Program Details
- Next Start Date: January 11, 2027
- Est. Program Length: 2 Years
- Credit Hours: 36
- Course Length: 8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit: $495
Program Overview
Aurora University’s SLPA Certificate prepares you for entry-level practice as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant under licensed supervision, aligned with Illinois licensure requirements and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards. Prior learning credit is available for qualifying professional experience.
Supervised fieldwork experiences are central to the program, giving you hands-on practice to develop clinical competencies consistent with state and national expectations for SLPA work. Completion prepares you for SLPA licensure in Illinois, entry-level speech-language pathologist roles, and further study in the field. To pursue licensure after finishing this certificate, you will need to go on to complete the SLPA state exam and ASHA licensure process to be a licensed SLPA.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical service delivery, and cultural responsiveness. Coursework covers communication sciences, phonetics, speech and language development, anatomy and physiology, audiology, and language disorders.
Skills Gained in the SLPA Certificate Program
Complete 36 credit hours to earn your certificate online from Aurora University in two years, as required by the state of Illinois and its scope of practice. Courses are taught by expert faculty members who will help you gain valuable skills and expertise in:
- Assist in conducting speech-language screenings through established protocols under the direction of a supervising SLP, accurately following procedures without interpretation
- Implementing treatment tasks as directed by a supervising SLP, including preparation of materials, delivery of specific intervention activities, and accurate documentation of client performance and progress
- Assisting the supervising SLP in assessment activities, such as preparing materials, organizing data, and performing administrative documentation tasks
- Demonstrating professional communication and interpersonal skills with clients, families, staff, and supervisors, including culturally sensitive interactions
- Applying ethical standards and confidentiality practices in all settings (schools, clinics, healthcare), following legal requirements and professional codes of conduct
- Completing at least 100 hours of supervised fieldwork, demonstrating competence in basic service delivery tasks under direct SLP supervision and integrating academic knowledge into clinical contexts
Why Choose AU?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- No GRE/GMAT
- No application fee
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Details
- Next Start Date:January 11, 2027
- Est. Program Length:2 Years
- Credit Hours:36
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$495
Core Courses
- CSD1100 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders – 4 hours
- CSD2100 Phonetics – 4 hours
- CSD3100 Speech Language Development – 4 hours
- CSD3150 Clinical Competency in Patient Care – 4 hours
- CSD3220 Speech Sound Disorders – 4 hours
- CSD3230 Language Disorders – 4 hours
- CSD3250 Introduction to Audiology – 4 hours
- CSD3400 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing – 4 hours
- CSD3940 Clinical Internship (Observation) – 1 hour
- CSD3941 Clinicals I – 1 hour
- CSD3942 Clinicals II – 1 hour
- CSD3943 Clinicals III – 1 hour*
*Prerequisites:
There are four prerequisite courses:
- HLS 2650 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology – 4 hours
- CHM 1200 Principles of Chemistry – 3 hours
- MTH 2100 General Statistics – 4 hours
- PSY 1100 General Psychology – 4 hours
- A completed undergraduate application.
- Transcripts (official, sealed) from all previously attended colleges and universities showing a GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- For applicants without an earned associate degree and/or 60 hours of transfer credit: Proof of high school graduation or completed GED.
- For applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit: An official high school transcript with a GPA of 2.5 and above and ACT/SAT scores.
- Test-optional admission: Applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit who do not have ACT/SAT scores may choose to be reviewed as test-optional. Admission will be based on your high school academic record.
- All AU students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU uses Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged a $100 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Students may use Aurora University’s Transfer Evaluation System to see how classes at many current or former colleges/universities may transfer for their degree. Students may also request an unofficial transcript evaluation.
Online Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Career Outcomes
Once you earn your certificate, you will be on the path to work under the supervision of a licensed SLP in settings like K-12 schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practice, early intervention, and administrative or clinical support roles.
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant - $48,360 in Illinois1
Source
- O*NET OnLine. “31-9099.01 - Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.” Illinois Wages. Retrieved July 30, 2026, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9099.01?st=IL .
Next Steps
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