Message from the Director

We are proud to offer the AAS degree in SLPA. 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 SLP 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 certificate or minor prepares students to pursue the graduate degree necessary for becoming a certified and licensed SLP. We have an affiliation with East Carolina University which allows Alaska 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