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Speech-Language Pathology is a health and rehabilitation profession that provides screening, evaluation and treatment services for children and adults who have difficulties with language, articulation, phonology, voice, fluency, cognition, feeding, chewing, and swallowing. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are allied health professionals who work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults in settings including acute care, rehabilitation, home health, private practice, public and private schools, and guidance centers.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at USAHS is to graduate clinicians who can identify and manage a full range of communication conditions across the life span. Through the development of critical thinking, cultural competency, ethical standards, and compassionate patient care principles, the graduates will be poised to promote the quality of life for the clients whom they serve. They will be prepared to guide, lead, and influence their profession.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MS-SLP program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to
- differentiate and diagnose communication disorders utilizing evidenced-based practice;
- outline and implement evidence-based treatment plans appropriate to the disorder and in patient-specific contexts;
- describe and educate/collaborate/counsel with clients and caregivers on prevention, assessment, and intervention across disorders;
- distinguish and demonstrate professional practice competencies including; accountability, integrity, effective communication skills, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, care for individuals served, cultural competence, professional duty, and collaborative practice;
- differentiate and demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence while communicating effectively recognizing the background, needs, values, preferred mode of communication of the client and family;
- demonstrate knowledge of and participate appropriately with other healthcare professionals in interprofessional teams.
Program Prerequisites
See Admissions, Records, and Registration for prerequisites and application information.
Delivery of Coursework
The MS-SLP program is 55–58 credits. Credit hour total varies based on previous practicum hours achieved when entering the program and elective credit choices. The MS-SLP program is offered on a full-time basis over five trimesters. Coursework is provided in a blended learning format. This is a combination of an online learning component with classroom instruction. Lab classes are taught in a hands-on setting, while some portions of the course content are presented through a variety of interactive online activities and augmented by in-class discussions, patient interactions, and simulation. This learning style allows students to have a vast range of learning techniques at their fingertips.
Accreditation and Licensure/Certification
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology education program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years. However, while the MS-SLP program has achieved candidacy status, it is not considered fully CAA-accredited but will be pursuing full accreditation. To achieve candidacy status, a program must meet all institutional and programmatic eligibility requirements and must comply with the CAA Standards in a logical sequence over several years. The CAA’s decision to award candidacy status is based on the program’s submission of a comprehensive development plan and the program’s and institution’s demonstrated commitment and ability to implement the program fully. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that CAA will grant accreditation.
It is the intent of the USAHS MS-SLP program to comply with candidacy status requirements and to seek full accreditation.
Currently, Speech-Language Pathology program graduates must hold a degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program that is considered to be in Accreditation Candidate status or fully accredited by the CAA, depending on the state, in order to be eligible to practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist in most states.
Standard Occupational Classification code for which program is intended to prepare graduates: Speech-Language Pathologist (29-1127)
The MS-SLP program undergoes a continuous improvement process and is evaluated frequently for enhancements.
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