RIVERSIDE (April 22, 2013)--California Baptist University now offers a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) licensing program for students majoring in communication disorders.

Under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP), a SLPA conducts speech-language screening, implements ongoing treatment with a treatment plan developed by the SLP and assists the SLP during assessments.

Dr. Namhee Kim, assistant professor of communication disorders, said the California State Board's approval of the SLPA licensing program will provide students with a venue to use their skills and work as a SLPA while working to complete or get into highly competitive communication disorders master's programs.

"I wanted to provide our students a backup plan, and it was that motivation (that led the department) to pursue the implementation of a SLPA program in communication disorders program," Kim said.

The requirements are currently built into the communication disorders degree curriculum. All students who earn a degree in communication disorders and complete their built-in 126 clinical hours are eligible to register as a SLPA in the state of California upon graduation.

"This allows graduates to work as a SLPA while waiting for entrance into graduate school to become a fully licensed SLP," Kim said. "It is a great opportunity for students."

CBU's Department of Health Sciences started the communication disorders bachelor's program two years ago. Its first class of students will graduate May 4.

For more information regarding SLPAs, visit http://www.asha.org/certification/faq_slpasst/.

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