Exciting New Concentration in Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Launched by Allied Health – Discover Your Future Career Path!

Augusta University is rolling out a new pre-speech-language pathology concentration this fall as part of its Bachelor of Science in Health Services. This concentration is designed to help students complete the required six courses needed for admission into the new Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

The pre-SLP concentration will require 124 credit hours. It includes essential courses in communication sciences, audiology, and the anatomy involved in speech and hearing. These foundational courses aim to prepare students for further studies in speech-language pathology, according to program directors Kitty Hernlen and Joann Denemark.

Dean Lester Pretlow emphasizes that this concentration will enhance access for Augusta University students to the Master’s program. He notes that many health science fields, including speech-language pathology, require specific prerequisite courses for admission. By providing these courses, the program ensures that students have a clear pathway to graduate education.

There’s a pressing need for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) across the country. Recent data shows a projected 42% growth in the job market for SLPs from 2020 to 2030, with about 400 job openings expected annually in Georgia alone. This demand is partly due to a national shortage of certified SLPs, making this new concentration even more timely and valuable.

Hernlen points out that the health services management program has already seen over 150 graduates since its inception in 2017. The addition of the pre-SLP concentration offers significant benefits: students can complete the necessary courses for the Master’s program while also becoming certified SLP associates. This certification allows them to secure roles in schools across Georgia, addressing the critical need for SLP support in education.

To become an SLP associate, prospective students must undergo a semester-long internship, accumulating 100 hours of supervised service under a certified SLP. This hands-on experience is crucial, especially with the growing enrollment in related programs across several Georgia universities. The University of Georgia, for example, has averaged high enrollment numbers, further highlighting the increasing interest in speech-language studies.

In a recent change, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission has eased certification requirements for SLP associates in school systems, which can help alleviate staffing shortages. Hernlen and her colleagues are excited to work together, crafting a program that not only prepares students but also fosters interprofessional collaboration.

Understanding the curriculum and working alongside SLP faculty has opened Hernlen’s eyes to new possibilities for educational growth. “This collaboration is a chance for us to grow and shape a successful program for future students,” she says, highlighting the aim for a more interconnected educational experience.

In summary, Augusta University’s new pre-speech-language pathology concentration is an exciting development addressing workforce needs while providing students with invaluable opportunities in the field of speech-language pathology. As the program evolves, it promises to equip future graduates with the skills and qualifications needed to make a difference in schools and beyond.



Source link