SLPs and SLPAs work in many different developmental, education, and healthcare settings with varying roles, levels of responsibility, and client populations.
speech-language pathology
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) 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.
SLPs and SLPAs often work in hospitals, private clinics, community agencies, schools, infant learning programs, nursing homes, or home health agencies. Because of the high demand for SLP services, part-time, full-time, and “as needed” basis opportunities may be available. In many settings, SLPs and SLPAs 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.
Alaska requires a license to practice and certification by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association for any non-public school setting.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant*
Minor in Speech-Language Pathology
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Science (MS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders program
*The AAS in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant leads to licensure or certification.
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 SLPs 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.
NEWS & Stories
Nicole Blue has been part of the Seawolf Women’s Volleyball team since 2020. She’s a champion both on and off the court! The senior is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus in Speech Language Pathology. Blue shares some highlights from her time at UAA.
Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is supporting a new video campaign with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to encourage people to pursue careers in behavioral health, which includes care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
In a recent analysis of the state’s healthcare workforce, the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association found that job vacancies are increasing, and not enough people are entering the workforce to make up for it. Leaders in Alaska discussed the pressing healthcare workforce crisis in the state and ways to support and retain providers at the 2023 Alaska State of Reform Conference last month.
After serving a year as the President-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Yvonne Chase is now the president. Dr. Chase shares some of her vibrant background in human services that led her to UAA.
A partnership between East Carolina University and the University of Alaska Anchorage is bringing speech-language pathology rehabilitation services to remote communities.
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
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-4346
Email: uaa_speechlangpath@alaska.edu
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
