Speech Language Pathology Assistant

The expected Program Learning Outcomes for this major are:

• Graduates will:
  • meet the educational and clinical requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)
  • meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines for technical proficiency as an SLPA
  • take the certification examination for SLPA
  • recognize and explain the laws and practice guidelines that pertain to the scope of practice of SLPAs, registration as an SLPA in the state of Arkansas and continuing education requirements for maintaining licensure and certification.
  • be able to respond to ethical situations in a manner that is consistent with ASHA’s Code of Ethics.  
  • demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors as a professional team member under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist (SLP)
  • demonstrate skills in provision of direct treatment to diverse clients in multiple settings under the supervision of a SLP including designing evidence-based treatment activities, implementing SLP-developed treatment plans, modifying treatment activities as instructed by the SLP and documenting client behaviors. 
  • demonstrate skills in conducting screenings for speech, language, development, cognition, hearing and oral motor structure and function without clinical interpretation under the supervision of the SLP.  Graduates will assist in completion of relevant case history or other forms under supervision of the SLP.  
  • demonstrate skills in providing administrative support including materials preparation, creation and maintenance of client records, maintaining equipment, maintaining inventory and following safety and infection control procedures.
  • participate in prevention and advocacy efforts at the personal, local, state and national levels to improve access to services and increase awareness about and prevention of communication, developmental and/or swallowing disorders.
  • comply with confidentiality and privacy regulations, reimbursement requirements and the SLPA scope of practice.