Degree Programs

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Track

The ULM Speech-Language Pathology Program offers an online course, SPLP 4076, for individuals interested in pursuing a provisional Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) license.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants work under the supervision of an ASHA certified and Louisiana licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. With opportunities to practice in schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, Head Start programs, private clinics, and other sites that treat individuals with communication disorders, the SLPA can have an economically beneficial health career.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to apply for a provisional Speech Language Pathology Assistant license through the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA). With a provisional license they will then be eligible to pursue full Louisiana SLPA licensure and ASHA accreditation through LBESPA and ASHA.

This course is competitively limited to ten applicants, who must meet the following requirements:

1. Earned Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or the equivalent.

2. Overall college GPA of 2.75 from all universities attended.

3. Uncorrected GPA of 3.0 in all Speech-Language Pathology courses.

4. “A” or “B” in the following courses or their equivalents:

a) SPLP 1052 (Speech and Language Acquisition)

b) SPLP 4001 (Phonetics)

c) SPLP 4007 (Phonetics lab) if applicable

d) SPLP 4028 (Articulation Disorders)

e) SPLP 4033 (Language Pathology)

5. Has identified an individual who is currently ASHA certified, has worked full-time and held the Certificate of Clinical Competence for a year or more, and holds a valid SLP license from Louisiana or an applicable state.

6. The Speech-Language Pathologist has agreed to supervise the applicant for a total of 100 clinical hours (25 observation hours; 75 direct contact hours) within the semester of enrollment. Of the 100 hours obtained, 25 should be obtained through observation of assessment and therapy. The remaining 75 hours should be obtained through direct patient/client contact. No simulation experiences will be accepted. The 75 hours of direct patient/client contact should be obtained in the following categories: 

1. 1. minimum of 20 hours in speech disorders; 
   2. minimum of 20 hours in language disorders; 
   3. the remaining 35 hours may be obtained in the areas of speech, language or hearing disorders. A maximum of 5 of these hours may be in the area of audiology. It is recommended that a minimum of 20 hours be obtained in articulation.  

If accepted into the course, the student must apply to ULM as an Undeclared major. Course registration information will be provided after the instructor receives proof of admission.

Accepted applicants will be required to pay for and pass a background check and drug screening prior to December 5 (for spring semester applicants); August 15 (for fall semester applicants). Failed test and/or screening will negate the student’s eligibility to continue in the course.

Application information and documents are available here: 4076 Application PDF

DUE DATES: October 10: spring semester enrollment; May 1: fall semester enrollment