Program Overview
La Trobe University's Speech Pathology program prepares students for careers as practicing speech pathologists. The 4-year curriculum emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of communication and swallowing disorders. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements and benefit from expert teaching and resources like the La Trobe Communication Clinic. Graduates are equipped for diverse career options in healthcare, education, and other settings.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Speech Pathology program at La Trobe University offers a 4-year curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers as practicing speech pathologists.
Content:
The program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of communication or swallowing disorders. Students gain knowledge and skills in speech, language, voice, fluency, and reading and spelling, with an emphasis on prevention.
Structure:
- Offered in several locations: Melbourne, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton, and online.
- Completion time: 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Clinical placements: A significant element of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in external agencies like hospitals, community health centers, and schools.
Modules:
The exact modules offered might vary based on location. However, some potential modules include:
- Speech Science
- Language Disorders
- Voice Disorders
- Fluency Disorders
- Swallowing Disorders
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Paediatric Speech Pathology
- Adult Speech Pathology
- Research Methods in Speech Pathology
Teaching:
- Involves both theoretical and practical components.
- Led by experienced and expert speech pathologists.
- Utilizes La Trobe Communication Clinic, offering various services like preschool language and literacy programs, fluency programs, voice clinics, and more.
Careers:
Graduates are well-equipped for diverse career options in:
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Private practice
- Schools
- Rehabilitation centers
- Aged care centers
- Health promotion
- Teaching and consultancy
- Specialized centers for individuals with hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability
Other:
- Regional campus transfer: Students enrolling in Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, or Shepparton campuses will need to transfer to Bendigo for their program's final three years.
- Fee assistance: Limited Commonwealth Supported places are available.
La Trobe University
Overview:
La Trobe University is a public research university located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its commitment to research and its focus on providing a career-ready education.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
La Trobe provides comprehensive support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life with various clubs, societies, and sporting activities.Accommodation:
The university offers on-campus accommodation options for students.Library:
La Trobe has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.Scholarships:
The university offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially.Student Life and Campus Experience:
La Trobe University offers a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, and societies. The university also has a strong focus on community engagement, providing opportunities for students to get involved in local initiatives.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Career Ready Education:
La Trobe's Career Ready program is co-designed with industry to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.High Employer Satisfaction:
La Trobe graduates are highly sought after by employers, with the university ranked #1 in Victoria for overall employer satisfaction.World-Class Research:
La Trobe is rated at, above, or well above world standard in all its broad research areas.Top 1% University:
La Trobe is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.Academic Programs:
La Trobe University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts, Social Sciences, and Communications
Business and Commerce
Criminology
Education and Teaching
Engineering
Health
Information Technology
Law
Science
Other:
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Students
ATAR:
- Melbourne Campus: 86.95
- Bendigo Campus: 71.8
Prerequisites:
- Completion of at least one year of a recognized Speech Pathology program.
- Completion of one year of tertiary studies with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- Satisfactory completion of the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- One other subject relevant to Speech Pathology
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of Speech Pathology through employment or volunteering.
Selection criteria:
- Academic merit (ATAR or equivalent)
- Work experience/volunteering
- References
- Personal statement
- Interview (if required)
International Students
English language proficiency:
- Academic IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band less than 6.5)
- TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 95 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic score of 65
Academic requirements:
- Completion of a recognized Speech Pathology program or equivalent internationally.
- Completion of one year of tertiary studies with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of Speech Pathology through employment or volunteering.
Selection criteria:
- Academic merit (ATAR or equivalent)
- Work experience/volunteering
- English language proficiency
- References
- Personal statement
- Interview (if required)
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Domestic Students:
- Applicants must have completed an English course equivalent to VCE English (EAL) or higher with a minimum of C or passed a recognized English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) with the required score.
International Students:
- Applicants must demonstrably meet the required level of English proficiency. La Trobe University accepts a variety of English language tests, including:
- IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no band score below 6.0
- TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum score of 79
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) with a minimum score of 58
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) with a minimum score of 169
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) with a minimum score of 169
- OET (Occupational English Test) with a minimum overall grade of B
- La Trobe University English Language Bridging Program (ELBP)
Additional Notes:
- Applicants who have studied a Speech Pathology program outside of Australia may be required to complete a bridging program to meet the Australian Speech Pathology Association (ASPA) standards.
- The entry requirements listed above are minimum requirements and may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances.
