La Trobe University Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology Overview

The Speech Pathology program at La Trobe University aims to qualify students as speech pathologists for work in Australia.

Within La Trobe University’s Speech Pathology program, theoretical studies cover the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and provision of management and advocacy services to people with communication or swallowing disorders. These people may have difficulties in speech, language, voice, fluency, and reading and spelling.

La Trobe’s Speech Pathology program provides prospective speech pathologists with a broad-based knowledge of normal development, the anatomy and function of the human body, causes and types of communication and swallowing disorders, and prevention and treatment strategies for communication and swallowing problems. The growth of the profession calls for speech pathologists with alert, critical minds and the ability to conduct systematic investigations into human communication problems.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology is a four-year, full-time degree program. In first year, students will undertake an interdisciplinary common year in which students enrol in subjects with peers across the Faculty of Health Sciences. The focus of this year is on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health and on developing an understanding of the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors.

The second year of study at La Trobe University will see students begin to develop skills specific to the discipline of speech pathology and further explore the underpinning human biosciences and public health aspects. This provides a broad-based knowledge of normal development, the anatomy and function of the human body, and an introduction to causes and types of communication and swallowing disorders.

In third and fourth years, this Speech Pathology program at La Trobe University utilizes both innovative Problem Based Learning (PBL) methods of teaching and learning as well as more traditional formats, and rich clinical learning experiences. PBL results from understanding and working towards the resolution of a problem. In this curriculum, PBL relies on the use of actual speech pathology cases, presented in a variety of formats eg. printed case notes, computer-based examples, video or audio samples and simulated patients.

Clinical Work Experience

Clinical experience is a major component of La Trobe University’s Speech Pathology program. La Trobe University students will get practical experience in external agencies such as hospitals, community health centres, schools, early childhood centres and private practice. Speech Pathology students at La Trobe University enrolled at the Bendigo campus will carry out most of their placements in the Bendigo area and regional Victoria, however some opportunities exist for these students to be able to carry out speech pathology placements in metropolitan Melbourne campus at La Trobe University. There are some opportunities for all La Trobe University Speech Pathology students to carry out speech pathology interstate placements subject to availability.

Students enrolled at the Bundoora (Melbourne) Campus at La Trobe University will carry out a number of their speech pathology placements in metropolitan health services and other non-health agencies and in The La Trobe Communication Clinic, which offers extensive speech pathology services including:

• a preschool language and phonology program funded by Community Health
• a preschool and school-age child fluency (stuttering) program funded by Community Health
• an adolescent and adult fluency (stuttering) assessment and treatment program
• a Phonological Awareness for Literacy program for school-aged children
• voice clinics for children and adults at the Bundoora campus and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

Entry Requirements

• High school applicants should have a minimum of 85% at a Canadian Secondary School
• Applicants should have one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Year 12 Mathematics

Professional Recognition in Canada

La Trobe Speech Pathology graduates are eligible for membership with Speech Pathology Australia. The degree is also recognized in several overseas countries.

It is the individual applicant’s responsibility to investigate if this course meets the registration requirements to practice as a speech pathologist in their country of origin or their preferred country of practice.

KOM Consultants understand the process and requirements needed to enter the profession in Canada. Contact KOM Consultants for more information.

All students applying directly through KOM Consultants will be supported with the latest information on the accreditation process.