Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Communication Sciences and Disorders] From Loma Linda University

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program begins in the autumn quarter and is based on the completion of two years of prerequisite course work at any accredited college or university. The emphasis for the next two years is on professional courses and practical experience. Supervised clinical practicum is an integral part of the student's education. Completion of specific theoretical courses precedes placement for practicum.

Speech-language pathologists assess and provide clinical services to people who cannot communicate clearly. These individuals may have problems with articulation, stuttering, voice, understanding and producing language, attention, memory and/or problem solving. Speech-language pathologists help clients develop, or recover functional communication skills so they can fulfill their rolls in society. They counsel individuals and their families concerning communication disorders and help them learn to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that often accompany these disorders. Additionally, they may work with people who have oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties. Audiologists assess and provide clinical services to people who have hearing or balance problems. Assessments include measuring the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds, the person's ability to distinguish between sounds, and nature and extent of hearing loss. Audiologists interpret these results and may coordinate them with medical, educational and psychological information to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment

Possible Careers: Preparation for a graduate program in Speech Language or Audiology; Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.