Program Overview

Introduction to the Speech-Language Pathology Program

The speech-language pathology program at Dalhousie University involves three years of full-time study allotted to course work, clinical practica, and a research project or thesis. The program leads to a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

Program Overview

Upon completion of the program, students meet the requirements for application for certification by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) and for licensure in any of the provinces with government regulation of speech-language pathology.

The Profession

Speech-language pathologists are health care professionals who work with both children and adults to prevent, assess, diagnose, and manage (through treatment and counseling) speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders. More specifically, speech-language pathologists:

• provide consultative and intervention services for speech and language disorders from infancy to adulthood
• use specialized procedures to assess and diagnose communication and swallowing disorders
• develop and implement treatment plans for language, speech, voice, and/or swallowing disorders
• design and employ alternative communication strategies and devices
• counsel clients and families regarding communication and swallowing disorders
• consult with and advise other health professionals regarding communication disorders
• consult with educators regarding inclusion, communication, speech, and language stimulation and teaching strategies for students with communication disorders
• educate and supervise students
• conduct research aimed at expanding knowledge about processes underlying communication disorders and effective strategies for diagnosis and treatment

Career Paths

Speech-language pathologists often work in collaboration with medical and rehabilitation personnel, educators, social workers, psychologists, audiologists, and other speech-language pathologists. They work in a variety of environments, including hospitals, community health centers, child development centers, private clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and universities. Moreover, speech-language pathologists can choose to specialize in assessment and treatment of specific types of communication disorders, such as developmental language, articulation/phonology, voice, fluency, swallowing, or neurogenic speech and language disorders.

Employment Opportunities

Speech-language pathologists enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Dalhousie's speech-language pathology graduates have always been very successful at securing employment soon after graduation. Chances of employment are enhanced by the willingness of the candidate to relocate.

Course Overview

A background in a variety of science topics is essential for successful completion of courses in Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP). Typically, in Canadian universities, courses in relevant background areas are required as prerequisites for admission to S-LP programs. At Dalhousie, foundation courses are offered as part of the program, customized to provide relevant background to the profession-specific courses that follow.

Practicum

Practicum refers to the development of skills through:

• application of academic concepts to the clinical setting
• observation of clinical activities
• participation in simulated activities
• participation in client care through practicum placements

Students move through these activities in incremental steps, eventually achieving greater responsibility for the care of clients. At the end of the first year of the program, students participate in a speech-language and hearing screening program of pre-school children at community pre-schools and other facilities. During the second year, fall and winter terms, practicum placements are arranged within various sites, including public schools and private clinics. Students are responsible for transportation to these placements and are required to attend practicum preparation clinical meetings. In the summer of the second year, students are assigned to facilities on a full-time basis for a 12-week internship within the Atlantic Provinces. In the final externship placement in the winter term of the third year, students are placed outside the Halifax area, with possible placements across Canada or internationally if appropriate clinical supervision is available.

Research Areas

The program allows students to engage in research aimed at expanding knowledge about processes underlying communication disorders and effective strategies for diagnosis and treatment. This research component is an integral part of the Master's program, contributing to the advancement of the field and preparing students for their professional roles.