COURSE CURRICULUM

The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) diploma program at Medicine Hat College is designed as a two-year course of study offered both on-site (OS) and online in groups, providing flexibility for students. In the first year, the Fall semester includes foundational courses such as Introductory Communications for Helping Professionals (IDST 100), English (ENGL 1XX or 2XX), Human Anatomy (KNES 261), and Psychology (PSYC 2XX, with PSYC 201 recommended), alongside Introduction to Health Care and Rehabilitation (TAPC 110). English courses are primarily on-site or offered online through other institutions, with Academic Advising available for support. The Winter semester expands into linguistics (LING 2XX), sociology (SOCI 2XX), and rehabilitation-focused courses covering the Rehabilitation Process (TAPC 111), Health Disorders & Conditions in Rehabilitation (TAPC 112), and Growth and Development for Rehabilitation Service Providers (TAPC 113). In Spring, students take SLPA 212, which covers the basics for Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants. The second year builds on this foundation, starting with the Fall semester courses including Introduction to Audiology (AUDA 212), Introduction to American Sign Language (SLPA 160), and the first two SLPA Therapeutic Processes courses (SLPA 215 and SLPA 216), as well as Professional Integration for the Therapist Assistant (TAPC 210). The Winter semester focuses on advanced therapeutic processes with SLPA 206 and SLPA 207, along with Career Preparation for the Therapist Assistant (TAPC 218). This structure combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills and career readiness, preparing students for a successful career supporting speech-language pathologists in diverse healthcare and community settings.