How to Become an SLPA in California
The numbers are striking – 3 million Americans stutter and almost 18 million adults faced voice problems last year. A career as an SLPA in California offers remarkable growth opportunities that could make a real difference in people’s lives.
The job outlook looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects speech-language pathology jobs will grow 18% between 2023 and 2033 – way above the average for most occupations. Getting your California SLPA license might seem complex since each state follows different standards. The Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Dispensers Board handles SLPA licensing in California. You’ll need to renew your license every two years and complete required clinical fieldwork hours.
Your path might lead through an associate or bachelor’s degree. The requirements include 70 hours of fieldwork experience. This breaks down into 80 hours of direct client services plus 20 hours of indirect client services with proper supervision. Licensed SLPAs play a vital role in helping the 1 in 12 children ages 3-17 who face disorders related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing each year.
This piece walks you through every step to become a licensed SLPA in California. We’ll cover everything from educational requirements and clinical fieldwork to application procedures and certification options. Ready to start your journey toward this fulfilling career?
Understand the Role of an SLPA in California
A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in California plays a vital support role for licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Your success in this career path depends on understanding your role, workplace options, and California’s specific rules.
What does an SLPA do?
We mainly carry out treatment plans that supervising SLPs develop. This helps extend speech and language therapy to more clients. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Follow and deliver treatment plans your supervising SLP creates
- Screen speech-language abilities without interpretation
- Track how clients progress toward their goals
- Get therapy materials ready and keep equipment in good shape
- Help with admin work like scheduling and records
- Support research and community education programs
You should also know what you can’t do as an SLPA:
- Evaluate or interpret assessment results
- Change treatment plans on your own
- Join parent meetings without your SLP
- Sign documents that need an SLP’s signature
- End client services
- Suggest additional services
- Call yourself a speech-language pathologist
Your work requires you to show you’re an SLPA. You’ll need a name tag with at least 18-point type. A licensed SLP will supervise you – directly, right away, or indirectly. They hold all legal and ethical responsibility for client care.
Where SLPAs typically work
California offers SLPAs jobs in many places. You might work in:
Public, private, and charter elementary and secondary schools Early intervention settings (homes, preschools, daycare centers) Hospitals (both inpatient and outpatient departments) Residential health care facilities (long-term care and skilled nursing) Nonresidential health care settings (adult daycare, clinics) Private practices University/college clinics Research facilities Corporate and industrial environments Clients’ residences
Schools often need SLPAs the most. This helps more children get the services they need.
Why California has specific licensing rules
California’s strict licensing rules protect quality care and professional standards. Here’s why these SLPA rules exist:
Clear boundaries protect everyone involved. California law says SLPAs “may not conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter treatment plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of a supervising speech-language pathologist”.
The state spells out exactly how supervision works. Your first 90 workdays need supervision for at least 30% of your workweek (20% direct, 10% indirect). After that, you need 20% weekly supervision minimum (at least 10% direct).
You must follow strict client privacy rules. This includes HIPAA and FERPA regulations, plus California’s own ethical codes.
So knowing these California rules matters a lot if you want to become an SLPA here. They shape your education path, how you get certified, and your daily work.
Meet the Education Requirements
Your path to becoming an SLPA in California needs specific educational requirements. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress by understanding your options to make better decisions about your career path.
Associate degree vs. bachelor’s degree options
California gives you two main educational paths to get your SLPA license. You can complete an associate degree from a board-approved SLPA program. These programs usually take two years and meet state licensure requirements. After graduation, you can apply for state licensure through the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.
The second path leads to a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from an institution listed in the “Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education” handbook by the American Council on Education. Notwithstanding that, most bachelor’s degree programs won’t qualify you for SLPA licensure unless they specifically include SLPA training.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders can find certificate programs at some universities to bridge their education with SLPA requirements.
Accredited SLPA programs in California
The California Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board approved these SLPA programs across the state:
- American River College (Sacramento)
- Cerritos College (Norwalk)
- Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa)
- Pasadena City College (Pasadena)
- San Joaquin Delta College (Stockton)
- Santa Ana College (Santa Ana)
- Madera Community College (Madera)
These programs have earned strong reputations in preparing students for licensure and practice. To name just one example, see Delta College’s SLPA program, known for its detailed training that combines classroom instruction with clinical experience. On top of that, some California State University campuses offer SLPA certificate programs for students who have bachelor’s degrees in communication disorders.
Required coursework and training modules
Whatever educational path you choose, you’ll need certain coursework and training modules for California SLPA licensure. These usually include:
The core SLPA curriculum has disorders related to articulation, phonology, child and adult language, motor speech, voice, fluency, and hearing. Students take courses in Medical Terminology, Speech and Language Development, Introduction to Phonetics, Observing and Recording Behavior, Patient Care, and Adult and Geriatric Disorders.
You must also complete specific training modules: a one-hour ethics course, a one-hour universal safety precautions course, and a one-hour patient confidentiality training course. These modules help you understand professional boundaries and client safety protocols.
Cerritos College’s SLPA program has 52 units of degree-specific coursework within the 60-unit Associate of Science degree. Other programs balance theory with practical skills to prepare you for ground scenarios.
Your educational path includes field experience, which we’ll cover in the next section. This hands-on training helps you develop practical skills needed to succeed as an SLPA in California.
Choose a program that meets these requirements to build strong foundations for your career and ensure state licensure eligibility after graduation.
Complete Clinical Fieldwork Hours
Getting your California SLPA license requires completing supervised clinical fieldwork hours. This hands-on experience connects what you learned in theory with practical skills. The experience helps you prepare for client interactions on the ground.
Direct vs. indirect client service hours
California SLPA licensure fieldwork needs a minimum of 100-115 hours of supervised clinical experience. These hours split into specific categories:
- Direct client contact: 80-90 hours minimum of hands-on treatment, screening, and therapy with clients under supervision
- Indirect client services: 20 hours minimum for administrative tasks, clinical support, documentation, and treatment preparation [143]
- Observation: Some programs need an additional 15 hours of guided observation
Direct client contact during your fieldwork means implementing treatment plans, conducting screenings, and providing therapy services. Indirect hours include documentation, material preparation, staff meetings, and administrative support.
Note that you must complete fieldwork while enrolled in your SLPA program. The program won’t accept hours completed before your registered quarter starts.
Supervision requirements
Quality supervision during fieldwork shapes your professional growth. Your supervisor must meet these qualifications:
They must be a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with at least two years of full-time experience (3,120 hours) as a licensed or credentialed SLP. Most programs want supervisors to hold ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) with at least 9 months full-time work experience after getting their CCCs.
Your fieldwork supervision has three categories:
- Immediate supervision: Required when working with medically fragile patients
- Direct supervision: Needed when you start new screening or treatment activities
- Indirect supervision: Allowed for tasks where you’ve shown competence
From July 2024, supervisors must watch and guide at least 20% of your duties during your first 90 days after original licensure. They must complete professional development in supervision and review regulations with you before supervising.
Fieldwork verification process
Proper documentation helps you get your license after completing fieldwork hours. The California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board asks for a completed Fieldwork Experience Verification Form.
Your verification form needs:
- Your name and training institution
- Supervisor’s full name and license number
- Location of experience
- Exact dates and hours of experience
- Training program director’s signature
Out-of-state applicants need a separate form for each employer that shows all duties and supervision types. Their work experience must total 36 weeks of full-time work to qualify.
The training program director or coordinator must sign your verification form. This confirms you completed all fieldwork experiences according to California requirements. You and your supervisor must then sign the form under penalty of perjury.
Apply for Your California SLPA License
The next big step after completing your education and fieldwork is to get your California SLPA license. You’ll need to pay attention to details and have the right paperwork ready.
Documents and forms you need
Here’s what you’ll need to apply for your California SLPA license:
- A completed SLPA application form
- $50.00 application fee payable to SLPAHADB
- 2×2 passport-quality photograph
- Official transcripts in an envelope sealed by your university or sent electronically directly from the registrar’s office
- Photocopy of your diploma
- One completed fieldwork verification form appropriate for your situation:
- Fieldwork Experience Verification Form (for two-year SLPA/Associate’s programs)
- Fieldwork Experience Verification Form (for Bachelor’s programs with fieldwork)
- Out-of-State Work Experience Form (for Bachelor’s programs)
It’s worth mentioning that you must submit a Supervisor Responsibility Statement within 30 days of starting your job. This form shows your approved supervisor and you’ll need it before you can start your SLPA duties.
Fingerprinting and background check
California needs a fingerprint-based criminal history check through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI before they can issue your license:
California residents should use the Live Scan service for electronic fingerprinting. You’ll need to submit a copy of your completed Live Scan form with your application. The Live Scan operator charges $32.00 for state records and $17.00 for federal records.
Out-of-state applicants need to submit two completed FD-258 fingerprint cards with a $49.00 processing fee. You can find fingerprint card templates on the Board’s website under the Forms/Publications tab.
Submitting your application online or by mail
You can submit your SLPA license application in two ways:
The Board’s online license portal accepts credit card payments. This option usually speeds up the process.
You can also mail your complete application package to: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board 1601 Response Road, Suite 260 Sacramento, CA 95815
The Board gets busiest from May through October. Applications usually take 4-8 weeks to process, but this can take longer during peak times. They handle applications in order of arrival. Only active military personnel, their spouses with licenses in other states, veterans, refugees, asylees, or special immigrant visa holders can get faster processing.
You can check how your application is doing by emailing the Board.
Optional Certification and Career Tips
Getting your California SLPA license is just the start. ASHA certification gives you more professional credentials that can boost your career opportunities. This extra step shows nationwide recognition of your expertise.
ASHA SLPA certification overview
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) rolled out its Assistants Certification Program in December 2020. This voluntary credential (C-SLPA) recognizes SLPAs who meet quality standards of practice. Right now, you need to:
- Complete approved educational pathways
- Finish required SLPA education modules (if specified in your pathway)
- Pass the national Assistants Certification Exam with a score of 162 or higher
- Pay initial application and certification fees
- Keep certification current through annual fees
Your California state license is mandatory, but ASHA certification adds value by showing your alignment with national standards.
Benefits of certification beyond California
ASHA certification brings several key advantages:
- Access to ASHA publications that back evidence-based practice
- Membership in ASHA community groups and Special Interest Groups for networking
- National recognition that verifies your qualifications in any state
- Clear guidelines on scope of practice and training requirements
- Better credibility with employers and clients
The certification shows your steadfast dedication to excellence in audiology and speech-language pathology assistant fields. Many see it as “a level of excellence” that sets you apart from non-certified peers.
Tips for finding your first SLPA job
After you get your California SLPA license and optional ASHA certification, here’s how to land your first position:
SLPA salaries range from $15.00 to $35.00 per hour. Your pay depends on location, experience, multilingual skills, and benefits.
Building a strong professional network helps. Connect with other professionals, go to local events, and join online forums.
Your resume should highlight your education, clinical experience, and drive to help people with communication disorders.
Professional development never stops. Workshops, conferences, and seminars will expand your skills and make you more marketable. This dedication to growth will help advance your career in this rewarding field.
Start on the Path to Becoming an SLPA Now
A career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in California offers great growth potential. This piece walks you through the complete path from student to licensed professional. The process needs dedication, but career satisfaction makes your efforts worth it.
You have two paths to meet educational requirements – an associate degree from a board-approved SLPA program or a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology with extra SLPA-specific training. Whatever path you choose, you’ll need 100+ clinical fieldwork hours to build practical skills under qualified supervision.
Your next step after education and fieldwork is submitting a complete application package to the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. The package has various forms, transcripts, verification documents, and background check materials. The process usually takes 4-8 weeks, but your patience will lead to official licensure.
ASHA certification is optional but adds professional credibility and nationwide recognition to your qualifications. This credential shows your steadfast dedication to excellence and creates opportunities in a variety of settings.
Your SLPA career lets you make real differences in people’s lives while earning competitive pay. Building professional networks, creating a targeted resume, and pursuing ongoing education will help you maximize your career potential. The field needs dedicated professionals like you to serve millions of Americans with communication disorders.
Getting your SLPA license in California might look challenging at first. But with good planning and determination, you’ll soon help clients overcome communication barriers—a truly rewarding professional achievement.