The University of the West Indies, Mona

Programme Overview

Speech-Language Pathology is an interdisciplinary field combining linguistics, medical sciences, psychology and special education. Students who do the Postgraduate Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistantship will receive clinical training to equip them to work alongside speech-language pathologists on therapeutic interventions for patients.

Programme Structure

The Certificate can be done in the Summer Semester.

Programme Objectives

The overall objectives of the Diploma in Speech-Language Pathology Assistantship are to produce graduates who:

1. Provide professional training for speech-language pathology assistants, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential to the field
2. Service the Caribbean region with an intellectual and professional capacity in this arena
3. Educate the public on therapy and rehabilitation available to persons with speech, language and learning disabilities
4. Provide screening of patients under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist
5. Support assessment and follow-up services for patients

Programme Outcomes

On successful completion, the graduates of the Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistantship will be able to: -

1. Provide and support rehabilitation for patients under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist throughout the region
2. Work under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist in a practice providing services to persons in need of speech therapy

3. Participate in public education campaigns on resources available to persons with speech, language and/or learning disabilities

4. Engage in advocacy for the profession, professionals, and other stakeholders of the fields of communication sciences and disorders.

5. Describe the role of the speech-language pathology assistant in the management of communication deficiencies and disorders as opposed to the role of the speech-language pathologist.

6. Demonstrate understanding of the scope of practice of Speech-Language Pathology in relation to other professions according to the protocols of Jamaica Speech and Hearing Association

7. Discuss clinical practice issues across the service spectrum (education, prevention, assessment/identification, therapy/management, and counselling)

8. Evaluate intervention/management considerations and approaches appropriate to a variety of service delivery models.

9. Demonstrate basic skills in clinical record keeping, including report writing.

10. Evaluate and adopt ethical considerations in clinical practice.

11. Demonstrate reflective practice in all areas of professional and clinical behaviour.

12. Do clinical documentation for patients

13. Execute tasks assigned by a speech-language pathologist

Programme Duration

The Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistantship is a 1-semester programme.

FAQs

1. Can I work as a speech therapist after doing the Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistantship?
   
   No, the Assistantship is a different qualification. You can be licenced to support a speech-language pathologist but you cannot have your own practice.
2. If I already did the Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology Assistantship and have worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, can I do the M.Sc.?
   
   Yes, you can join the M.Sc. with a minimum of two years work experience granting eligibility for the M.Sc. programme.