Becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is an exciting step toward a rewarding career supporting individuals with communication needs—but the path to licensure can feel confusing, especially when it comes to completing the required 100 hours of supervised field experience. Whether you’re currently enrolled in a communication sciences program, exploring an SLPA certificate, or realizing your bachelor’s degree didn’t include hands-on clinical hours, understanding how and where to earn those hours is essential. This guide breaks down what’s required, what ASHA recommends, and the practical steps you can take to successfully complete your 100 hours and move forward with confidence toward SLPA licensure.
How to Get Your 100 Hours for Your SLPA License (and What You Need to Know First)
Becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) usually involves three major requirements:
- Educational coursework (e.g., a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences & disorders or completion of an SLPA program),
- Supervised clinical fieldwork (100 hours minimum), and
- Passing a certification or licensure exam as required by your state or ASHA.
The 100 hours are a critical component—they prepare you to safely assist in clinical settings and are required both for state licensure and for ASHA certification pathways (if you choose to pursue that). (ASHA Prep)
What ASHA Requires: The “C-SLPA” Clinical Fieldwork Hours
If you pursue ASHA’s Certified SLPA (C-SLPA) route:
- You must complete 100 hours of clinical fieldwork under the direct supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP (or, in many states, a licensed SLP who holds the ASHA CCC).
- Observation hours alone do not count—you must be actively participating in clinical experiences with clients.
- These clinical hours must generally be completed within five years of your application. (ASHA Prep)
ASHA also requires short courses in ethics, safety, and confidentiality as part of the certification process. (ASHA Prep)
👉 Tip: Check your state licensing board too, because state licensure requirements sometimes differ slightly from ASHA’s recommendations (e.g., how many hours must be direct vs. indirect).
How Universities Build the 100 Hours Into Their SLPA or CSD Programs
Some bachelor’s or certificate programs include the 100 clinical hours right in their curriculum. This makes obtaining your hours much easier than finding a placement yourself.
University Examples With Built-In Fieldwork
1. California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
- Offers an SLPA Fieldwork Experience certificate that includes 110 hours of clinical fieldwork, >100 of which are face-to-face with clients plus ~10 hours of support activities.
- Supervision is provided by licensed SLPs with ASHA membership. (California State University, Northridge)
2. California State University, East Bay
- Their SLPA internship requires a supervisor to provide at least 100 hours of supervised fieldwork, with the majority being direct client contact, and includes indirect/supportive activities. (CSU East Bay Continuing Education)
3. Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
- Students in their SLPA certificate or bachelor’s track complete clinical practicum opportunities specifically designed to help earn the 100 hours needed for national certification. (Fort Hays State University)
4. Harding University SLPA Program
- A traditional bachelor’s program offering a minimum of 100 hours of supervised fieldwork working alongside licensed SLPs in school or clinical settings. (Harding University)
These programs embed field experiences into official courses, so you don’t have to independently find placements. Always verify with the program how and where the hours are structured and whether they also meet your state’s requirements.
If Your Program Doesn’t Include the 100 Hours—What Now?
If your bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) didn’t include clinical practicum for SLPAs, you still have ways to complete your hours.
1. Partner With an SLP or Clinic
- Search local speech clinics, private therapy practices, early intervention centers, and school districts within driving distance.
- Ask if they would supervise your 100 hours under a licensed SLP—some may allow you to volunteer while completing your fieldwork.
Tips for approaching clinics:
- Call or email with a clear explanation of what you need and why (e.g., “I need 100 supervised clinical hours for SLPA licensure and am willing to volunteer or work flexible hours to complete them.”)
- Bring a fieldwork log or hour-tracking sheet you can have signed as you complete hours.
Many states require that the supervisor hold current SLP licensure and, in some cases, ASHA CCCs, so make sure you meet their supervisory qualifications. (ASHA Prep)
2. Network With Practicing SLPs and SLPAs
- Reach out to SLPAs and SLPs on social media, professional groups (e.g., ASHA communities), or local Facebook groups.
- Ask current SLPAs where they got their hours and whether their SLP supervisor has openings for fieldwork students.
3. School-Based Placements
- Contact school districts’ Speech-Language Pathologists—many will supervise SLPA fieldwork, though they may need district approval.
- Be persistent and professional; bringing a clear proposal helps.
Expect to Volunteer (Often), So Start Early
Realistically, many people volunteer their time to complete the 100 hours, especially if they’re not enrolled in an SLPA certificate program. Starting early in your college career gives you time to schedule hours and avoid rushing near graduation.
Whether you are:
- Building hours through coursework,
- Volunteering at clinics or schools, or
- Working as support staff while gaining hours,
make sure your supervising SLP documents each hour with dates, activities, and initials to meet licensure verification requirements.
Final Tips Before You Begin
✔ Check your state’s licensing board for specific requirements—some states have slightly different expectations for supervision, documentation, or what counts as direct/indirect hours.
✔ Keep a professional fieldwork log signed at regular intervals.
✔ Communicate early with potential supervisors about your goals and deadlines.
Getting your 100 hours for SLPA licensure is a milestone—and with the right planning, networking, and persistence, you can make it happen!
Looking for employment as an SLPA? Next Level hires SLPAs with and without their 100 hours of experience (depending on school district requirements). Apply to one of our open SLPA positions in your area to learn more.
