Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
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 online, 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.
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 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.
- Provide current Intervention Record Check (Alberta Residents only).
During the program, students must:
- 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)
- Obtain an N-95 Mask Fit Test
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
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.
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.
Meet the Faculty
Related Courses
Diploma
Duration:
2 years
Intake:
Fall: In-Person and Online / Winter: Online
Campus:
Medicine Hat
Online
Flexible Learning
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