SLPA 100 clock hours requirement

[jw5657]

I have a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders. I did not pursue my master's because, at the time, I had other priorities happening in my life. I eventually want to go back and apply for my masters, but right now I am trying to find out how to get 100 clock hours so I can certify to become an SLPA. Does anyone know a way that I can do that. I was thinking about talking to an SLP in one of the school districts to see if I could intern. Do you think that would be allowed? Any advice would be great! Thanks

[WannabSLP124]

Ugh! Those evil observation hours!!!! So I have had to go through this twice. If you plan on moving in the future, I highly recommend taking a course that will give you the hours. Many states will take university observation hours. Just a thought!

Anyway, both of my observations were done in private practices. It took 2 months one time and 4 months another time - but I was also working part time. If you have open availability you can probably get yours faster. None of the schools I contacted got back to me. I think they are just so busy, and this time of year might be tough because in most places school is wrapping up. If you are not in a rush and start contacting them in the summer months you may have better luck, getting started in the fall. 

I literally just did cold calls, and sent my resume to clinics. SLPs tend to be pretty friendly people and they want to help. They also like free labor :-) I did find myself assisting while observing, one clinic actually hired me as a receptionist so I got to work when I wasn't observing. Look for clinics that have summer camps. One clinic I worked at did a daily speech and language summer camp - that will help get more hours. Also look for larger clinics with multiple SLPs. In the summer months, lots of families are traveling which makes it a bit slower to get those hours. Good luck!

[BeachySpeechy]

If you are trying to get licensed in CA, you must go through an approved SLPA program to do your clinical experience hours. Loma Linda is a popular program to do your hours. You can also try local community colleges (if they have a SLPA program). Some of them will take bachelors students who are looking to do their hours but it's really hard to find one....you're better off going through Loma Linda even if it's a lot more expensive. 

[sbram94]

I'm trying to do this in Maryland...ours is 100 hours total: 25 observation hours (which I have through my undergrad program), plus 75 "clinical assistance hours". That's what I'm having trouble getting; SLPA's are new in my state, so no one is hiring.  Any suggestions? 

[Louly]

I've looked into this for the state of CA, the required 100 hours are employed hours ...so no observations or volunteer hours are acceptable. If you can, find an slp to hire you, if not, you might have to go through a program that offers a clinical practicum course. I've also looked into Florida's licensing and it doesn't ask for any required hours ...but I didn't see many job postings for SLPA. =\

[WannabSLP124]

Yes, you all will have better luck if you do find an SLP who does want to hire you, as they will benefit from helping you once you are licensed. '

For MD I bet they will begin using SLPAs in the schools first, as that's where there tends to be the biggest shortage, and they have more resources than a private practice/small business. I would focus on getting in at a school and try contacting some SLP's and asking them if they will be hiring SLPAs in their district. You may just plant a seed in their head and they may voice wanting some help! Good luck!