SLPA Training Program

Speech-language Connections for Vermont in partnership with Castleton University’s Center for Schools is offering a speech language pathologist assistant (SLPA) certificate training program with the next cohort scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024. The goal of the program will be to provide individuals with academic learning and practical experience to increase skills to support student learning as an SLPA in a school setting. The program is appropriate for those already working as a paraprofessional supporting speech and language therapy who have had some or no formal training, or for those interested in a position supporting speech and language services and obtaining the SLPA certificate. The training program prepares eligible students for the American Speech-Language Hearing (ASHA) SLPA certification designation. The program is well aligned with the ASHA standards to help participants be prepared for certification.

The program offers 26 undergraduate credits and will extend over three school years. The course sequence (subject to change) includes:

• Fundamentals of being an SLPA (3)

• Language Development (3)

• Anatomy and Physiology for SLPAs (3)

• Intro to Speech & Language Disorders (3)

• Phonetics and Articulation (3)

• Language Disorders (3)

• Assistive Technology & Hearing (2)

• Language and Literacy (2)

• Practicum (4)

Classes are held using a combination of online synchronous, asynchronous, and in-person (depending on the locations of the cohort, course requirements & the instructor). Participants must have documented 25 hours of observation of a speech-language pathologist before starting the program. Participants should have some experience working with with students or with individuals with disabilities, and should have a good working knowledge of technology so as to be able to access classes and course materials online.

For further information contact program director Lisa Durstin at lisa@speechlanguageconnect.com