2026-2027

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Undergraduate Certificate

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

College of Health and Human Services

Communication disorders can arise in childhood, manifest in adulthood, or be caused by trauma. Students in this certificate program will explore the broad scope of history, etiology, anatomy, physiology, and clinical skills pertaining to the role of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.

  • A certificate focuses on practical training and workforce skill development in a particular field.

    To receive an undergraduate certificate of 12 or more units at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Approximately 75 percent of the credits must be earned through coursework at NAU (specific unit requirements may be found in the Details Tab).

    Federal financial aid may not be available for certain certificates when they are completed as standalone programs (i.e., not pursued at the same time as a degree). Refer to the 'Details' tab for more information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 30
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

The overall purpose of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Undergraduate Certificate is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills that will prepare them to work under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the screening and treatment of communication disorders.  Courses provide students with a foundational knowledge of the role of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in the screening and treatment of communication disorders.  Courses provide instruction in the development of communication in children, phonetics, professionalism, ethics, scope of practice for the SLPA, methods of screening for speech, language, and hearing disorders and in following written protocols designed to remediate individual communication disorders.

Completion of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Undergraduate Certificate is not a license to practice as a SLPA.  However, students who complete the certificate will have the necessary coursework to complete clinical practicum experiences and apply for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license in Arizona as well as other states where licensing is available.  Licensing requirements vary by state.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Explain normal development of motor function, cognition, social-emotion, and communication from birth through adolescence.  
  • Describe how anatomy and physiology impact speech, language, and hearing. 
  • Apply the fundamental principles of phonetics to the treatment of speech sound disorders. 
  • Describe characteristics of communication disorders across the lifespan and across culturally and linguistically diverse populations. 
  • Explain typical intervention approaches for common communication disorders across the lifespa
  • Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication through data collection, record keeping, and professional communication.
  • Demonstrate entry-level core technical skills in the role of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in the screening and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. 
  • Summarize the ASHA Scope of Practice as it pertains to professional communication, ethical practice, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary relationships.
  • Explain the distinction between the role of the SLP and the SLPA in service delivery per the ASHA Scope of Practice guidelines and various state licensure board statutes.

Certificate Requirements

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

  • Students enrolled in this certificate may not enroll in or pursue the following:

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.