Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are autonomous rehabilitation health professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and clinical training in the prevention, screening, identification, assessment, and management of congenital and acquired communication and swallowing disorders. Service is provided to individuals of all ages in a variety of health care, education, and private settings. SLPs are in demand due to changing demographics, in particular due to increased needs among children and seniors.

With respect to professional training, SLPs in Canada are educated through professional course-based Master’s programs. A Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Program within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS) at McMaster University will complement the existing professional rehabilitation programs in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and add to the interprofessional mix of health care disciplines within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The SRS is internationally renowned for its innovative educational programs. With its problem-based learning curriculum, the proposed SLP Program will be unique within Canada.

Specifically, the SLP Program will consist of five units of full-time study disbursed over 24-months. The curriculum will focus on the core fundamental knowledge and skills required for clinical practice and l gradually introduce students to increasingly complex clinical content while following a lifespan approach. Each unit will consist of an academic component followed by an integrated, community-based practicum. Each academic unit will consist of four integrated courses: a problem based tutorial course; a clinical and professional skills course; a seminar course; and either a course focused on foundational concepts and knowledge in SLP or an evidence-based practice course focused on developing life-long skills needed to seek out, critically appraise, and integrate research knowledge into client/patient management. Consistent with a problem-based learning approach, self-directed learning will be supported throughout the program via online e-learning resources that will be provided to supplement and reinforce knowledge and skills.