Exciting Curriculum Updates Coming Fall 2027!

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program is pleased to announce upcoming updates to its curriculum, effective Fall 2027. These changes expand instruction in the essential content of Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)-giving students even more hands-on experience with this important area of practice.

Key Changes

  • Beginning Fall 2027, a new required first-year course-SLPA 120: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Introduction and Implementation-will be added.
  • AAC content currently included in SLPA 119: Speech-Language Pathology: Professional Issues will move to SLPA 120. Starting Fall 2027, SLPA 119 will instead include new content on Hearing Screenings.
  • First-year courses after admission to the program will now include: SLPA 107, SLPA 115, SLPA 119, and SLPA 120. (SLPA 115 is recommended preparation for SLPA 120.) All of these courses are prerequisites for second-year coursework beginning with SLPA 123A.

For Students Admitted Before Fall 2027

  • Students admitted for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 must complete SLPA 119 before Fall 2027 to meet AAC training requirements.
  • Students who do not complete SLPA 119 before Fall 2027 will need to take both SLPA 119 and SLPA 120 to meet AAC training requirements.

Program Unit Balance

To keep the total program units the same:

  • Students taking SLPA 120 (Fall 2027 or later) will choose between Interpersonal Communication or Language and Cross-Cultural Communication.
  • Students who complete SLPA 119 before Fall 2027 must still take both communication courses.

Need Guidance?

We encourage all students to plan ahead and consult with the program to ensure they meet all requirements.

For questions, please contact Beverley Dunbar at bdunbar@pasadena.edu.