Programs & Courses
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
DIPLOMA
About the Program
As a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant, you will find a rewarding career supporting Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) in their assessment and treatment of people with communication difficulties and disorders.
A communication disorder may be evident in a person’s ability to pronounce sounds, to understand what is spoken, to use vocabulary and grammar skills, to speak without stuttering, and to use their voice. You may provide treatment based on the SLP’s goals, make and develop materials and activities, document and report results, carry out screenings, maintain equipment, and assist with clerical duties. Working one-on-one and in groups, you will have the opportunity to help people of all ages to improve their ability to communicate and interact with others and make a positive difference in their daily lives.
Offered on-site in Medicine Hat or via distributed learning, the first nine courses are common to two different diplomas:
- Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physical Therapist Assistant, and
- Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant.
This unique approach provides you with an excellent core upon which to build more specific skills depending on your interests and pursue additional diploma completion or degree transfer opportunities.
Did you know?
Medicine Hat College's Therapist Assistant program was the first program in Western Canada to offer formal educational preparation for Occupational Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants and is a considered to be a leader and innovator in the field.
Our faculty members continually partner with various provincial/national educators and professional groups in an effort to clarify and standardize the role of support personnel in rehabilitation service delivery. This kind of dedication, combined with a great curriculum and fieldwork opportunities, provides you with the background needed for a promising future.
Admission Requirements
High School
High School diploma with a minimum mark of 60% in each of
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30
- Two grade 12 subjects, one of which must be a 30-level science or Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
Mature Student
A minimum mark of 60% in:
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30 and
Transfer Student Route
A minimum mark of 60% or a minimum of C grade in:
- ENGL 30-1 or a post-secondary level equivalent
- Biology 30, a post-secondary level equivalent, or a university level lab science course
Once successful in gaining admission and having received the program orientation package, students must:
- Complete a standardized health form, program of immunization
- Provide a current resume if requested
- Provide proof of current CPR/AED Certification from one of the following:
- Heart & Stroke Foundation (BLS - Basic Life Support),
- Canadian Red Cross (HCP - Health Care Providers),
- St. John Ambulance (CPR for Health Care Providers)
- Provide a current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check. (Students are obligated to inform the Program Coordinator immediately of any change in the status of their criminal record.) A positive Police Information Check (PIC) may prevent fieldwork placements and, as a result, completion of the program.
Course List
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (On Site or Group 1 DL)
| ENGL 1XX or ENGL 2XX* |
ENGL 252 recommended |
| IDST100 | Introductory Communications for Helping Professionals |
| KNES 261 | Human Anatomy |
| PSYC 205** | Principles of Psychology |
| TAPC 110+ | Introduction to Health Care and Rehabilitation |
| Winter Semester (On Site or Group 2 DL) | |
| LING 2XX |
Introductory Linguistics |
| Junior SOCI** | (SOCI 203 recommended) |
| TAPC 111 | Rehabilitation Process |
| TAPC 112 | Health Disorders & Conditions in Rehabilitation |
| TAPC 113 | Growth and Development for Rehabilitation Service Providers |
| Spring Semester (On Site or Group 3 DL) | |
| SLPA 212 | Basics for the Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant |
* ENGL 125 is offered by DL at MHC. Other English courses are not offered by DL at MHC but are available in a DL format through other post-secondary institutions. Contact Academic Advising for more information.
** These courses are not offered by DL at MHC. They are available in a DL format through other post-secondary institutions. Contact the Academic Advisor for more information.
+ These courses are fieldwork courses.
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (On Site or Group 4 DL)
| DBSS 160 | Introduction to American Sign Language |
| SLPA 215 | SLPA Therapeutic Processes I |
| SLPA 216 | SLPA Therapeutic Processes II |
| TAPC 210 | Professional Integration for the Therapist Assistant |
| AUDA 212 | Introduction to Audiology |
| Winter Semester (On Site or Group 5 DL) | |
| SLPA 206+ | SLPA Therapeutic Processes III |
| SLPA 207+ | SLPA Therapeutic Processes IV |
| SLPA 218 | Career Preparation for the SLP Assistant |
+ These courses are fieldwork courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will find employment opportunities with:
- Health Regions/Hospitals
- Schools
- Day cares and preschools
- Rehabilitation centres
- Private practices of Speech-Language Pathologists
What is your education going to cost?
Our TUITION and FEES page provides a total cost estimate for your program including books and supplies and related expenses.
Looking for ways to help fund your education?
There are lots of options like student loans, scholarships, bursaries and emergency funding available.
Check out our FINANCIAL AID page for more information.
Many programs offered at Medicine Hat College qualify for transfer credits to other institutions. In some cases, you must transfer to another institution to complete your program and gain your credential.
The ACADEMIC CALENDAR has official information on transfer options for each program.
Please consult the calendar or meet with an academic advisor for more information.
At MHC, we care about students and want to help you succeed.
As a student, there may be times when you require support. Our SERVICES page provides you with links to a number of campus supports including academic success, counselling and care, health and wellness, and many other resources.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?
Enhance your education, share in cultural diversity and embrace new experiences. Visit the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM section to find out more.
Fieldwork Requirements
- Fieldwork arrangements are made by Medicine Hat College with consideration of student preferences; however, students may be required to complete fieldwork at sites other than those requested by students. Once arrangements are confirmed, they are usually not modified.
- Students should expect to complete at least one fieldwork placement out of Medicine Hat (fieldwork courses are: SLPA 206, SLPA 207, TAPC 110.
- You may anticipate additional costs associated with these placements, e.g., travel, accommodations, etc.
- At this time, fieldwork placements occur only in Canada.
Continuation Specific to Fieldwork
- Immunization required by the program must be up to date prior to commencing job shadowing and fieldwork placement(s).
- You must successfully complete lab components of SLPA 212, SLPA 215 and SLPA 216 prior to entering fieldwork.
- All fieldwork experience must meet attendance requirements as specified.
- Participation in all activities related to fieldwork is mandatory.
- Should you receive an unsatisfactory evaluation on a fieldwork placement, you will be required to discuss this situation with the Medicine Hat College faculty. This evaluation may result in your having to repeat the placement. If you receive an unsatisfactory evaluation on more than one placement, you will be required to withdraw from the program.
- You may be required to obtain a recent police information check and/or similar checks, at your expense, prior to entry into some fieldwork sites. You may wish to discuss this further with the Coordinators.
- Should your performance and/or health be questionable in relation to the delivery of safe client care and/or the maintenance of the professional standards of the program, you may be asked to leave your fieldwork site and may not receive a credit in the fieldwork course.