Course description
Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) (Honours)
About the course
The first qualification in speech pathology to be offered outside a metropolitan area, CSU’s Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) equips graduates with the skills to work in either rural or urban practice.
The program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment/rehabilitation of human communication disorders, e.g. speech and hearing, voice, language, fluency and swallowing disorders. Detailed studies in linguistics and normal speech and language development, biomedical and behavioural sciences, speech pathology practice, professional issues and research provide students with the knowledge to address the development of normal communication skills in the community.
Through research, advocacy, liaison, community education and health promotion, speech pathologists also aim to prevent the emergence of communication or swallowing problems.
Where it will take you
Graduates work professionally as speech pathologists in a wide variety of fields, both nationally and internationally.
You can work in:
* health
* community and educational settings
* private practice
* industry, health, welfare, education and legal fields as a consultant
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience. They are Associate Professor Lindy McAllister, Dr Ruth Beecham, Libby Clark, and Dr Linda Wilson.
Your course is recognised by industry
The Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) course was developed within the guidelines of Speech Pathology Australia and has full accreditation.
The latest facilities
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
* speech pathology demonstration clinic
* speech pathology and audiology laboratory
* state-of-the-art anatomy and physiology laboratories
Clinical experience
Students will be required to complete clinical experience during the course. This is undertaken in conjunction with a number of subjects throughout the course, beginning in the first year.
Articulation
The three-year Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science is an exit point only course within the Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology).
The course aims to prepare graduates who will bring an understanding of normal and disordered communication into a range of health, education, human service and research settings. The program will prepare graduates for work in multidisciplinary teams in a range of human service settings. Graduates will bring knowledge and skills regarding normal communication and communication breakdown, identification and referral for full assessment and program development for individuals with communication problems. Graduates will be able to participate with other appropriate health, education and community service professionals in program development and implementation for individuals with communication problems.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 256 points (29 subjects). Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) with the award BHlthSc(SpeechPath) or BHlthSc(SpeechPath)(Hons).
To graduate from the Bachelor of Speech and Hearing, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects) and will graduate with the award BSpeechandHearSc.
Clinical requirements
Refer to the Clinical requirements section following for information on fieldwork placement requirements:
* Senior First Aid Certificate
* Criminal Record Clearance
* Immunisation
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the cut-off score for the CSU’s Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) program?
The cut off is dependent upon demand, hence it is not possible to be certain. There is a five point rural bonus for designated areas.
2. Is the course offered by distance education?
No, although you may study your three elective subjects by distance education.
3. Can I enrol mid-year?
No.
4. Are there many job opportunities?
Currently, the employment options are very good - and this is usually the case. However, it is not possible to predict this in four years time!
5. Can I work overseas?
Australians are very highly regarded and sought after, particularly in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore and Ireland. An international reciprocity agreement has been signed between Australia, the USA, UK and Canada. HOWEVER you must first meet the entrance requirements of the professional association in the country in which you wish to work (which includes membership of Speech Pathology Australia).
6. How is the course different from speech pathology courses at other universities?
At CSU we prepare graduates for rural and remote practice, although graduates are able to work equally well in metropolitan centres. Our class sizes are smaller than most other speech pathology programs. There is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork especially since we are placed within the School of Community Health. CSU has excellent internet facilities and students are able to maximise their skills in the use of computer technology.
7. Will I be able to hold down a part-time job?
Yes, many students do. However you will usually be required to work full-time during clinical fieldwork.
8. Is there on campus student accommodation?
No, however you can contact CSU’s Student Services for accommodation options.
9. Can I buy secondhand books?
Sometimes. Check the student notice boards.
10. Is the course hard?
Yes, it is a demanding course - you will need to study diligently, and manage your time well. Provided you go to all classes and keep up with your study, you shouldn't have any trouble.
What can you do if you applied but did not get into the Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology)?
If you have no Year 12 qualification, consider enrolling at a secondary school or TAFE to achieve a Year 12 qualification then apply for university in the following year.Consider accepting another course with the intention to re-apply for Speech Pathology in subsequent years.
Look for a course that you can enjoy, achieve good grades and be happy to stay in if you are not successful in obtaining a place in speech pathology. Your grades will very strongly influence your chance of success when you apply for speech pathology the following year. Course selection is a personal choice but if possible, it should be a university degree with some biomedical science (e.g. anatomy, physiology) or linguistics, a foreign language, education, psychology, disability studies, gerontology or other social sciences subjects (refer to the UAC and VTAC guides for information about assumed knowledge). This may allow you to obtain some credit for subjects in the Speech Pathology course should you be subsequently accepted.
Make sure you understand what speech pathology is all about, and that it is your profession of choice. Obtain some good work experience in speech pathology clinics. You should be able to demonstrate to us that your decision is based on suitable work experience.
Non-recent school leavers must send a letter detailing their knowledge of the profession and work experience in speech pathology, and motivation for doing the course. Failure to do this will jeopardise your application.
