Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program Review Presentation April 13, 2011

SLPA Program Description The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program is a new degree program on the campus of American River College – with it’s launch in Fall 2008. Speech-Language Pathology Assisting is an allied health specialty whose practitioners are trained to provide therapeutic intervention under the supervision and guidance of licensed and/or credentialed speech-language pathologists. The SLPA students complete their 42 units of required coursework (plus the additional college requirements) and are eligible for their AS degree. Brief Description of your program. Who are you? One Slide, 2 minutes

SLPA Program Description (cont.) The SLPA students end their educational experience in the community working at two fieldwork placement sites accruing a minimum of 162 hours of clinical fieldwork experience – more than double the state requirement. The SLPA Program Coordinator provides assistance with completion of requirements for the registration process with the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Licensing Board. The SLPA Department includes one full-time faculty with 16+ years experience as a speech-language pathologist.

SLPA Program - Strengths Timing and Cost Effectiveness Personalized attention for the students Strong college support – ECE, CDC Strong SLPA Advisory Board The forming of partnerships within the community Being one of two Board-Approved SLPA programs in Northern California Financial support through VTEA funding and lottery monies Being recognized from the American River College Foundation as a featured program for Autumn Gold 2010

Program -- Challenges Space Lack of Coordinator time to build rapport within the community Publicity and information of the career SLPA Program is still on the learning curve with respect to accreditation and college responsibilities Distinguishing between BA/BS level and AA/AS level SLPAs

Planning Implications Continue to make modifications of curriculum per SLPA Advisory Committee recommendations and SLP community. Maintain positive relations with the SLPAHADLB and stay current with SLPA registration process/procedures Industry trends Program specific SLOs Continue to address issues of under represented students in the SLPA field Resource allocations supporting these objectives: continued Perkins funding