SLPA - your experience?

[mbf]

I know this is a semi-frequent topic in this forum, but I am looking into back-up options pretty frequently as decisions are coming out.

I have my bachelor's in CDIS, and I have been working on a limited license in speech path (through the department of education in my state, Minnesota)

 

Has anyone found a way to get 100 hours, (50 of which are directly supervised) without paying $$$$ to retake classes you already took in undergrad just to get the practicum hours offered in a certificate or AA program for SLPA?

[tvl]

I live in California and did a SLPA program where they did not help you find a placement to do your hours. I probably called around 15 places to find someone that would be willing to take me on. Eventually I found two SLPs who had their own practice (one EI and the other adults) that were willing to let me come in to observe and do therapy. You can try that- hopefully it won't be as difficult in your area! Definitely wouldn't pay to retake classes just for the hours though. 

[mbf]

16 minutes ago, tvl said:

I live in California and did a SLPA program where they did not help you find a placement to do your hours. I probably called around 15 places to find someone that would be willing to take me on. Eventually I found two SLPs who had their own practice (one EI and the other adults) that were willing to let me come in to observe and do therapy. You can try that- hopefully it won't be as difficult in your area! Definitely wouldn't pay to retake classes just for the hours though. 

Thanks! I was considering doing it on my own anyways and having documentation that way, the state I would like to move to (Washington state) has a requirement of the 100 hours to gain certification to be an SLPA, I'm just waiting to hear back if they would even accept hours in that form.

[tvl]

9 hours ago, mbf said:

Thanks! I was considering doing it on my own anyways and having documentation that way, the state I would like to move to (Washington state) has a requirement of the 100 hours to gain certification to be an SLPA, I'm just waiting to hear back if they would even accept hours in that form.

I believe you still have to go through a SLPA program because they make you take classes on Code of Ethics, Roles & Responsibilities of a SLPA, etc. Good luck to you!

[WannabSLP124]

I would love to give my two cents as their are pros and cons here. In both AZ and TX, I was able to complete my hours for state licensure with an SLP in the state. I did not have to pay, but I did have to put in a lot of my time to get those hours and find an SLP who was willing to do it. 

A problem I have run into, is moving states. When I moved to TX I had already been working as an SLPA in AZ for 3 years, yet I still had to get the state required observation hours again. It took a months to find an SLP willing to take me on, and another month or so to get the hours. I had to take a significant pay cut and work in retail while trying to get these hours. If I had observation hours from my university, this wouldn't have been an issue. If there's any chance you may move in the future, I would highly suggest sucking it up and taking the course. 

[tvl]

46 minutes ago, Alicia124 said:

I would love to give my two cents as their are pros and cons here. In both AZ and TX, I was able to complete my hours for state licensure with an SLP in the state. I did not have to pay, but I did have to put in a lot of my time to get those hours and find an SLP who was willing to do it. 

A problem I have run into, is moving states. When I moved to TX I had already been working as an SLPA in AZ for 3 years, yet I still had to get the state required observation hours again. It took a months to find an SLP willing to take me on, and another month or so to get the hours. I had to take a significant pay cut and work in retail while trying to get these hours. If I had observation hours from my university, this wouldn't have been an issue. If there's any chance you may move in the future, I would highly suggest sucking it up and taking the course. 

Thanks for your insight! I am possibly moving to Texas and had no idea I would have to do the hours all over again if I worked as a SLPA! That is such a bummer and so ridiculous. 

[mbf]

12 hours ago, tvl said:

I believe you still have to go through a SLPA program because they make you take classes on Code of Ethics, Roles & Responsibilities of a SLPA, etc. Good luck to you!

Yeah, I noticed those classes and would have no problem taking those! It's the child language disorder, stuttering, etc. classes that I noticed a majority of the programs have in the first semester before you even get any clock hours.

Might just have to suck it up, but trying to find any other possible routes beforehand. Thanks!!

[mbf]

1 hour ago, Alicia124 said:

I would love to give my two cents as their are pros and cons here. In both AZ and TX, I was able to complete my hours for state licensure with an SLP in the state. I did not have to pay, but I did have to put in a lot of my time to get those hours and find an SLP who was willing to do it. 

A problem I have run into, is moving states. When I moved to TX I had already been working as an SLPA in AZ for 3 years, yet I still had to get the state required observation hours again. It took a months to find an SLP willing to take me on, and another month or so to get the hours. I had to take a significant pay cut and work in retail while trying to get these hours. If I had observation hours from my university, this wouldn't have been an issue. If there's any chance you may move in the future, I would highly suggest sucking it up and taking the course. 

See, I have an email out to the credentialing department of Washington state to ask if they would accept those hours as experience. On their certification application, they have an education form for the hours, or work experience form for the hours. I'm working in speech/language, but I don't have the SLPA hours and can't "fudge" them from my job lol.

 

Just even more of a waiting game at this point haha. Thanks for your insight, nice to hear that there are ways, even if a long process, to do it without spending a year of mostly review to get a certificate.