Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Communication Studies and Language - Language
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification in Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners, through a planned combination of learning outcomes, with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to register with the HPCSA as a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist. This will enable learners to competently and independently provide professional services within the scope of practice to individuals of all ages who are at risk for or present with communication and swallowing difficulties. The qualification aims to prepare learners to enter community service at all levels of the health care system in the South African context. Graduates will be equipped to deliver services in various contexts, including health and education sectors, addressing communication delays and disorders within an Ecosystemic approach. The program also focuses on understanding health, education, and rehabilitation needs, as well as the roles of speech-language therapists and audiologists in developing socially responsive practices. Additionally, learners will acquire knowledge and skills related to ethical and professional practice, as well as research.
Rationale
Since 1994, efforts have been made in South Africa to address skills shortages and build capacity. In the field of speech-language pathology and audiology, there is a need for professionals proficient in African languages. This qualification aims to accommodate learners from historically disadvantaged areas, diverse cultures, and languages. Graduates are trained to prevent, identify, assess, treat, and counsel individuals with communication disorders, including hearing-related pathologies, speech and language disorders, and swallowing disorders. The program prepares learners to work in a variety of settings, such as private practice, hospitals, clinics, schools, industries, and communities, benefiting clients of all ages. Given the practical nature of the profession, where clinical skills are crucial, learners receive face-to-face education and supervision in clinical settings to complement theoretical knowledge.
Outcomes
- Show an understanding and knowledge of speech and communication, and swallowing disorders: (a) foundation of speech-language therapy practice### (b) prevention and identification### (c) assessment### (d) management of speech and language, communication disorders, as well as swallowing disorders.
- Show knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories, and findings of human communication and hearing disorders to meet the standards for accreditation by the HPCSA by:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases of essential human communication and hearing processes###
- Distinguish between and among specific etiologies, characteristics, anatomical, physiological, acoustic, developmental, psychological, linguistic and cultural correlates of developmental and acquired hearing disorders, including cognitive and social aspects of communication and the use of assistive listening devices###
- Differentiate and apply knowledge of principles of prevention, assessment, and intervention of hearing disorders including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural correlates across the lifespan.
Assessment Criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across Exit Level Outcomes in the field of human communication sciences and disorders:
- Essential human communication and swallowing processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural bases
- Development of speech and language production and perception
- Interaction and interdependence of speech, language, and hearing
- The nature of speech
- Principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and management for communication and swallowing disorders across the life span
- Consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural correlates of difficulties and disorders
- Understanding infectious/contagious diseases and universal precautions
- Client/patient characteristics and their relation to clinical services
- Language, hearing, and communication differences, delays, disadvantage, and disorders, as well as swallowing disorders
- Aetiologies, characteristics, and correlates of disorders
- Compile a research proposal, obtain ethical clearance, collect and analyze data, and compile a research report
- Integration of knowledge into clinical practice, reports, and assignments
- Effective management of the clinical process using evidence-based practice, ethical conduct, scientific research principles, and technology
- Integrated Assessment through formative and summative assessments, including written examinations
- Completion of specified clinical hours and assessment using rubrics at clinical sites
- Continuous formative assessments and feedback sessions
- Final clinical mark based on year mark and oral examination mark
Learners are required to demonstrate competency in evaluation, intervention, and personal interaction in hearing disorders by integrating knowledge of various bases of communication disorders and swallowing processes into clinical practice effectively. The assessment criteria are determined by individual lecturers and documented on the ITS system.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.