assistant
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