Speech & Language Therapy: Theory & Practice Only (Blended Learning)

Speech and language therapy assistants work with Speech Therapists to help people to minimize or overcome impaired speech, voice, language or swallowing difficulties. They also help people with psychiatric disorders, people who have suffered from head injuries and those who are learning to cope with a degenerative disease. A number of our graduates have been recruited directly from the Institute to work as an assistant to a clinician or practitioner in clinic and hospital settings.

On the Speech and Language Therapy Assistant course, you will gain a knowledge of the application of a wide range of communication styles and codes to speech and therapy practice. You will study the influences of physical, sensory, perceptual, cognitive and behavioral factors on receptive and expressive Communication. You will also gain an understanding of the need to provide supports to enable and enhance interpersonal communication, about group dynamics and group processes in therapy and the role of the speech therapy assistant in the safe management of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders.

Many of our past pupils have used this course to support their entry for further studies at degree level when applying as mature students. This type of programme helps students gain experience and demonstrates dedication to the profession.

Students may choose to complete their studies at a later stage for the QQI level 5 major award in Healthcare Support or Health Services Skills by completing the remaining 6 modules. Alternatively students may enrol for the full major award at the time of application

This QQI level 5 programme has been specifically designed for delivery by blended learning. You will need to attend 11 scheduled workshops which will aid your studies. It is very suited to you if you are working full-time with limited spare time, yet you want to achieve your degree qualification. During the induction workshop, you will be given your log-in details to the online portal. Here you will find course notes, reading lists, podcasts, articles of interest and assessment guidelines. The content is structured in an easy to “find and follow” week by week format. You will need basic computer skills such as searching the internet and typing a word document.

Each module commences with an induction seminar and you will meet your lead tutor during this seminar. You can upload your assessments and your tutor will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track before you submit the final version. Blended learning allows you to study at your time with support available throughout your learning journey.