Communication Sciences and Disorders (A.S.)

Program Overview

The Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work as speech-language pathology assistants. The program covers anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and language disorders, clinical practices, and field experience. Graduates are eligible to apply for certification as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant to the New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an intensive course of study in the area of speech and language disorders, including supervised field experience in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the Associate in Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program, the graduate is eligible to apply for certification as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant to the New Hampshire Allied Health Speech Language Pathology Governing Board. The program is designed to meet guidelines of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech Language Pathology Assistant courses are also available without the Associate in Science degree for those not seeking certification.

Objectives:

• Gain knowledge, field experience, and core technical skills within the field of speech language pathology assisting.
• Meet professional standards in keeping with state and national guidelines for competency and ethics.

Program Description:

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as speech-language pathology assistants. Students learn about the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and language disorders, and clinical practices. They also gain experience working with clients in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and clinics.

Outline:

Content:

The program covers the following content areas:

• Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
• Speech and language disorders
• Clinical practices
• Field experience

Structure:

The program consists of 60 credits, including 32 credits of core curriculum and 32 credits of major requirements. The core curriculum includes courses in English, communication, mathematics, and science. The major requirements include courses in speech and language disorders, clinical practices, and field experience.

Course Schedule:

The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Part-time students can complete the program in three or four years.

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• Role of the Speech-Language Assistant (SLA 500):
Introduces students to the role and responsibilities of a speech-language pathology assistant.
• Survey of Communication Disorders (SLA 501):
Provides an overview of speech and language disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing (SLA 502):
Covers the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms.
• Articulation and Phonological Disorders (SLA 503):
Studies articulation and phonological disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
• Introduction to Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation (SLA 504):
Introduces students to the field of audiology and aural rehabilitation.
• Language Acquisition (SLA 506):
Examines the process of language acquisition, including typical and atypical development.

Careers:

Graduates of the Communication Sciences and Disorders program are prepared to work as speech-language pathology assistants in a variety of settings, including:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private practice