MTI has become the first technical institute in South Dakota to offer a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program.  Classes begin Fall 2010.  Graduates of the SLPA program will serve as support personnel to perform tasks prescribed, directed, and supervised by certified speech-language pathologists.

 

SLPAs will most often work in educational settings, and only under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  Independent practice is not a goal of this program.

One in six Americans has a speech, hearing or language disorder. These disorders affect infants, children, adults and the elderly. A communication disorder may affect a person’s ability to pronounce sound intelligibly, to understand what is being said, to process and remember spoken information, to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, to speak fluently without stuttering, or to use his or her voice appropriately. Accidents, illnesses, birth defects and substance abuse can all contribute to communication disorders. These disorders isolate people from their friends, family, and the community, and limit job and educational opportunities. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants help these individuals to recover their ability to speak, understand and interact with others.

 

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When you enroll in the SPLA program at MTI, you will spend two years (four semesters) in the program.  Classes you will take will include courses like:

 

• Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology Assisting
• Speech, Language and Hearing Development
• Introduction to Phonetics
• Communication Disorders and Treatment
• Child Growth and Development
• Voice and Diction for Effective Communication
• Clinical Management and Procedures
• Clinical Observation
• Alternative and Augmentative Communication
• Screening Processes
• Introduction to Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation

Other related courses may include Anatomy/Physiology, First Aid/CPR, and general education in the areas of communication, computers, math, behavioral science and social science.

 

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The program would culminate in a clinical externship giving you valuable hands-on experience working in a health or education environment under the direction of a speech-language pathologist.

 

At the conclusion of the program, you will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and you will be prepared to:

• Assist the speech-language pathologist with speech-language and hearing screenings
• Assist with informal documentation as directed by the speech-language pathologist
• Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist
• Document patient/client performance (e.g., tallying data for the speech-language pathologist to use; preparing charts, records, and graphs) and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist
• Assist the speech-language pathologist during assessment of patients/clients
• Assist with clerical duties such as preparing materials and scheduling activities as directed by the speech-language pathologist
• Perform checks and maintenance of equipment
• Assist with departmental operations (scheduling, record keeping, safety/ maintenance of supplies and equipment)
• Exhibit compliance with regulations, reimbursement requirements, and speech-language pathologist assistants' responsibilities*

* Taken from “Job Responsibilities for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants” outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Task Force on Support Personnel.

Admission Requirement: All students applying to the program must submit to a criminal background check at the student’s expense. Details are available from the Admissions office.  Some immunization requirements may have to be met prior to Clinical Fieldwork placement.

 

For more information, contact the MTI Admissions office at (800) 684-1969 or apply online