Academic Goals

The academic goals of our training program focus on students learning and incorporating evidence-based practice to:

• Describe the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases of basic human communication and swallowing.
• Explain the major theoretical accounts regarding the typical acquisition and development of speech, language, and hearing, and the relationship of cognitive development to communication acquisition and development and swallowing.
• Describe and explain the characteristics and etiologies of:
  • Speech sound production, to encompass articulation, motor planning and execution, phonology, and accent modification
  • Fluency and fluency disorders
  • Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation
  • Receptive and expressive language
  • Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
  • Swallowing/feeding
  • Cognitive aspects of communication 
  • Social aspects of communication
  • Augmentative and alternative communication modalities 
• Describe the principles, materials and methods of assessment for people with communication and swallowing differences and disorders.
• List methods of prevention for communication and swallowing differences and disorders.
• Describe principles and methods of intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Explain the processes used in research and the integration of research principles into evidence-based and practice-based clinical practice.
• Explain the certification process, specialty recognition, licensure and professional credentials.
• Describe the standards of ethical conduct.
• Demonstrate oral and written language competency.

Clinical Goals

The clinical goals of the graduate practicum component of our training program, focus on students learning and incorporating evidence-based practice to:

• Evaluate the speech, language, hearing and communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders of children and adults.
• Identify the factors causing or coexisting with communication problems using appropriate procedures, materials, and instrumentation.
• Prepare and implement evidence-based, and practice-based treatment programs for children and adults.
• Identify and, when possible, prevent the occurrence or development of potential communication and/or feeding/swallowing problems.
• Integrate speech, language, cognitive, and/or swallowing therapy with other necessary services.
• Refer a client for other services when appropriate.
• Use technology in relevant aspects of service delivery.
• Maintain accurate data for the purpose of documenting the short, and long-term effectiveness of intervention approaches and directing future program planning.
• Write diagnostic and therapy reports in a style commensurate with professional standards.
• Educate and counsel clients and their families to effectively manage the communication disorder and/or difference.