Course Descriptions

Changes in our healthcare delivery system are creating a growing demand for health professionals with skills in collaboration and teamwork. The various roles healthcare professionals play on a medical team will be introduced to first-year students via practitioner-patient demonstrations utilizing a surrogate patient. Additional lectures will introduce students to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the concept of biomedical research.

Credits: 1

This course introduces students to research methods, including basic research concepts, common research designs, and methods of data analysis commonly used in the field of speech-language pathology. Students will learn to critically read and evaluate research manuscripts.

Credits: 4

This course focuses on the scope of practice for the speech-language pathology profession. Students will explore expectations for professional behavior based upon standards of practice and the ASHA Code of Ethics. Ethical dilemmas will be debated in preparation for a variety of clinical experiences. Procedures for obtaining the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, state licensure, and school certification will be reviewed.

Credits: 2

This course covers assessment and treatment of children with language disorders, focusing on the period from birth to age five. Language disorders experienced by children with cognitive challenge, hearing impairment, autism, other developmental disorders or traumatic brain injury will be addressed. The course will address special considerations for high-risk infants, emergent literacy, and how to work collaboratively with families to improve language and learning in the young child.

Credits: 4

This course provides insight into the world of autism, including description of the various autism spectrum disorders and examination of etiological theories and controversies. Procedures used for differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are covered, and a variety of intervention models will be discussed. The role of the SLP in working with educators and families will be addressed. Students will design comprehensive assessment and intervention plans for persons of all ages with autism.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

SLPI 0521 Child Language Disorders I, SLPI 0522 Child Language Disorders II

This course reviews the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, and disorders that impact this vital function in children and adults. Etiologies of swallowing disorders, as well as their evaluation and management will be addressed. Students will appreciate the concomitant conditions that typically accompany dysphagia, and learn to prioritize treatment objectives. Ethical considerations in swallowing intervention will also be incorporated.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

SLPI 0501 Neurological Bases of Communication Disorders

This course examines communication disorders that result from acquired conditions, with emphasis on traumatic brain injury, dementia, and other degenerative neurological conditions. Etiologies of these conditions, including neurological correlates for presenting symptoms, will be reviewed. Assessment and intervention models will be discussed, with attention to the cognitive, linguistic, and social aspects of resulting communication disorders.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

SLPI 0501 Neurological Bases of Communication Disorders; SLPI 0526 Adult Language and Cognitive Disorders I

This course teaches evaluative and therapeutic aspects of voice and resonance disorders. Students examine the anatomical and physiological correlates of phonation and oral/nasal resonance. Embryology of the vocal mechanism is reviewed, including nasal, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and pulmonary regions. Assessment and intervention of a variety of common voice/resonance disorders will be covered, including laryngectomy, cleft lip/palate, vocal fold hyperfunction, and therapies associated with a variety of neurogenic communication disorders.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

SLPI 0501 Neurological Bases of Communication Disorders

This course will acquaint students with various types of assistive technologies used for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Participants will learn how to address the complex communication needs of individuals with severe physical, sensory, and/or communication impairment. The course will cover cognitive, educational, physical, psychosocial, and linguistic aspects of human behavior that impact AAC selection and implementation. AAC assessment and intervention will be addressed, including interdisciplinary contributions from physical and occupational therapists.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

SLPI 0540 Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology I

This course reviews procedures for diagnostic evaluations, including techniques for administering and interpreting formal and informal measures of communicative behavior. In-depth instruction in clinical writing is incorporated throughout the course. This course is supplemented by supervised observation and/or shadowing experiences in the Midwestern University Clinic.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

SLPI 0540 Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology I

This seminar provides an opportunity for students to discuss practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases to attendees in grand rounds fashion, at times including participants from other health science professions. Essential functions for clinical performance will be covered, in addition to standards for ethical practice.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

Concurrent enrollment in SLPI 0550 Clinical Practicum I

This seminar provides an opportunity for students to discuss practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases to attendees in grand rounds fashion, at times including participants from other health science professions. Working independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team will be explored.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

Concurrent enrollment in SLP 0652 Clinical Practicum II

This seminar provides an opportunity for students to discuss practicum experiences with other student clinicians to foster collaboration. Students will present clinical cases to attendees in grand rounds fashion, at times including participants from other health science professions. Addressing the needs of complex cases will be one focus of this seminar.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

Concurrent enrollment in SLPI 0654 Practicum III

This seminar is designed to assist students in the successful completion of their public school internships. Students will meet to discuss training experiences and present clinical cases to attendees.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

Concurrent enrollment in SLPI 0660 Internship in Speech-Language Pathology: Public School

This seminar reviews the progress of students serving healthcare internships. Students will meet to discuss training experiences and present clinical cases to attendees.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

Concurrent registration in SLPI 0662 Internship in Speech-Language Pathology: Medical/Healthcare Facility