Academic Catalog

CSD | Associate of Applied Science: Technology and Leadership (Speech-Language Pathology Assistant)

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Technology and Leadership (AAS) with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is a two-year program. By completing the 24 hours of Speech Language Pathology coursework, 12 hours of pre-requisites, and 12 hours toward the SLPA certificate students will be prepared to obtain ASHA certification as a SLP-A, and apply for Kansas licensure.

Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) work under a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and are actively involved in providing treatment for patients with various communication disorders. SLPAs play a support role and can be used to increase the availability, frequency, and efficiency of services. To learn more about SLPAs and their scope of practice, feel free to follow this link to ASHA’s website for more information.

Students may apply previous coursework if accepted at FHSUtowards the 21 hours of open electives, select from the recommended courses to transition into the BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, or consult with an advisor for additional options. 

Program Summary

AAS Technology and Leadership General Education Core15
Speech Language Pathology Pre-Requisite Coursework12
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Coursework12
Open Electives21
Total Hours60

Program Requirements

Earn a C or better in all SLP coursework.

AAS Technology and Leadership General Education Core
COMM 100Fundamentals of Oral Communication3
ENG 101English Composition I3
ENG 102English Composition II3
Select one course from the following:3
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Personal Finance
Students interested in the BS in CSD should not take MATH 100 or MATH 101
Contemporary Mathematics with Review
Contemporary Mathematics
College Algebra with Review
College Algebra
Elements of Statistics with Review
Elements of Statistics
Select three credit hours from the following:3
SGE070 - Institutionally Designated Area: Personal and Professional Development
Business Communication for Professional Development
Principles of Personal Finance
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) One
Personal Wellness
Introduction to the Digital Humanities
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
Holistic Health and Fitness
Abnormal Psychology
SGE070 - Institutionally Designated Area: Critical Thinking
Argumentation
A Critical Thinking Approach: Consumer Health
Historical Roots of Contemporary Issues
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking for Scientists
Thinking Critically About Society
Total Hours15
Speech Language Pathology Pre-requisite Coursework
SLP 160Introduction to Communication Disorders3
SLP 305Anatomy and Physiology: Speech-Hearing Mechanism3
SLP 370Early Speech and Language Development3
SLP 402Clinical Phonetics3
Total Hours12
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Coursework
SLP 428Clinical Observations and Applications3
SLP 429Foundations and Special Skills for SLPAs3
SLP 465Developmental Speech and Language Disorders3
SLP 490Clinical Experience Practicum3
Total Hours12
Open Electives21
The following courses are recommended options, and many apply to the BS in CSD
General Psychology
Human Biology (possible lab - BS requires one lab)
College Algebra
Elements of Statistics
Physical Science (possible lab - BS requires one lab)
The Chemist's View of the World (possible lab - BS requires one lab)
Human Growth and Development
Educating Students with Exceptionalities
Medical Terminology
Any additional SLP courses

Degree Requirements

All associate degrees require:
GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set)
A minimum of 15 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
SLP 160 Introduction to Communication Disorders 3
SLP 305 Anatomy and Physiology: Speech-Hearing Mechanism 3
ENG 101 English Composition I 3
COMM 100 Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3
General Education Core 3
 Hours15
Spring
SLP 370 Early Speech and Language Development 3
SLP 402 Clinical Phonetics 3
ENG 102 English Composition II 3
General Education Core 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SLP 465 Developmental Speech and Language Disorders 3
SLP 428 Clinical Observations and Applications (1st 8 Week Course) 3
SLP 429 Foundations and Special Skills for SLPAs (2nd 8 Week Course) 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
Spring
SLP 490 Clinical Experience Practicum 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours60

Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.

To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. Open electives indicate the student is free to choose courses from any subject, but students should discuss with their advisor how many of these hours must be upper division. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.

The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.