# Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) courses Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 11 courses Source: https://catalog.mtsac.edu/programs/coursesaz/slpa/ "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Winter 2027. ### SLPA 1A — Introduction to Phonetics, Articulation, and Phonology - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 2A and SLPA 3A and SLPA 4A - **Advisory:** MEDI 90 - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge and skill in the classification, description, and transcription system of the phonetic speech sounds of American-English. Students will learn to transcribe normal, accented, and disordered speech using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for broad transcription. Linguistic variation and regional dialects will be addressed. ### SLPA 2A — Introduction to Communicative Disorders - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 1A and SLPA 3A and SLPA 4A - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable The study of communicative disorders in both children and adults to include classification and prevalence, types of disorders, diagnostic techniques, remediation of speech and language, and treatment protocols. The role of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist are addressed as well as multicultural considerations. This class will also review swallowing disorders (dysphagia), auditory processing disorders, and social-emotional effects of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). ### SLPA 3A — Speech, Language, and Hearing Development: Childhood Through Adulthood - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 1A and SLPA 2A and SLPA 4A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable Typical speech, language and hearing development including acquisition of phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics; communication development in bilingual populations; and differentiation of typical from disordered communication. Study of prevention, assessment and intervention practices for language and literacy disorders in children and adolescents. ### SLPA 4A — Speech Language Pathology Assistant Professional Issues - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 1A and SLPA 2A and SLPA 3A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable An introduction to the Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) career. Professional standards and responsibilities, legal and ethical issues, interdisciplinary and supervisory relations, and management of individuals with speech-language and hearing disorders are emphasized. This course focuses on the specific aspects of an SLPA's development, such as ways SLPA's can enhance clinical service through understanding and implementation of treatment goals, lesson plans, data collection, and note-writing. Key principles in service provision for children and adults with speech and language disorders will also be addressed. ### SLPA 5A — Child Language Disorders and Treatment - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** Lecture: 72, Lab: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 6A and SLPA 9A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable This course focuses on the development and treatment of speech, language and hearing disorders in children. Students will learn causes and characteristics of specific disorders and the elements of assessment and screening tools. Models of service delivery for children in educational and healthcare settings will be discussed. Students will learn and observe therapeutic principles and methods for treating a variety of speech and language disorders in children and will demonstrate these skills through therapy simulations. Treatment documentation and data collection will be introduced. ### SLPA 6A — Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 5A and SLPA 9A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable This course focuses on the classifications, causes, symptoms, and intervention methods of speech and language disorders in adults. Students will learn about service delivery models in a variety of settings that treat these disorders and the role of the Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). Assessment methods and types will be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice therapeutic techniques designed to treat a variety of speech and language disorders in adults. ### SLPA 7A — Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders and Applied Behavioral Analysis - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 10A or SLPA 11A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable This course will provide an overview of the foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) treatment, and evidence-based intervention for treatment. This will include collecting Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) data, and learning operations to increase or strengthen behavior and weaken or decrease behavior. ### SLPA 8A — Screening and Therapeutic Processes - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable Screening procedures and equipment used in evaluation of client status and development of treatment protocols. Therapeutic techniques, use of protocol forms, checklists and anecdotal records for speech, hearing, and language disorders. This course includes an overview of assessments, protocols, and therapeutic procedures used in client protocol applications and in-patient safety issues. ### SLPA 9A — Speech Language Pathology Assistant Clinical Experience 1 - **Units:** 2 - **Hours:** Lab: 108 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 5A and SLPA 6A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable Application of clinical practice procedures and techniques as required of a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). ### SLPA 10A — Speech Language Pathology Assistant Clinical Experience 2 - **Units:** 2 - **Hours:** Lab: 108 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 7A and SLPA 11A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable Advanced application of clinical practice procedures and therapeutic techniques performed under the guidance of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). Client observation, treatment protocols, record keeping procedures, and discussion of case study management issues are also covered. ### SLPA 11A — Fundamentals of Augmentative and Alternative Communication - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** Lecture: 54 - **Corequisite:** SLPA 7A and SLPA 10A - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules - Degree Applicable This course introduces the student to the needs of children and adults who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities. Students will learn about the types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, with emphasis on the preparation, use and maintenance of selected aided low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech equipment. AAC assessment, intervention, and implementation for infants, toddlers, school-aged individuals and adults. Opportunities for structured practice in the development and implementation of AAC tools will be provided.