Speech-language Pathology Assistant Program Student Handbook

I. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA. Academic Prerequisites1. All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to submitting anapplication. Transcripts documenting completed coursework should besubmitted with the application packet.2. Students must have completed coursework that satisfies the Reading, Writing,and Math proficiencies for the Associate of Science degree-Plan A prior tosubmitting their application.3. Students must have completed the following courses or equivalent with agrade of “C” or higher prior to submitting their application:a. General Education-Natural Science Requirement: A&P 120 (HumanAnatomy & Physiology) OR Anatomy 150: (Human Anatomy)b. General Education-Humanities Requirement: ASL 110 (American SignLanguage I)c. CD 110 (Child Development)d. CDSE 150 (Introduction to Children with Special Needs)e. CD 139 (Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of ChildhoodBehavior)f. SLP 101 (Introduction to Communication Disorders)g. SLP 105 (Speech and Language Development in Children)4. Course acceptance and equivalency is based on a transcript review by a HealthOccupations counselor. Recency of speech-language pathology courseworkshould not exceed 6 years.5. Prior to submission of their application, students must have obtained: A minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college coursework,A minimum of a “C” grade in each prerequisite course, andA minimum overall 2.5 GPA for all prerequisite courses6. Graduates with foreign or Bachelor degrees in Speech-Language Pathology,Communication Sciences, or Communication Disorders will not be given priority.Recency of course work still applies. All foreign bachelor degrees must beverified by a Cerritos College approved agency at the student’s expense.**To submit an application to the SLPA Program, please see updated applicationsubmission information on the SLPA website at: https://www.cerritos.edu/slpa orcontact the department chair at smcdonald@cerritos.edu for more information**CC SLPA Handbook8rev. 12/2020

Application forms and instructions on how to submit forms are posted on the SLPA website at:https://www.cerritos.edu/slpa. The deadline for application will be posted on the webpage andapplication forms for that application cycle. The program reserves the right to adjustapplication deadlines and application processes as needed.Once a student has submitted an application, their application will be reviewed by the SLPAdepartment and related Cerritos College staff. If students meet the prerequisite courseworkand GPA requirements, they will be entered into a pool and students will be selected using arandom, computerized lottery. Please see the excerpt from the Cerritos College catalogregarding the selection procedures:II. SELECTION PROCEDURESA. All required documents, including the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Programapplication, and all official college transcripts must be in possession of the HealthOccupations Division Office by the identified deadline on the SLPA website(https://www.cerritos.edu/slpa).B. Students will be entered into an eligibility pool if they have:1. Completed the prerequisite coursework, reading, writing, and mathproficiencies2. A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college coursework3. A minimum of a “C” grade in each prerequisite course, and a minimum overall2.5 GPA for all prerequisite courses3. Submitted all required documents (i.e., transcripts, completed applicationforms, and course descriptions if seeking equivalency for classes taken atanother college)C. Application packets will be reviewed after the deadline. Eligible applicants will beselected by a randomized lottery system. All applicants will be notified of their statususing the contact information provided in their application.Students will be notified via email about their admission status and will be given a timeframe inwhich to respond. There is no waitlist or priority given to any students.REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY TO PROGRAMUpon acceptance, students will be notified by the department about required clearanceprocedures and documents that must be submitted prior to beginning the Associate’s program.These are designed to ensure students meet the minimum health and safety requirementsrequired for placement sites and the state licensing board. The following is an example of whatCC SLPA Handbook9rev. 12/2020

may be required (subject to change depending on federal, state, and local mandates as well asindividual site requirements): Intake formResumeAmerican Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Providers)Immunizations (MMR, varicella, Tdap, others as needed)TB test (required at least annually)Background checkHandbook signature pageSites may require a drug test, interview, fingerprinting (DOJ/FBI Livescan), and/or other healthinformation from the student prior to their clearance at their sites. All of the items required forclearance are at the expense of the student.Upon admission and submission of the required documentation, students will be required tocoursework and credits to complete the Associate of Science degree requirements. Even if astudent has a bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree in speech-languagepathology/communicative disorders and/or an associate’s degree in another major, they willstill be required to submit a petition for an Associate’s degree in SLPA in their last semester.This is also required for the state license application as a SLPA.Below lists all of the course and credit requirements for the Associate of Science degree:ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTSI. PREREQUISITE COURSES:A. The following courses (or their equivalents) must be completed prior to application to theprogram with a grade of “C” or higher:A&P 120ASL 110CD 110CD 139CDSE 150SLP 101SLP 105Human Anatomy & PhysiologyAmerican Sign Language IChild DevelopmentObservation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood BehaviorIntroduction to Children with Special NeedsIntroduction to Communication DisordersSpeech and Language Development in ChildrenB. Successful completion of coursework that satisfies the Reading, Writing, and Mathproficiencies for the Associate of Science degree--Plan A prior to submitting an application tothe program.CC SLPA Handbook10rev. 12/2020

II. REQUIRED COURSESFIRST SEMESTER*SLP 108Introduction to Phonetics*SLP 125Child Disorders and TreatmentUNITS358SECOND SEMESTERSLP 235Adult Disorders and TreatmentSLP 241Clinical Experience I*Prerequisites for SLP 235 & SLP 24152.57.5THIRD SEMESTERSLP 230Introduction to Augmentative and AlternativeCommunication*Prerequisite is SLP 125SLP 246Clinical Experience II*Prerequisites are SLP 241 & 235TOTAL PROGRAM DEGREE UNITS:1.52.5419.5ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:Students must complete a minimum of 60 semester units to include (1) the prerequisitecoursework, (2) the required SLPA Program courses, (3) the Associate in Science degree generaleducation requirements and proficiencies (including the American History or AmericanGovernment, Health and Wellness, and Communication and Analytical Thinking proficiencies),and (4), all classes with a grade of “C” or better in all courses required by the major.Remaining Open Enrollment studentsStudents who previously attended or began the Cerritos College SLPA program as an ‘openenrollment’ student (prior to Fall 2019) must communicate directly with the Department Chairabout their desire to re-enter or continue the SLPA program. Students who have had more than1 academic year break in their attendance to the college will be required to adhere to the newcatalog requirements and to apply to the program.Students who have maintained active enrollment but have not completed all of the SLPAcoursework will need to meet with the SLPA department chair to review their transcript. Thestudent will need to submit an application form with the next round of applications to providethe needed information and ensure a spot in the new cohort (or be added to classes asavailable and appropriate for this student’s academic progression).Students who feel they meet prerequisite requirements for a course may fill out a requisitechallenge form, available in Admissions and Records.CC SLPA Handbook11rev. 12/2020

PROGRAM OBJECTIVESThe SLPA Program endeavors to cultivate the following in its student population: Awareness and advocacy of communication disorders across the lifespanKnowledge and appropriate use of professional language used in the screening, assessment, andintervention of individuals with communication disordersCompetency in application of clinical procedures, principles, methods, and techniques/strategiesin the clinical environmentAdherence to the SLPA Scope of Practice, health and safety precautions, professional conduct,and ethical practices as mandated by the California SLPAHAD Board and the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing AssociationSTUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Identify skills that are within and beyond the Scope of Practice for a SLPA as identified inthe California State Licensing Board and the American Speech-Language-HearingAssociationDemonstrate a fundamental knowledge of normal and disordered communication,etiologies, and implications on development and quality of lifeDemonstrate professional and courteous behavior during interactions with CerritosCollege instructors, Cerritos College staff, clients, supervisors, families, and staff onplacement sitesDisplay punctuality and adherence to time schedulesRespond appropriately to client, caregiver, and staff’s emotional states and/or behaviorsPresent a well-groomed appearance in accordance with a mandated dress codeMaintain client records and information in accordance with confidentialityregulations/codes (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA)Identify self as a SLPA (intern) verbally and non-verbally to clients, families and staff(e.g., wears badge on-site at all times)Follow Universal Precautions and proper safety techniques and procedures at all sites(e.g., sign-in/sign-out, emergency drills)Receive constructive criticism in a positive manner and implement directives andsuggestionsSelf-evaluate own performance realisticallyAssist with clerical tasks and departmental operationsCollect data regularly during intervention to monitor client progress and theeffectiveness of interventionSubmit treatment documentation of all therapy sessions with accurate data and clientinformation by deadline required by siteManage time effectively during clinical and non-clinical hours to complete requiredtasksImplement the training protocol and treatment plans as directed by the supervising SLPCC SLPA Handbook12rev. 12/2020

Seek clarification from SLP as needed in order to effectively implement screening ortreatment protocolsUtilize resources to learn more about a particular topic or disorder as neededPrepare and maintains accurate and legible client/patient records in accordance withSLP guidelinesAdjust language and materials appropriately for the client’s developmental age,communication style, physical skills, cognitive level, cultural values, linguisticbackground, and communication disorderUse professional terminology correctly in communication with the supervising SLPImplements evidence-based therapeutic techniques when providing intervention withthe client/patientUtilize data to identify client progress and current levelsManage on-task and off-task behaviors of clients in individual and group treatmentappropriatelyThese outcomes are integrated into the Clinical Competencies listed in the FieldPlacement/Clinical Experience Policies and Procedures.TECHNICAL STANDARDS/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSSpeech-Language Pathology AssistantThe following listing has been prepared to assist you in understanding the technicalstandards of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program in order to affiliate in theclinical agencies and ultimately practice the profession. The technical standards as statedherewith are not conditions of admission to a program of study. Rather they reflectperformance abilities that are necessary for a student to successfully complete therequirements of the specific Health Occupations program.The purpose of this document is to notify prospective Speech-Language PathologyAssistant students of these technical standards to enable them to make an informeddecision regarding enrollment in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program atCerritos College.The delivery of safe, effective speech and language intervention requires that studentsbe able to perform functions related to the technical standards outlined here. The inabilityof a student to perform these functions may result in the student being unable to meetcourse objectives and to progress in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program.Additionally, if a student is unable to perform these required competencies, the studentmay post a risk of harm to the client(s) for whom care is provided.CC SLPA Handbook13rev. 12/2020

All applicants meeting the appropriate academic requirements shall be consideredequally for admission to the Cerritos College or any academic program regardless of race,color, religion, sex, marital status, beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, age, orphysical or mental disability.A. Technical Standard/Essential Function: COGNITIVE ABILITYDescription: Demonstrate ability to apply therapeutic principles and research/evidence-basedtherapy methods in therapeutic/educational settingExhibit critical thinking skills to respond to unexpected events and to solve problemsefficientlyExhibit awareness of, and the ability to work with, diverse learnersExhibit ability to reflect on his/her own practice and seek opportunities for professionalgrowthExhibit ability to analyze data to determine mastery of treatment objectives/goalsExhibit ability to function effectively under stress and time constraintsExhibit ability to organize time to allow for adequate preparation for client therapysessionsExhibit sound judgment and safety precautionsExhibit ability to identify ethical and unethical situationsDemonstrate critical-thinking ability sufficient for collecting, analyzing, and integratinginformation and knowledge in order to make safe judgments and decisions thatpromote positive learning outcomes and professional behaviorExhibit ability to follow policies and procedures required by employers andacademic/clinical settingsExamples of Activities (not all-inclusive): Plan therapy sessions that are based on children’s developmental abilities and inspiredby their interestsDemonstrate ability to adjust to daily changes in client’s abilities/behaviorsUse probes to monitor treatment progressAnalyze data to determine treatment progressOrchestrate the environment and routines to promote relationship and optimal learningactivitiesIdentify and embrace individual and cultural differences and exceptionalitiesContinue professional growth to maintain SLPA license and remain current in the fieldFollow behavioral plans to maintain the safety of studentsFollow code of ethics as prescribed by the state licensing board and American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (ASHA)Demonstrate ability to assist accurately with all student care duties per employer’sprocedures.CC SLPA Handbook14rev. 12/2020

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability during new or unusual situationsB. Technical Standard/Essential Function: COMMUNICATION ABILITYDescription: Demonstrate ability to read, comprehend, and use professional languageDemonstrate clear, concise, and professional writingDemonstrate ability to adjust verbal and nonverbal language appropriately to meet theneeds of multilingual and culturally diverse clientele and familiesDemonstrate ability to provide accurate verbal and nonverbal models of the EnglishlanguageExamples of Activities (not all-inclusive): Create therapeutic lesson plans based on treatment plans client’s goalsSearch for and review current research on an intervention method or disorderFollow the instructions correctly to administer speech and language screening toolsGenerate treatment progress updates both verbally and in written formDocument treatment objectives and data accurately on log formsConsider cultural and linguistic background of child and family when planningtherapeutic sessions, developing relevant therapeutic materials and when interpreting(if bilingual)Distinguish between the speech sounds of the English language and say them accuratelyas a model for the clientCreate example syllables, words, phrases, and sentences using standard Englishstructures, and phonology rules for therapy materials and activitiesC. Technical Standard/Essential Function: INTERPERSONAL/INTRAPERSONAL SKILLS &BEHAVIORSDescription: Demonstrate emotional stability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with avariety of personalitiesDemonstrate emotional and psychological stability sufficient to function under stress andto adapt to ever-changing situationDemonstrate ability to behave in a professional manner and follow the ethical standardsof the fieldDemonstrate ability to maintain client/patient confidentialityDemonstrate evidence of cultural competenceExamples of Activities (not all-inclusive): Defer to supervising SLP when approached to perform skills outside scope of practiceDemonstrate empathy for patients and peers, exhibit sensitivity to the needs of others,and treat all with dignity and respectCC SLPA Handbook15rev. 12/2020

Maintain composure during unexpected and difficult situations inside and outside theclassroomFollow any established behavior plans for clientRespond positively and professionally to supervisor feedbackConsider ethical standards to inform decisions and to guide professional behaviorDemonstrate sensitivity to, interest in, and respect for, the individual differences of eachclientMaintain confidentiality in compliance with local state, national, and federal regulations(e.g.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT PROGRAM . STUDENT HANDBOOK . Health Occupations Division 11110 Alondra Boulevard Norwalk, California 90650 (562)860-2451 . PROGRAM ACCREDITATION . Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Licensing Board (916)263-2666 . www.speechandhearing.ca.gov rev. 12_2020