Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Diploma
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Allied Health and Human Performance
MacEwan.ca/SLPA
The Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) major provides the theoretical knowledge, skill development and practical experience required to work as an SLPA. SLPAs primarily work with children and support the implementation of treatment for communication disorders. The SLPA major is delivered at City Centre Campus and online.
Career Potential
SLPAs work largely in early education settings and in schools. SLPAs may also work in regional and community health centres, hospitals and rehabilitation centres. People who succeed in this career enjoy working with children and are patient, flexible and creative team players. The ability to communicate in English with clear pronunciation is a requirement of employment in this field. The employment rate for graduates is currently 100 per cent.
Admission to the program is competitive and is subject to a quota.
Therapist Assistant Program
The are two major programs of study in the two-year Therapist Assistant diploma:
- Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant & Occupational Therapist Assistant
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5723
Toll-free: 1-888-497-4622 ext. 5723
E: therapistassistant@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-407, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4567
Program of Study
| Year I | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term I | Credits | |
| HLST 101 | Interpersonal Skills Development 1 | 3 |
| LING 100 | Introduction to Human Language | 3 |
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| THAS 101 | Normal Development of Speech, Language and Literacy 1 | 3 |
| THAS 104 | Role and Responsibilities of Paraprofessionals in an Educational Setting 1 | 2 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term II | ||
| ECDV 155 | Curriculum II: Learning Through Play | 3 |
| THAS 102 | Communication Disorders 1 | 4 |
| THAS 115 | Human Development 1 | 4 |
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year II | ||
| Term III | ||
| TAST 102 | Supporting Classroom Behaviour Management | 3 |
| THAS 201 | Therapeutic Interventions I: Articulation and Phonology 1 | 5 |
| THAS 202 | Therapeutic Interventions II: Introduction to Clinical Role and Skills 1 | 3 |
| THAS 203 | Field Placement I 2 | 5 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term IV | ||
| THAS 213 | Therapeutic Interventions III: Language 1 | 5 |
| THAS 214 | Therapeutic Interventions IV: Clients with Concurrent Diagnoses 1 | 4 |
| THAS 215 | Field Placement II 2 | 5 |
| THAS 216 | Sign Language 1 | 2 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| 1 | The minimum passing grade for this course is a C-. |
| 2 | The minimum passing grade for this course is a CR. |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| INTD 105 | HLST 101 |
Program Regulations
Academic Residency - Exemption
A student in the Therapist Assistant-Speech Language Pathologist Assistant major must complete at least 40 per cent of courses through MacEwan University. Challenge examinations, transfer credit and other special assessments (for example, prior learning and recognition) are not included in the 40 per cent.
Regulations Governing Clinical Fieldwork Courses
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all clinical fieldwork courses in accordance with the course/clinical criteria and outcomes. Clinical fieldwork hours may include days, evenings, nights and weekends. Students are to arrange their own transportation for required program activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel and accommodation are the student’s responsibility. Students will require daily access to a vehicle for any clinical fieldwork experience not accessible through public transportation. Students cannot be in attendance at clinical agencies as a MacEwan University therapist assistant student except at times and locations authorized by the clinical fieldwork instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Students must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy regarding clinical fieldwork practice and/or placement as well as other applicable policies and regulations of the university and the host agency. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency pre-clinical requirements prior to the start of any clinical fieldwork course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the university reserves the right, at any point during the clinical fieldwork placement, to remove a student from the clinical fieldwork placement for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places the client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases the Chair, through consultation with the Dean, will assign a grade of F in the course. Although the decision may be appealed according with the Appeals policy, the student will not be permitted to remain in the clinical fieldwork placement during the appeal.
Police Information Check
Students must meet the specific police information check (PIC) requirement as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program. Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC at intervals specified by clinical agencies or the program and making these available, upon request, to their clinical agency representative. Students may also be required to obtain an intervention record check (child welfare check) for some clinical fieldwork placements. Students whose PIC status changes following admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student’s ability to complete the program requirements as they may be denied required clinical fieldwork placements and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Immunization
Students must be able to meet agency requirements for immunizations prior to the start of all clinical fieldwork placement courses. Current immunization against specified communicable diseases is required as a prerequisite for clinical fieldwork placements and thus for continued enrolment in the program. Students must meet the specific immunization requirements prior to the start of the third term. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the start of the third term. Failure to meet the specific immunization requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical fieldwork placement and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
CPR – Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider (C) or Equivalent
Students must meet the specific CPR requirements prior to the start of the third term. The certification must be for Health Care Providers and include one and two person rescuers (adult, infant, child), bag-valve masks, and automated external defibrillation (AED). Certification must be current, with no grace period provided for clinical fieldwork courses. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the start of the third term. Failure to meet the specified CPR requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical fieldwork placement and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
First Aid – Basic
Students must meet the specific First Aid requirements prior to the start of the third term. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the start of the third term. Failure to meet the specified First Aid requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical fieldwork placement and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.