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 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
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates. This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the SLPA Certificate, and when can I start?
The SLPA Certificate takes about two years to complete, matching the timeframe required for licensure eligibility in Illinois, assuming you enter with transfer credits or an existing associate degree; without them, you will need additional time for general education and prerequisite coursework. The certificate totals 12 courses, split between 8 content courses and 4 supervised practicum courses in eight-week terms, and currently enrolls one new cohort per year. After completing it, you will still need to pass the SLPA state exam and complete the ASHA licensure process to practice. A student engagement specialist can confirm the next available start date.
What is the difference between an SLPA and a speech-language pathologist?
A speech language pathology assistant, or SLPA, works under the direct supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist and cannot independently diagnose or design treatment plans, while a speech language pathologist, or SLP, holds a graduate degree and full clinical authority. The SLPA Certificate is a faster entry point into the field, preparing you to deliver therapy activities, conduct screenings, and document client progress under supervision. Many students use this certificate to gain paid experience in schools or clinics before deciding whether to pursue a full SLP graduate program later. Review the curriculum to see how coursework builds toward either path.
What are the admission requirements for the SLPA Certificate?
Admission to the SLPA Certificate requires a completed undergraduate application and official transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. If you do not hold an associate degree or 60 transfer credit hours, you will need proof of high school graduation or a completed GED, and applicants with fewer than 15 transfer credit hours can choose a test-optional review based on their high school record instead of ACT or SAT scores. A student engagement specialist can review your transcript to confirm your path.
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 .
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