Speech-Language Pathology
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Speech-Language Pathology
SLPs work in many different developmental, education, and health care settings with varying roles, levels of responsibility, and client populations.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are specialists in communication disorders who work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Speech-language pathologists often work in hospitals, private clinics, community agencies, schools, infant learning programs, nursing homes, or home health agencies. Because of the high demand for speech-language pathology services, part-time, full-time, and “as needed” basis opportunities may be available. In many settings, SLPs work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, which includes family members as well as teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and rehabilitation counselors.
The UAA Speech-Language Pathology program offers the following:
- Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (prepares students to work with speech and language disordered children and adults)
- Minor in Speech-Language Pathology. (the minor is also an option for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Pre-Professional Track)
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology (which enables individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline to obtain the prerequisite courses needed to apply to the M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders program above)
- Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program (a collaborative program with East Carolina University’s distance education)
Alaska requires a license to practice and certification by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association for any non-public school setting. School-based Speech Language Pathologists must have special services certification through the Department of Education and Early Development.
Why choose Speech Language Pathology at UAA?
All courses are offered online and it is the only SLP program in the state of Alaska.
Employment of SLPs is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics).
Learn from highly experienced speech-language pathologists who have worked in diverse clinical settings.
Earn a SLPA degree to serve the community or continue education to pursue a Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders while staying in Alaska.
Program Information
The UAA Catalog is the official source of all degree and certificate programs at the university. Catalog entries for each program include details such as learning outcomes, application timeline and requirements, course sequencing, and program requirements.
Catalog: Associate of Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant*
Catalog: Minor in Speech-Language Pathology
Catalog: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology
*The AAS in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant leads to licensure or certification.
Message from the Director
We are proud to offer the Associate of Applied Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Through robust, synchronous online coursework and local clinical placements, students complete all degree requirements from their communities.. Graduates of our program will be well prepared for national certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and state licensure, depending on the licensure laws in the states where students reside. Students will have opportunities to work in school districts and private practices across Alaska and many states in the U.S. to fill a growing need for speech-language services in diverse communities.
Students may continue their education in speech-language pathology while working so that they can meet the eligibility requirements for graduate school. These prerequisites can be met through our online, synchronous Minor degree and, for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree, through our online, synchronous Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program. Completion of the Post-Bac Certificate or minor prepares students to pursue the graduate degree necessary for becoming a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. We have an affiliation with East Carolina University which allows Alaskan students to complete graduate didactic coursework online and engage in rich in-person clinical training in our summer University Clinic as well as school, clinical, and medical settings across the state.
The SLPA and SLP career fields are exciting professions projected to continue growing at rates far surpassing job growth in other fields. In 2022, U.S. News ranked SLP careers as the 3rd best job in healthcare and the 10th best career out of 100 ranked careers. I welcome you to join our strong student community and start your journey to becoming a speech-language professional.
-Alisa Konishi-Therkildsen, M.S., CCC-SLP
Contact Us
(907) 786-4346
uaa_speechlangpath@alaska.edu
Physical Address
UAA Speech Language Pathology Program
Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Drive, PSB A117
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Mailing Address
UAA Speech Language Pathology Program
3211 Providence Drive, PSB A117
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
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