If you are interested in working with children or adults who are experiencing communication delays and disorders, then this field of study is for you. Speech-language pathology assistants are prepared to work with a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. The number of individuals who qualify for speech-language services continues to grow while there is a shortage of speech-language providers, especially in rural areas.  This leads to great job opportunities for our OCCC SLPA program graduates.

The OCCC SLPA program is designed to be completed online with a clinical experience near the student’s residence. After graduation, students are ready to immediately enter the workforce wherever they live. Due to a shortage of speech-language providers in Oklahoma, great job opportunities are waiting for OCCC graduates.

CONVENIENT

• A hybrid educational model combines the convenience of academic distance learning with the hands-on training required to be a skilled SLPA.
• Clinical experiences are provided by licensed and experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs) located near your residence.

QUALITY

• Faculty and clinical educators are recruited from the top SLPs in the state. Our professors are highly qualified and have direct experience in their course subject matter.
• Many OCCC courses transfer to four-year institutions, should you decide to purse an advanced degree in communication sciences and disorders.

PERSONAL

• Courses are offered in a cohort model. You and your fellow classmates will follow a 5-semester course sequence that stresses collaboration and student interaction.
• Faculty maintain weekly contact with students and are readily available to help you succeed.

AFFORDABLE

• OCCC offers low tuition rates while maintaining a high-quality educational experience, giving you an excellent return on investment.

REWARDING

• SLPAs are in high demand in the educational and private sector, especially in rural areas.
• Salary ranges from $20 to $40 an hour depending on experience and location.
• National certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) began in 2020, increasing potential job opportunities in both school and medical settings.

You must apply and be accepted for admission to OCCC and the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program.  Applications are accepted for fall entry only for the program.

Application will open in December 2023

Special application procedures must be followed by those planning to pursue admission into this program. 

More information about health program applications.

Selective Admissions Payment Instructions

Watch the video below to learn more about the SLPA program.

A class will be selected from eligible applicants who have been ranked according to Preference Points.

Please note, upon admission there is a mandatory two day on campus orientation the first Monday and Tuesday of August before the start of the fall semester.

Sarah M. Baker, MS, CCC-SLP
SLPA Program Director/Professor
(405) 682-1611, Ext. 7395