Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Chante' Nelson, M.S., CCC-SLP, Program Director
256.352.7700
chante.nelson@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (5 semesters)

At a Glance

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants work under the direction of licensed speech-language pathologists to help individuals of all ages improve speech, language, and swallowing skills.

Program Description

The program combines classroom learning with clinical experience to develop practical skills in therapy implementation, data collection, and client interaction.

Graduates of the program are prepared to apply for SLPA licensure and enter the workforce in schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. With strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement, Wallace State’s SLPA program provides a solid foundation for a meaningful career helping others find their voice.

Admission Requirements

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Students must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete program applications accepted between January 6th and April 1st for Summer entry. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
4. The SLPA program online application is located on the program’s webpage at www.wallacestate.edu. Online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration.
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to the online application.
6. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at www.wallacestate.edu see - Physical Form Essential Functions.
7. A minimum of 20 ACT composite score (National, Residual, or Superscore) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to the online program application.
8. Meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.

9. Attain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or better on all general required pre-SLPA courses. GPA calculated for program selection will be on the general required pre-SLPA courses only.
   
   Program application submission, which includes the SLPA program application, copies of unofficial transcripts, and appropriate test scores must be submitted to the SLPA

   Program as a complete packet through the online submission according to the instructions above. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all application materials are submitted to the appropriate offices by the application deadline.

General Qualifications for C-SLPA Certification

Students must satisfy general qualifications for certification in accordance with The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines. ASHA is the board that administers the national certification examination upon completion of an accredited SLPA Program. A candidate for certification by ASHA must meet the ethics education and examination requirements as described in ASHA’s Assistants Code of Conduct. In order to take this examination, you must be of good moral character. Generally, the conviction of a felony or any other offense or misdemeanor, or a felony involving moral depravity indicates a lack of good moral character for ASHA purposes. Please contact the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for advisement if the previous statement applies.

Once approved, eligible candidates must take the C-SLPA exam within 1 year. Applicants who receive a non-passing score may retake the examination two additional times within 1 year of their initial exam and pay a retest fee. If an applicant does not receive a passing score within 1 year of their initial application or does not pass the examination in three attempts, their application will be closed. Individuals who wish to reapply for the C-SLPA may do so by submitting a new application under the standards in effect at the time.

Selection and Notification

1. The SLPA program admits annually in the summer semester.
2. Candidates are ranked for admission on the basis of ACT scores, weighted GPA (GPA x 9), and completion of admission requirements.
3. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Email notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via information supplied on the program application.
4. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond by confirming their intent to enroll by using the internet link provided on their letter, by the deadline indicated in the letter. A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class.
5. In the event of a tie, the following procedure will be followed in the order listed below to determine student acceptance into the program: 1) highest GPA for general education requirements, 2) ACT composite score, 3) date of application submission

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the Speech – Language Pathologist Assistant program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College Catalog.

Upon Admission

1. SLPA students are required to submit an annual physical examination form, including proof of Hepatitis B and other lab results as indicated on the form. Students are expected to retain copies of all paperwork submitted to the program.
2. Students are required to submit proof of current CPR certification. Only CPR courses that provide certification for American Heart Association BLS/ health care providers will be accepted. Online CPR courses WILL NOT be accepted.
3. Malpractice and liability insurance, available through the College, is required of all SLPA students. Health insurance is also required but is not available through the college.
4. SLPA students are required to undergo Background Screening and Drug Testing according to Health Science Division policy.
5. Students must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform WSCC Health Division and SLPA Program Essential Functions (see Health Science Programs of Study in WSCC catalog).

Progression

SLPA students must attain a minimum grade of “C” in all general education and major required courses. Failure to do so in major required courses will result in dismissal from the program. A student in good academic standing will be allowed to apply for readmission only once to the program.

SLPA students are required to exhibit professional behavior at all times. A professional behavior assessment is completed on each SLPA student. A minimal acceptable score of 87 is required each semester by SLPA students. Failure to obtain the minimal acceptable score will result in the probation of the SLPA student with supplemental counseling by an SLPA advisor. If the SLPA student is unable to obtain the minimum required score after counseling, they will be dismissed from the SLPA program.

Readmission to Program

Students whose progression through the SLPA program is interrupted and who desire to re-enter the program must schedule an appointment with an SLPA faculty advisor to discuss re-entry. The student must apply for readmission to the SLPA program within one year from the term of withdrawal or failure. Students who are accepted for readmission may be required to repeat certain classes previously completed.

Readmission may be denied due to, but is not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

1. Failure to possess a GPA of at least 2.5 for all SLPA major and SLPA general education courses.
2. Refusal by fieldwork sites to accept the student for fieldwork experiences.
3. Over 12 months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in an SLPA course.
4. Student has been dismissed from the program.
5. Documented ethical, safety, and professionalism concerns on campus and/or clinical fieldwork.
6. Student has been dismissed from a clinical fieldwork site.

Transfer Policy

1. Unconditional admission to the college with clear academic status.
2. Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
4. No longer than 24 months elapsing from the initial admission term to the date of graduation.
5. Official transcripts verifying a minimum grade of “C” earned on courses which represent collegiate course work relevant to the degree, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent for those matriculating students. Alabama Community College System Standardized Speech Language Pathology Assistant courses will be transferred without review of the course syllabus. Verification of knowledge and/or skills may be required.
6. Eligibility to return to previous Speech Language Pathology Assistant program in good standing.  Students who do not progress through another SLPA program due to grades or disciplinary action are not eligible for transfer. In this situation, a student must apply to the program, and if accepted, must repeat all previous courses.
7. All students transferring into the program must prove competency in all previous coursework as prescribed by the program. If a student cannot prove competency, the request for admission will be denied and the student must apply to the program, and if accepted, must repeat all previous courses.
8. Completion of 25 percent of total required hours for the A.A.S. Degree in Speech Language Pathologist Assistant at an institution conferring degree.

Career Path 

Upon completion of the program, candidates should take the C-SLPA examination to become a certified speech language pathologist assistant. Career opportunities in the state of Alabama include schools, private practice therapy clinics, home health care, and early intervention programs. 

The median annual wage for Speech Language Pathology Assistants was 57,100 in March 2026. The majority of Speech Pathologist Assistant salaries range between 37,200 (25th percentile) to 77,000 (75th percentile). Depending on the location flexible work hours are an option  such as summers off in the school setting, 35-hour work week, etc. 

General Qualifications for C-SLPA Certification

Students must satisfy general qualifications for certification in accordance with The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines. ASHA is the board that administers the national certification examination upon completion of an accredited SLPA Program. A candidate for certification by ASHA must meet the ethics education and examination requirements as described in ASHA’s Assistants Code of Conduct. In order to take this examination, you must be of good moral character. Generally, the conviction of a felony or any other offense or misdemeanor, or a felony involving moral depravity indicates a lack of good moral character for ASHA purposes. Please contact the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for advisement if the previous statement applies.

Once approved, eligible candidates must take the C-SLPA exam within 1 year. Applicants who receive a non-passing score may retake the examination two additional times within 1 year of their initial exam and pay a retest fee. If an applicant does not receive a passing score within 1 year of their initial application or does not pass the examination in three attempts, their application will be closed. Individuals who wish to reapply for the C-SLPA may do so by submitting a new application under the standards in effect at the time.