Professional Standards

Upon completion of the program the student will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and the social and behavioral sciences. (Standard IV-A)

2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. The applicant must have demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span. (Standard IV-B)

3. Demonstrate knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas (Standard IV-C)

   • articulation;

   • fluency;

   • voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation;

   • receptive and expressive language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, prelinguistic communication and paralinguistic communication) in speaking, listening, reading, writing;

   • hearing, including the impact on speech and language;

   • swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding, orofacial myology);

   • cognitive aspects of communication (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive functioning);

   • social aspects of communication (including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities);

   • augmentative and alternative communication modalities

4. Demonstrate current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates. (Standard IV-D)

5. Demonstrate knowledge of standards of ethical conduct. (Standard IV-E)

6. Demonstrate knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice. (Standard IV-F)

7. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary professional issues.(Standard IV-G)

8. Demonstrate knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice. (Standard IV-H)

9. Demonstrate skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice. (Standard V-A)

10. Demonstrate the ability to provide culturally competent and sensitive care.

11. Demonstrate interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients, families/caregivers, and other professionals.

12. Identify own learning needs and take responsibility for on-going professional development.