Speak Out April 2017

Association news

Speech pathology university programs

speech pathologists, and discusses challenges universities have experienced and how these may impact on the capacity of universities to deliver programs and to obtain and maintain accreditation. Speech Pathology Australia aims to work collaboratively with all universities to ensure graduates meet or exceed the required competencies for the profession. In addition universities strive to prepare graduates with skills and knowledge based on their university/faculty vision and mission, graduate attribute requirements or program specific focus. This has resulted in graduates having a broad and diverse range of competencies that enrich the speech pathology workforce. If you wish to know more about the university accreditation process please refer to: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au SPAweb Resources for the Public Become a Speech Pathologist

IN THE PAST five years the number of entry level speech pathology programs has increased from 19 to 24 programs across 15 universities. In 2017 planning for two new entry level speech pathology programs will commence at the University of Canberra and Swinburne University of Technology. It is anticipated that these new programs will commence taking students in 2018. The development of a new university program, or suite of programs is driven from the strategic plan of a university and typically involves significant research into understanding market demand. This may or may not include consultation with Speech Pathology Australia. Universities do not require the permission or approval of Speech Pathology Australia to commence a new program. The role of Speech Pathology Australia is to inform universities of the accreditation requirements and discuss issues relevant to the profession. In 2016 the Board of Speech Pathology Australia approved a statement to be circulated to universities wishing to commence new programs. The statement provides information on workforce indicators and the current supply of

Stacey Baldac Senior Advisor, Professional Standards

IAN YORSKI JOINS the Association as its new social media and online communication guru or, in official speak, as “Communications Officer”. Ian is a very recent (September 2016) arrival from Canada and joins the Association via Monash College in Melbourne and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Ian’s expertise includes desktop design and Ian joins the SPA team

publishing, and online video content. A video Ian made for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has had over 9000 views on Facebook, in addition to 1200 on YouTube. At the Association, Ian provides support to the communication and marketing team, while being responsible for components of the Association’s social media platforms, e-News newsletters and online publications. Contact Ian at support@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

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April 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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