If job satisfaction in a helping profession appeals, forging a successful career as allied health assistant in speech pathology might be for you. Speech pathology involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to speech, language and fluency.
Introduction to Speech Pathology Assistance is an online professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake support work under the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist.
In this online speech pathology course, you will learn how to help clients overcome speech impediments and swallowing difficulties caused by conditions such as stuttering, autism, cleft palate, Down syndrome and stroke.
You will also learn how to assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders, implement speech and language programs or activities and monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to seek entry-level roles in speech pathology including, rehabilitation assistant, therapy assistant and support worker.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Support the development of speech and communication skills
- Prepare for delivery of a speech pathology program
- Obtain information from supervising speech pathologist
- Delivery of speech pathology program
- Communication disorders physical and psychological issues
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Risk management and organisation protocols
- Development of speech and language skills
- Program ambiguities or requirements outside scope of role
- Determine client availability
- Determine if interpreter is required if client has ESL
- Determine equipment required for program
- Check clients existing communication resources
- Check obtained consent from client\
- Confirm therapeutic outcomes
- Conduct speech pathology program according to identified goals and methods under supervision of a speech pathologist
- Speech therapy plan
- Use motivators appropriate to the age of client
- Communication techniques
- Provide stimulation levels appropriate to age of client
- Provide encouragement to practice new developed skills
- Respond to adverse reactions
- Assist with developing activities to support a speech pathology program
- Provide accurate and prompt feedback to speech pathologist
- Hierarchy of tasks and skills need to achieve goals
- Development of activities needed to achieve goals
- Seek advice from speech pathologist when goals are not being met
- Comply with supervisory requirements
- Clean and store equipment (report any faults)
- Communication goals
- Document client information
- Use appropriate terminology
Unit 2 – Provide support in dysphagia management
- Obtain requirements from speech pathologist
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Determine the need for interpreter
- Ambiguities or extra requirements
- Obtain consent from client
- Confirm clients understanding of program
- Promote safe swallowing and eating
- Provide mealtime assistance
- Strategies to support safe swallowing
- Reinforcement of positioning
- Swallowing stages
- Strategies for reinforcement and support
- Preparing texture modified food and fluid
- Refer questions outside your scope to speech pathologist
- Encourage client to practice new skills
- Provide support to client
- Allow sufficient time and encouragement to practice new skills
- Treatment techniques
- Supplementary programs
- Adverse reactions
- Secondary complications and risk management
- Observation (progress and difficulties)
- Support and maintain client to manage dysphagia
- Reinforce the benefits of practicing newly developed skills
- Seek advice from speech pathologist if required
- Report any difficulties with program
- Supervision processes
- Documentation protocols
- Provide accurate and prompt feedback
- Use motivators appropriate to age of client
Unit 3 - Assist and support the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems
- Obtain information and requirements from speech pathologist
- Strategies and devices that maybe used
- Assisting with use of AAC systems
- Determine communication needs
- Confirm goals with speech pathologist
- Determine need for an interpreter
- Ambiguities or extra requirements
- Communication system needed and any implications
- Confirm clients previous and current abilities
- Select resources required, confirm with speech pathologist
- Use resources in an imaginative and flexible manner
- Make extra resources as directed by speech pathologist
- Using communication books
- Ensure resources are not hazardous
- Health and safety requirements
- Identify communication system used prior to appointment
- Prepare resources and equipment
- Use appropriate mode of communication with client
- Seek assistance with client needs if outside limits of skill
- Report any difficulties to speech pathologist
- Supervision requirements
- Clean and store equipment (report any faults)
- Document client information
- Use appropriate health terminology
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Easy to follow and all necessary information is readily accessible
l.Hinds, Melbourne, VIC | Certificate of Speech Pathology Assistance | September 2020
I loved studying with Australian Online Courses as it was online, allowing me to study at my own pace. The content was easy to understand and the tutors were always very helpful.
C. Panas, Balwyn North VIC | Introduction to Speech Pathology Assistance | August 2020
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 20 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
Yes! The cost for printed materials for this course is $50 per unit. Total cost for optional printed materials is: $50.00. Printed materials are optional and not required to complete the course. Everything you need to complete the course is provided online via our e-learning system.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Speech Pathology Assistant
- Teacher Aids
