Motivated by a desire for change but also having a profession that integrated her background as a teacher, Julie C. began her journey into the online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at 国产主播. 

Julie first discovered speech-language pathology through her sister, whose son worked with a speech-language pathologist at school. Intrigued by the field’s combination of science and education, Julie explored further and found SLP to be a perfect fit with her extensive knowledge of biological health sciences and chemistry after a decade of teaching physics, chemistry, and middle school STEM classes. 

鈥淭his profession allows me to apply all of my skills in a new way,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great change of pace, especially for someone in their middle age seeking something different.鈥� 

Julie said she was drawn to WCU because of its innovative and fresh approach to the MSLP program. Being a new program, WCU provided Julie with the opportunity to grow alongside the program and contribute to its evolving success. 

鈥淚 thought, 鈥楾hey鈥檙e new at this, I鈥檓 new at this, I鈥檓 going to give it a chance,鈥欌�� she said.  

Embracing the transition from teacher to student, Julie found her stride within a few months despite initial challenges, including self-doubt. Thanks to the support received from her instructors, she began gaining confidence and deepening her passion for the field. 

鈥淭he instructors put in effort to get to know you and your learning style,鈥� Julie said. 鈥淭hey find a way within the group to tailor to the individual.鈥� 

Julie envisions using her newly gained SLP skills to address the unique challenges faced by rural schools and bring attention to the educational needs of smaller populations.  

鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed the SLP profession more with every month that goes by,鈥� Julie said. 鈥淎s I gain skills, I also gain confidence, and I hope to use it in a meaningful way.鈥� 

The post Embracing Change: MSLP Student Thrives in Role of Learner appeared first on 国产主播.

Jessica W. always felt drawn to working with children but soon realized that the conventional role of a teacher in a classroom wasn’t right for her. Determined to explore other options, she stumbled upon speech-language pathology during her high school years while shadowing an SLP and found it to be a perfect fit. 

鈥淐ommunication is such an important part of our daily lives,鈥� she said. 鈥淛ust to see a little spark and open that door for communication for a kid is very rewarding.鈥� 

Jessica worked for six years as an SLP aide, always nurturing the dream of advancing her education. The decision to pursue a master’s degree was a natural one, she said, as it opened opportunities for career growth and a broader scope of practice. 

Choosing the right program for Jessica meant seeking a balance between online and on-campus learning. The online master of speech-language pathology program at 国产主播 provided her with the perfect blend of both, allowing her to work part-time while pursuing her education.  

鈥淚 needed some kind of face-to-face interaction with professors and students, but I also didn鈥檛 want a fully on-campus program,鈥� Jessica said. 鈥淚 needed a program that was flexible.鈥� 

As part of the first WCU online MSLP cohort, Jessica acknowledged the learning experience for both students and educators during her program. She said she especially valued the openness of her professors in refining her educational journey. 

鈥淭hey鈥檝e all taken our feedback and tried to apply it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey want to make sure we learn the material well.鈥� 

Jessica looks forward to starting her second year, anticipating the opportunity to complete her medical placements. She shared her excitement about exploring various areas within the field, although she currently leans towards continuing her work with children. 

Reflecting on the challenges she’s faced, Jessica is thankful for the camaraderie of the cohort within the MSLP program. Despite encountering moments of doubt and exhaustion, she said she appreciates the support system her cohort has forged. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e created this bond between our classmates,鈥� Jessica said. 鈥淲e have a great cohort that has supported and leaned on each other throughout the program.鈥�  

The post MSLP Student Excited to Take Speech Career to Next Level with Graduate Degree appeared first on 国产主播.

Friends and family of 国产主播’s Master of Speech Language-Pathology cohort gathered this November to celebrate the program’s first white coat ceremony.

The inaugural cohort received their white coats “as a symbol of professionalism and knowledge” after spending the weekend completing their adult immersion experience at 国产主播-Orange County campus.

The MSLP cohort will now head into the final trimester of their 20-month journey to complete the medical immersion and medical clinical experiences.

鈥淵ou have greatness in you, and we want you to live out the full meaning of that greatness,” Dr. Regina Lemmon Bush, MSP Dean and program director, said. “Go forward with success and the knowledge that you have the ability, the tools, the techniques to become a stellar speech-language pathologist.鈥�

The post MSLP Program Recognizes Inaugural Cohort’s White Coat Ceremony appeared first on 国产主播.

As a mother and a speech-language pathology assistant, Camille knew that pursuing a master鈥檚 degree would be a significant commitment of time and effort. 

But, when she heard about 国产主播鈥檚 online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, she decided it would fit her needs and her schedule perfectly.聽聽

鈥淭he best thing about this program is that it is truly student-centered,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 a mom of three, I work, I do lots of things. But I鈥檝e been able to manage my time to be part of the program, interact with my peers, but still do all the work.鈥�  

An Orange County native, Camille was already familiar with 国产主播 thanks to a strong family connection: Her mom works for the school as a simulation lab manager and her brother is a proud WCU nursing alumnus.  

鈥淚 also had several friends that went through different programs,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, I鈥檝e always heard such great things about all of the programs, and I figured speech-language pathology would be great.鈥�  

For Camille, a benefit to the online program was the unique opportunity to receive hands-on training. She participated in a weekend immersive experience where she met her classmates and got to put what she learned to practice.  

鈥淵ou get to see the materials, you get to work in groups, which is so great because that peer insight is so important,鈥� she shared.   

Camille encouraged others who are considering an online SLP program to take the time to find the right school 鈥� and then to take the leap.  

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid of it being online,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚mmersive class events really allow you to have that connection with your group and your professors. I think every experience is what you make it and, so far, this program has been great for me.鈥�  

The Master鈥檚 of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) education program in speech-language pathology distance education program at 国产主播 is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a 鈥減reaccreditation鈥� status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. 

The post WCU MSLP Student Gets Hands-On Learning From Online Program appeared first on 国产主播.

Already a speech assistant, Lahya W. went back to school in hopes of finding her niche as a speech pathologist. 

Now pursuing her master鈥檚 of speech-language pathology degree at 国产主播, Lahya said she鈥檚 looking forward to getting hands-on experience in an area that piques her interest. 

鈥淭his field is so dynamic. You can really do a lot with it,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I want to do my clinical fellowship and tap into a specialized area.鈥� 

Layha鈥檚 experience in the clinical immersive has been her favorite part of the 20-month online program. It allowed her to meet her cohort and professors in person and obtain hands-on practice. 

鈥淲e go to do language and hearing screenings,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was collaborative, and we got to observe the facility. I got to see the mock medical room and home setting room, which prepared us more for the field.鈥� 

With the experience of the clinical immersive, Layha said she is confident that she will become more comfortable working in bariatrics or maybe with adolescents. 

鈥淚 really love to help individuals, and I love the ethics and the curriculum behind speech and language therapy,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to get in the field.鈥� 

Layha is part of 国产主播鈥檚 first MSLP cohort. Although initially nervous about starting a graduate program, Layha said the professors have helped her stay encouraged and inspired her. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 not a walk in the park,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rigorous, but the support from this program has really helped. The professors have opened the field of opportunities in the field. I鈥檓 excited to pursue and persist.鈥� 

The post WCU MSLP Student Uses Grad School to Find Her Speech Pathology Niche appeared first on 国产主播.

Speech and language therapy is a fascinating and much-needed discipline, with many applications treating a wide range of disorders. Patients of a Speech-Language Pathologist (or Therapist) benefit from rehabilitated or enhanced communication and social skills, whether suffering from a congenital condition, neurological condition, or recovering from a medical event or injury.

What Does an SLP Do?

Speech-Language Pathologists (or Speech Therapists) diagnose and treat disorders related to communication and swallowing. These include conditions that inhibit speech, such as 鈥渄isfluencies鈥� like stuttering,

SLPs work with a variety of populations to develop, encourage, or rehabilitate swallowing and communicative function. These populations may include individuals in the deaf community or those with other hearing disorders, neuro-psychological individuals such as those with autism spectrum disorders, stroke survivors, patients with dementia, and more.

Where Does an SLP Work?

Professional Speech Pathologists can be found in a range of settings, often chosen according to area of focus. For example, an SLP who works specifically with dementia patients might seek employment in a nursing home. Or, you might treat clients who want to improve existing speech skills by enhancing resonance, for example, or modifying an accent. This care is often delivered through private practice. Common for SLPs are:

• Hospitals
• Private Practice Offices
• Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Schools

What Education Do You Need to Become an SLP?

• Undergraduate Degree (BS or Other): Before you enroll in a master鈥檚 program to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, you鈥檒l need a bachelor-level degree. There鈥檚 no rule as to which degree you鈥檒l need, but many aspiring SLPs choose a related field, such as linguistics, psychology, or education.

• Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP): This advanced degree prepares students of speech pathology for autonomous practice. Graduated and licensed MSLPs work with both adults and children in diverse communities with a range of treatment needs.

• Pre- Speech-Language Pathology (Pre-MSLP): Pre-MSLP study is not a degree program; rather, it provides the preparatory coursework needed by aspiring Speech-Language Pathologists who haven鈥檛 completed a bachelor鈥檚 or studied a related field. These courses are also referred to as 鈥渓eveling courses.鈥�

Speech-Language Pathology Specializations

As with many healthcare and behavioral-medicine disciplines, speech therapists study and work in a , some to assess and treat disorders and others purely elective.

• Fluency/Stuttering: Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is characterized by:
  • Repetitions (li-li-like this)
  • Prolongations (lllllike this)
  • Abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables.

There may also be unusual facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak. 

• Cognitive/Communication: Cognitive/ communication disorders include, but are not limited to:
  • The effects of normal aging processes
  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • Focal and diffuse brain damage due to stroke (left/right hemisphere; cortical/subcortical, focal/diffuse)
  • Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
  • Alzheimer鈥檚 disease
  • Lewy body dementia multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson鈥檚 disease
  • Primary progressive aphasia
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy, etc.
  • Traumatic injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury/chronic traumatic encephalopathy, concussion, head injury, or blast injury) across the lifespan

• Social Communication: This type of therapy occurs with patients across the lifespan in all aspects of life, including:
  • Communication and language learning and use
  • Social interaction and relationships, and life skills
  • Assessment and treatment practices, including acknowledging the importance of culturally responsive practices, neurodiversity, and disability.

• Expressive and Receptive Language: Language disorders involve comprehension and expression, and may manifest in verbal or written communication, or both.

• Voice and Resonance: This area includes the assessment and management of individuals with normal or disordered voice or upper airway issues, throughout the lifespan. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Professional and occupational voice use
  • Gender-affirming voice and communication
  • Tracheostomy and ventilator dependence

• Dysphasia/Swallowing: Feeding and swallowing disorders occur in both children and adults. This is also often an after-effect of stroke, injury, or illness, causing difficulty in swallowing. This area also includes feeding and sensory integration therapy for young children.

• Auditory Habilitation/ Rehabilitation: This type of therapy entails all aspects of therapeutic intervention for individuals with a varying degree of hearing loss from newborns to geriatrics using an interprofessional approach to patient care.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC is inclusive of individuals who have complex communication needs secondary to a wide range of developmental and acquired conditions across the life span. This type of therapy utilizes technologies, strategies, and techniques to enhance the language development, quality of life, and independence of individuals with significant communication challenges..

• Speech Sound Disorders: This type of therapy includes the assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment of speech sound disorders (SSD) and motor speech disorders (MSD) in children, not secondary to hearing loss. Speech sound disorders include articulatory and phonological deficits as well as motor speech disorders such as apraxia of speech and dysarthria.

Communication and swallowing therapy can result in meaningful improvement not just in speech and language, but an individual鈥檚 quality of life; MSLP鈥檚 enjoy an impactful and rewarding career field.

If you鈥檝e decided to make a difference for patients who will benefit from speech-language therapy by earning your MSLP degree, begin researching accredited schools and programs to further your education and prepare you for . The good news is you can now pursue this degree largely online and often on a flexible schedule, ideal for working professionals ready to take the next step in pursuing this life-changing line of work.

Visit our web pages to learn more about WCU鈥檚 Pre-MSLP and MSLP programs.

The post How to Pursue a Career as a Speech and Language Pathologist appeared first on 国产主播.

May is national Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), and 国产主播鈥檚 Speech Language Pathology program is using this year鈥檚 observance to encourage individuals to seek an evaluation for a communication or swallowing disorder if they have concerns about themselves, a child, or another loved one. These disorders are common in children as well as in adults 鈥� yet many don鈥檛 know that they are treatable by speech-language pathologists.

鈥淪peech-language pathologists work with people every day in settings that include schools, private practices, health care facilities, and even their own homes to improve their speech, language, social, and cognitive skills,鈥澛燚irector of Clinical Education Dr. Sharita Williams-Crossen聽said. Dr. Regina Bush, the MSLP聽program dean, added that 鈥淎 person鈥檚 communication skills are critical at each stage of life 鈥� for young children, as a strong foundation for language and literacy; for school-aged children, as a requirement for academic and social success; and for adults, as a key part of their career and personal relationships.鈥�

Williams-Crossen continued: 鈥淓ven less well known is the role that speech-language pathologists play in helping people to swallow and eat safely. Again, problems in these areas can occur across the age span, but at any stage, safe swallowing and eating are essential to a person鈥檚 health and quality of life.鈥�

Communication and swallowing disorders may occur for a variety of reasons. In children, this may be due to low birth weight, congenital syndromes, developmental disorders, and injuries or illnesses. In adults, they are common in those who have had a stroke, brain injury, head and neck cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Although the specific challenges that people experience can vary significantly, one commonality is that most people can improve with the help of speech-language pathologist.

Here are some specific areas where speech-language pathologists work with students, patients, and clients:聽

• 厂辫别别肠丑:听People with speech problems may not say sounds clearly or smoothly. This may make it difficult for others to understand them.
• 尝补苍驳耻补驳别:听A person with a language disorder may have problems with expressing themselves, understanding others, and reading and/or writing.
• 颁辞驳苍颈迟颈辞苍:听This can involve difficulties with attention, memory, problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and judgment.
• 痴辞颈肠别:听Hoarseness, breathiness, pain, frequent coughing, and other problems with a person鈥檚 voice may result from medical problems or from overuse or misuse (certain professions 鈥� like teachers, musicians, and coaches 鈥� are at greater risk).
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication:聽People may need or choose to use other ways to communicate besides talking. These include no- or low-tech and high-tech options such as pointing or gesturing, using picture boards, and using speech-generating devices.
• Feeding and Swallowing:聽Difficulties may include coughing or gagging during meals, food or liquid leaking from the mouth, or food getting stuck in the mouth or throat. These difficulties may occur due to preterm birth, developmental disabilities, medical conditions, and illness and injury.
• Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication:聽This area may focus on pitch, tone, vocal health, nonverbal communication, and more.
• Communication Coaching:聽Some SLPs help with public speaking and communication style, which may include learning another accent.

Individuals who are interested in becoming a Speech Language Pathologist may contact our website. More information about speech, language, and swallowing disorders is available at .

The post WCU MSLP Program Urges Action on Communication and Swallowing Difficulties During Better Hearing and Speech Month appeared first on 国产主播.