The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has announced the launch of its first allied health program—the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certificate Program—to begin in the Spring 2026 semester. Offered through the School of Education, this two-year online program will prepare students to support licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in delivering high-quality, supervised therapy services in educational and clinical settings across the region.
The new SLPA program will be delivered through a combination of live virtual (synchronous) and asynchronous classes, providing flexibility for working professionals and accommodating students from the wider Caribbean.
Speech-language pathology assistants work directly with clients to implement therapy plans designed by licensed SLPs. While they do not conduct diagnostic evaluations, SLPAs play a vital role in improving communication outcomes for children and adults with speech, language and swallowing disorders.
“There is a significant and urgent need for allied health services related to speech and language therapy across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Latin America, and the Caribbean,” said Dr. Karen Brown, Dean of the School of Education. “We are thrilled to launch SLP 100: Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology—the first course in UVI’s new Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Program. This offering responds directly to a critical need for accessible, culturally responsive speech and language services across our region. As a speech-language pathologist, I am proud to help prepare the next generation of allied health professionals who will strengthen communication access for children and families in our region.”
The need for speech therapy services has grown significantly in recent years, driven in part by rising rates of autism spectrum disorders, which are often characterized by speech and communication challenges. Many schools and healthcare systems face increasing demand for speech-language services, but a shortage of qualified professionals continues to create barriers to timely care.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education and other regional ministries of health currently rely heavily on contracted telehealth providers due to a shortage of therapists. Many schools and clinics face long waiting lists for evaluations and therapy services. By developing a local training pipeline, UVI aims to expand the availability of qualified professionals and reduce service gaps across the Caribbean.
In January 2025, Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. signed legislation to establish the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing regulatory oversight and formal recognition for both professions. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognized this milestone as an important step toward strengthening professional standards and service delivery in the territory.
UVI’s new certificate program builds on the School of Education’s broader commitment to workforce development and educational innovation. Earlier this year, the school admitted 20 paraprofessionals through the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to strengthen the K–12 workforce in the Virgin Islands.
Students in the SLPA Certificate Program will study speech and language development across the lifespan, disorders of communication and swallowing, and intervention strategies, gaining practical experience through real-world case studies. Admission requirements include passing the English Proficiency and Computer Literacy Exams, maintaining a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and earning a grade of B or better in a general anatomy and physiology course.
“This program will expand access to vital speech and language services across our islands and the Caribbean—empowering locally trained professionals to make a lasting difference,” Dr. Brown said.
Future plans may include the development of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Speech-Language Pathology, further strengthening UVI’s leadership in allied health education.
For more information about the SLPA Certificate Program or to apply, contact the School of Education at SOEAdmin@uvi.edu.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
