Nov 28, 2024  
2004-2005 Graduate Catalog 
    
2004-2005 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Speech-Language Pathology


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Certification Requirement Changes
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association along with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology have changed the requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. The new requirements go into effect on January 1, 2005. That means that any student who graduates after December 2004, and/or applies for Certification after January 1, 2005, must fulfill the new requirements.

The Nazareth College Speech-Language Pathology Program formally changed to new requirements for all students in Fall 2003. The change included modifications of course requirements and an increase in clinical practicum hours at the graduate level. Current students who extend their programs beyond the December 2004 deadline must fulfill the new requirements.

The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits the graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program of the Nazareth College Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The program prepares students for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), licensing by the New York State Education Department, and teacher certification by the New York State Education Department.

The program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours of course work and 9 credit hours in clinical practicum for a total of 48 semester hours. An extended program is required for applicants who have not completed the undergraduate prerequisites for graduate study in speech-language pathology. The program offers a wide range of courses and practicum opportunities to prepare students to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and clinics.

Graduate students begin their practicum experience in the Nazareth College Speech Hearing Clinic and its outreach programs. The clinic services a diverse group of clients with speech, language, and hearing disorders. Students interested in neurological disorders are given opportunities to conduct evaluations, treatment, and research in the Aphasic Clinic.

The Nazareth College clinic is an integral part of the clinical education component of the program. Services are available to the community at large.

Program Director
Speech-Language Pathology
Lisa Durant-Jones, M.S.

Entry Requirements


  1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 2.7 and a 3.0 average in the major field.
  2. Presentation of official transcripts.
  3. Two letters of recommendation.
  4. Copy of teacher certification where applicable.
  5. Copy of supervised observations and clinical hours where applicable.
  6. Score on GRE (Graduate Record Exam).
  7. Application and fee.
  8. Completion of the personal-professional statement as described on the application form.

Application Deadlines


February 1 for Fall Term
October 1 for Spring Term

Prerequisite Courses


All applicants to the Speech-Language Pathology program must have transcript credit (which could include course work, advanced placement, CLEP, or examination of equivalency) for each of the following areas: (1) biological sciences, (2) physical sciences, (3) mathematics/statistics, and (4) social-behavioral sciences.

Applicants whose undergraduate preparation in speech-language pathology is deficient will be required to complete prerequisite courses in an extended program. To continue graduate study, students must obtain a B or higher grade in all prerequisite courses taken in the extended program. The following courses, or their equivalents are required:

  1. 15 credit hours in Basic Communication Processes: CSD 132 Introduction to Speech, Language and Hearing; CSD 201 Phonetics; CSD 231 Anatomy of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism; CSD 232 Speech Science; CSD 252 Psycholinguistics. See Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions.
  2. 15 credit hours in methodology and practice: CSD 335 Methods of Speech-Language Evaluation; CSD 360 or 361, and 362 (lab) Methods of Speech-Language Therapy; CSD 437 Hearing Problems and Testing; CSD 438 Aural Rehabilitation; CSD 452 Behavior Management. Students who do not currently hold Provisional Certification as a Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Impaired and desire teaching certification must complete the following 15 credit hours in addition to the prerequisite courses in communication sciences and disorders noted above: EDU 204 History and Philosophy of Education; PSY 221 Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence; EDU 475 Health Education/Child Abuse/Violence Prevention & Intervention Workshop (0 credit); EDU 468 Organization and Administration of Speech-Language-Hearing Services in the Schools; CSD 565 Student Teaching. All courses are 3 semester credit hours unless noted otherwise. See Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions.

New York State Certification Examinations are required for teacher certification.

Program Requirements


Ten (10) of the following courses*: (30 credit hours)


* In consultation with the Graduate Program Director/academic advisor, students plan and implement individualized programs to acquire and retain knowledge and skills in the competency areas outlined by the Council on Clinical Certification (CCC) of ASHA.

All courses except Advanced Clinical Techniques and Research Methodology recur on cycle. Advanced Clinical Techniques and Research Methodology are offered every term.

The Council on Clinical Certification (CCC) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association requires practicum experiences that encompass the breadth of the current scope of practice with both adults and children. Practicum must be designed to develop knowledge and skills in areas outlined by the CCC. Students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of which at least 375 hours must be in direct client/patient contact and 25 hours in observation. At least 325 of the 400 clock hours must be completed at the graduate level. Students must obtain a minimum of 25 clock hours of clinical practicum under the supervision of Nazareth College faculty before they are eligible for externship. This experience is usually obtained in the Nazareth College Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Final Evaluation


Total Credits: 48


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