黑料正能量

黑料正能量鈥檚 will begin offering a new pre-speech-language pathology concentration as part of the existing starting this fall.

The pre-SLP concentration is a new pathway for AU students to obtain the six courses required for application to the new聽聽program, which is also on target to start this fall.

The pre-SLP concentration, which collaborates with the , the , and , will require 124 credit hours and provide students with the pre-SLP leveling courses in preparation for graduate study in speech-language pathology.

The courses will focus on the introductory courses relating to communication sciences and disorders, as well as audiology, anatomy of speech and hearing mechanisms, and the scientific bases of the SLP profession. They will also include the required six prerequisite courses for application to the Speech-Language Pathology program, according to program director , EdD, and .

鈥淭he BSHS-SLP concentration strategically enhances potential access to the MHS-SLP for the native AU student population,鈥� said CAHS Dean , PhD. 鈥淎ll health science professional programs require that applicants complete specific courses as prerequisites to admission. The MHS-SLP is no exception. The BSHS-SLP will provide the prerequisite courses for AU graduates to apply for the MHS-SLP. Our goal is to ensure that AU students have the opportunity to matriculate in the MHS-SLP as graduate students.鈥�

There is currently a high demand for SLP associates nationwide, due to a critical shortage of certified SLPs. According to national employment trends data, the growth and workforce increase from 2020-30 was projected to increase by 42%. The projected annual number of job openings available in Georgia is around 400.

鈥淭he health services management has been around since 2017, and we鈥檝e had more than 150 graduates so far,” said Hernlen. “By adding this concentration, it鈥檚 a win-win for everyone involved. If students take the prerequisite courses for the classes related to the major, then they come out with all the required courses to apply for the master鈥檚 program. If they take the elective course, they can then become certified SLP associates in Georgia, which will allow them to get jobs in public schools throughout the entire state.鈥�

To become an SLP associate, participation in a school-based internship for one semester, which includes a total of 100 hours of direct service under the supervision of a certified SLP, is required for certification.

Enrollment trends over the past three years for degrees in communication sciences and disorders or education with a major in SLP have averaged 150 or higher at the University of Georgia (286), Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University (183), and the University of West Georgia (150).

Denemark noted the Georgia Professional Standards Commission recently passed allowing SLP associates to work in Georgia school systems, which are in desperate need of SLP assistance. The new concentration will lead to employment as a school-based speech-language associate in Georgia.

Hernlen is excited about collaborating with Denemark, , PhD, and , PhD, in helping prepare students while growing and molding it into a thriving program.

鈥淭o be able to work with partners like the faculty in SLP, it鈥檚 an opportunity to grow our program, and the concentration can serve as a goal for other concentrations that might be available out there,鈥� Hernlen said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be more of an interprofessional education while being able to partner and share resources instead of working by yourself.

鈥淎s a respiratory therapist, I knew what speech-language pathologists did to a degree, but I had no idea what courses they took or what their curriculum was,鈥� she continued. 鈥淪o being able to be with them on the planning committees and to plan out the program has opened my eyes, and I鈥檓 hoping it will start leading to more interprofessional education among students.鈥�