REHA 1005 Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 401300
Coordinator Belinda Kenny Opens in new window
Description This subject introduces students to the profession of speech pathology, including the regulatory, ethical and legal frameworks which underpin speech pathology practice within the context of the changing health environment. Students will explore and reflect on their developing professional identity with reference to the Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia, including the domains of professional conduct, reflection and lifelong learning, and speech pathology practice. In addition, students will have opportunities to develop core skills in communication and professional interaction, including gathering, analysing and reflecting on information through a process of clinical reasoning. Students will also develop introductory level skills in core speech pathology processes such as safe and effective observation, documentation and therapeutic communication through practical activities with academic staff and other students.
School Health Sciences
Discipline Speech Pathology
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp
Check your fees via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject
Restrictions
Students must be enrolled in the 4763 Bachelor of Speech Pathology or 4764 Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours).
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe the professional standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical guidelines for speech pathology in Australia.
- Discuss the role of the speech pathologist, in different service delivery contexts in Australia, in optimising communication, swallowing and mealtime experiences for individuals, families and communities.
- Discuss the factors that contribute to the development of professional identity as a speech pathologist and health professional.
- Critically reflect on the professional values and competencies that underpin speech pathology practice.
- Critically observe and record communication interactions.
- Apply communication skills to effectively communicate with peers and academic staff
- Demonstrate introductory speech pathology skills in a safe and effective manner within a peer learning environment
Subject Content
1.The speech pathology profession and regulatory frameworks, including Professional Standards, Code of Ethics and National Code of Conduct
2.Speech Pathologists and their role and contribution to optimising communication and mealtime experiences for individuals, families and communities
3.Foundations of clinical reasoning
4.The current and emerging scope of practice in Speech Pathology
5.Respect and responsivity when collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
6.Communication, swallowing and mealtime management across the lifespan.
7.Holistic frameworks for working with individuals, families and communities.
8.Professional conduct, reflection and lifelong learning, speech pathology practice standards and elements of practice
9.Introduction to clinical observation, recording, and analysis.
10.Introduction to speech pathology practice requirements.
Special Requirements
Legislative pre-requisites
Special Requirements - NSW Health Legislative Prerequisites Pre-requisites
Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements
Prior to enrolling in this subject, students must have submitted a Student Undertaking Form and undertake to apply for a National Police Check, which is required to be submitted before placement, and a Working with Children Check Student Declaration. Use the link to the Special Requirements webpage below for more information.
To be eligible to enrol in this subject and complete any required health-related placements or experiences, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements as well as any special, legislated, or policy-mandated requirements.
Western Program Requirements
Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your program.
Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements
To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your program, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet.
NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet
Please ensure that you
- Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one
- Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history
- Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements
- Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.
International students have additional requirements; the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.
School Requirements
Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as
- If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements
- If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.
- NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire program.
- Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire program - approved program providers can be found at the Government Training website
- http://training.gov.au
- Other non-health related requirements.
Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page (NSW students only)
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Task | 30 minutes and time required to complete mandatory NSW Health requirements | S/U | Y | Individual | Y |
| Presentation | 5 minutes | 25 | N | Individual | Y |
| Reflection | 1,000 words | 35 | N | Individual | Y |
| Final Exam | 2 hours | 40 | N | Individual | Y |
Teaching Periods
Autumn (2024)
Campbelltown
On-site
Subject Contact Belinda Kenny Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Autumn (2025)
Campbelltown
On-site
Subject Contact Belinda Kenny Opens in new window