Online SLPA Programs: 5 Top Picks for 2024

Do you enjoy working on a team, have empathy, and want to be of service to others?

If so, there’s a fast-growing role that might be right for you. Consider becoming a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). A speech-language pathology assistant certificate program online can be your ticket to an exciting new career. The Mayo Clinic reports that between five to ten percent of the US population has some form of communication disorder. All things considered, these numbers add up.

As an SLPA, you assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in treating people’s speech and swallowing problems. In short, SLPAs perform screening, do essential clerical work, and deliver treatment plans. You can work in a number of places, such as hospitals, schools, nursing facilities, and even people’s homes.

You can earn a certificate from the comfort of anywhere with WiFi. This is because many programs have fully online programs. In this article, we will take a deeper look at different SLPA certification programs online, and how to find the best one for you.

Article Navigation: Types of Online SLPA Programs | 5 Best Schools for Online SLP Assistant Certificates | Certificates vs Certification for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants | Accreditation for Online SLPA Programs | Is Getting an Online SLP Assistant Certificate Worth it? | Get Started on an Online SPLA Program Today!

Types of Online SLPA Programs

There are many online SLPA programs to choose from. All program types are springboards to a future SLPA career. To be clear, your prior education will determine which programs you can enroll in. Each program type can bring you closer to SLPA licensure. For state licensure, graduates need at least a two-year associate degree from an accredited SLPA program. With this in mind, you may need more schooling after earning a certificate before you can apply for state licensure. This depends on how much SLPA technical training you’ve had. In addition, licensure boards generally require 100 hours of clinical experience. Fortunately, most certificates from any level can meet this need.

SLPA Online Associate

An online associate SLPA program is generally the most accessible. As a matter of fact, students often only need a high school diploma. Many associates are from community colleges or trade schools. The goal of these programs is to give students a solid introduction to SLPA topics. No prior experience is needed, and you can transfer credits to complete a two-year SLPA degree online. Sample courses include Speech & Language Development, during which students learn the foundations of audiology, observation, and phonetics. Students should check for in-person clinical requirements, just in case.

Undergrad Certificate in SLPA

Application requirements vary. Offered at 4-year colleges, these programs may only admit applicants with a completed or in-progress bachelor’s degree. This online SLPA certificate program has coursework similar to an associate program. Once you receive a credential, credits can transfer to a bachelor’s level SLPA degree online. You’ll learn about ethical behaviors, treatment plans, and language disorders. Classes like Speech and Language Acquisition may be in your course segment.

SLPA Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

This program type offers a higher level of education compared to undergrad or associate certificates. Generally, a bachelor’s degree and prior SLPA coursework is required. Students take advanced coursework in Anatomy, Communication Disorders, and Language Development. They also complete in-person fieldwork to fulfills licensure criteria. These certificates prepare graduates to become effective SLPAs. This certificate is also an entry point for a master’s program. However, the coursework does not transfer toward that degree.

Online Graduate Certificate in SLPA

Prerequisite courses often are required. A bachelor’s degree is necessary to apply. Graduate certificates offer the most advanced curriculums compared to other certificates. Preferred candidates should already have undergrad SLPA courses under their belt. For example, Introduction to Clinical Methods, or Hearing and the Impact on Speech and Language are core courses. Internships and other hands-on experiences are common, taking place in SLPA settings. If clinical hours are included, graduates can continue their studies to earn a master’s degree or apply for state SLPA licensure. At this point, you’re close to earning a master’s degree and upgrading your title to an SLP.

5 Best Schools for Online SLP Assistant Certificates

Here is our list of the best online SLPA programs. Take your goals to the next level with any of these options, which offer the same quality education as on-campus classes.

1. Calvin University

   Certificate: Certificate in Speech & Hearing Foundations
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $625 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

   Calvin University has a fully online SLPA certificate program. This affordable online program teaches core skills like language acquisition and auditory training. These skills qualify you for entry-level roles in the field. Its credits also serve as prerequisites for a master’s degree, bringing you closer to SLP licensure.

   The 24-credit program has three start dates per year. Since the curriculum balances speech pathology and audiology coursework, it lays the groundwork for a rewarding career. Each of the six classes are eight weeks long. Therefore, you can earn your credential in just one year. Equally important, working students or those with family obligations can learn part-time. Another key point is that this course requires no clinical hours.

   Students of this speech-language pathology assistant certificate program online learn from expert faculty. At the same time, small classes allow for personalized learning.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Speech & Hearing Foundations

    

2. Northern Arizona University

   Degree(s): Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $473 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

   Northern Arizona University’s undergraduate SLPA certificate program online meets Arizona’s educational requirements for support personnel licensure. Once you graduate, you can work under a certified speech-language pathologist. Students gain a base of knowledge in communication disorders, treatment, and screening.

   NAU’s online SLPA certificate program has seven interactive courses. All in all, you’ll earn 21 academic credits. What’s more, they’re transferable to a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Each course has a flexible schedule. Students can take an optional class to earn 100 hours of clinical practicum which meets requirements for licensure in most states. During this time, you’ll need to get in-person supervision and training at a clinical site of your choice. On the positive side, NAU has numerous partnerships to make this process easier. Finally, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) has an NAU chapter, providing excellent networking opportunities.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

    

3. University of Montana

   Degree(s): Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology-Assistant
   Tuition (in-state): $249 per credit hour
   Tuition (out-of-state): $590 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

   Prepare yourself to enrich the lives of others at the University of Montana (UM). This school can boost your education with an SLPA certificate program online with no in-person requirements. The balanced program offers basic training in both audiology and speech-language pathology. Since all 26 units are needed for its higher-level degree, the program can be your entry point toward SLP licensure.

   You will complete nine courses. UM’s SLPA certificate program begins in the fall, with each class packaged in short 8-week modules. Full-time students can earn their credentials in one academic year. The self-paces class format gives students control of their schedule. While clinical practice is not included in this SLPA program online, students will gain expertise due to 25 observation hours. UM also has an NSSLHA chapter for students to acquire important leadership skills.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology-Assistant

    

4. Chemeketa Community College

   Degree(s): Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
   Tuition (in-state): $101 per credit hour
   Tuition (out-of-state): $272 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

   Chemeketa Community College’s SLPA certificate uses a cohort learning model. While being part of a supportive group ecosystem, students build a strong base of skills. These include language therapy, anatomy, physiology, and intervention strategies. The school’s goal is to produce culturally savvy graduates ready to help others with communication disorders. In addition, Chemeketa has one of the most affordable online SLPA programs on offer.

   Most students complete the entire course sequence in five terms. This SLPA certificate program online includes 15 intense courses. Since each covers many in-depth topics, you can only enroll part-time. Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings during in-person fieldwork. Chemeketa matches students with clinical locations near students’ homes. You can use the certificate of completion toward an associate’s degree. Once that’s complete, you can qualify for SLPA licensure in most states.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

    

5. Alexandria Technical & Community College

   Degree(s): Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $211 per credit hour
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

   Begin your SLPA journey at Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC). For one thing, it offers one of the most affordable tuition rates for SLPA programs online on our list. So, you can earn a high-value certificate in one year without breaking the bank. After that, grads from ATCC have the tools to excel in the field.

   The 16-credit program includes six courses that teach SLPA skills to prepare you for the job. Students learn how to maintain medical records. They also hone their skills in communication, speech production, and language disorders. Equally important, all coursework is online.

   Of course, clinical practice is a vital aspect of the speech-language pathology assistant certificate program online. To be sure, students surpass the 100-hour supervision requirement needed in most states to apply for licensure. This builds your confidence and bridges the skill gap needed to get entry-level work. These experiences take place on campus or at an approved clinical facility. Afterwards, you can apply credits toward an ATCC SLPA associate’s degree.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

    

Online Certificates vs Certification for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

There are multiple options for speech-language pathology assistant online programs. Some award certificates, while other programs offer certifications. Both add value to your resume, help you stand out to future employers, and give you technical knowledge.

So, what are the differences? Firstly, certificates come from accredited universities and colleges. You earn credits that stay on your transcripts. You can apply these credits toward programs at countless other schools. Since industry trends constantly evolve, continuing your education even after earning credits is vital. No SLPA work experience is necessary, and some programs only need a high school diploma to apply. SLPA program online coursework offers introductory knowledge. Depending on the level of certificate, you’ll need more education to become a licensed SLPA.

On the other hand, an SLPA certification online goes beyond education, proving that you’ve gained a certain set of skills. In most cases, you need a degree and work experience to apply. Certifications aren’t required. Still, your job prospects improve when you have extra credentials. In other words, think of certifications as a complement to your education.

Professional organizations offer certifications. For example, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the nation’s primary credentialing group. They offer a wide variety of certifications based on your level of work experience. Some are general, while others can prepare you for specific focus areas. Many of ASHA’s certifications are for professionals who have already become speech-language pathologists.

The C-SLPA is the most common SLPA certification online. Also known as the ASHA Assistants Certification, this national certification adds credibility to your resume. It shows employers you know the profession’s best practices. Qualified candidates need at least an associate’s degree and 100 clinical fieldwork hours to be eligible for the exam.

Accreditation for Online SLPA Programs

Accreditation is a top factor of a school’s credibility. It shows commitment and accountability for a student’s success. Fortunately, all programs on our list come from regionally accredited schools. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) are examples of regional accrediting bodies.

Programmatic accreditation goes a step further. This proves the program itself has met rigorous academic standards. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the premier agency to determine an SLPA program’s excellence. The CAA only accredits degree programs, however. So, none of the SLPA programs featured in this article are eligible because they are certificates.

However, Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the University of Montana (UM) have master’s degrees in speech-language pathology with CAA accreditation. An institution’s online SLPA programs often have the same professors, student resources, and a similar learning environment as its degrees.

It is essential to research the requirements in your state. Doing so helps you decide which SLPA online programs are best for your career goals.

Licensure for SLPA Graduates

Each state regulates who can practice as speech-language pathology assistants. Licensure is how professionals can legally work in different states. Although licensing criteria differ in each state, successful candidates must have at least an associate’s degree, 100 hours of supervised clinical practice, have completed ASHA prerequisite coursework, and pass a national SLPA exam. Please note that some states do not allow the use of speech-language pathology support personnel. You must check each state’s licensure board for more information.

Many SLPA programs online can provide the technical coursework and clinical practice hours needed to apply for licensure. Fortunately, SLP assistant programs fulfill a large portion of most associate’s degrees. In addition, schools offering certification programs frequently have a two-year degree in the same field. You can easily use certificate credits to finish an associate of arts degree. A student with a degree in an unrelated field can leverage their previous general education coursework. This can greatly reduce or eliminate the remaining classes you need to earn the degree.

It is essential to research the requirements in your state. Doing so helps you decide which SLPA online programs are best for your career goals.

Typical Admission Requirements for Online SLPA Programs

Admission requirements for online SLPA programs vary between schools. Some schools require a bachelor’s degree from a related field. Meanwhile, some schools accept applicants who are in progress with a bachelor’s degree. Still, other programs are more flexible and admit prospective students with only a high school diploma or GED. Certificate programs require official transcripts, and a minimum GPA may be required as well. Prior work experience, entrance exams, or previous SLPA courses aren’t typically necessary.

Is Getting an Online SLP Assistant Certificate Worth it?

An SLPA program online can launch you to an exciting career in healthcare. You will directly improve people’s lives with skills that are marketable to employers. Without a doubt, many rewarding job openings are available.

Below are three popular job titles to consider, with important data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants have a bright job outlook. Over ten years, the SLPA job market has a projected five to eight percent growth. By comparison, 3% is the national average. Their 2022 median annual salary was $40,420. The most experienced workers earned approximately $61,520 while the lowest made $28,750.

SLP assistant programs can also be a gateway to advanced roles. With a master’s degree and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), professionals can apply for speech-language pathologist licensure. SLPs are in high demand. In fact, this profession has a 19 percent projected job growth and an average salary of $84,140. Top earners made $126,680 and entry-level SLPs earned approximately $56,370.

Texas, California, and New York are the largest SLP employers, so those states likely hire more SLPAs as well. California, Washington DC, and Colorado are the top-paying states for SLPs.

Additionally, numerous accredited SLPA programs include audiology-related coursework in their curriculums. According to Payscale, audiology technicians (assistants) earn a median of $39,000 per year. Top workers make around $52,000, while entry-level professionals earn $31,000. With a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, you can qualify for audiologist roles that earned a median of $82,680 in 2022.

Get Started on an Online SPLA Program Today!

Get enrolled in an online SLPA program today. Your talents will be in high demand. According to ASHA, there is a massive shortage of ASHA-certified SLP providers. Where there’s a need for nationally certified SLPs, there’s a strong market for SLPAs. In truth, their support duties are vital. As a speech-language pathologist assistant, you’re on the front line of helping others grow. In addition, your earning and career potential is high. You can eventually become a certified speech-language pathologist. The information in this article can be your first step toward a fulfilling new career. Many programs are not only fully online, but also affordable, and offer certificate completion in just a year. Now is the best time to make your dreams a reality!