First cohort of SLP to graduate

The first cohort of speech language pathology majors will graduate with master’s degrees on December 6.

They’ll likely do well out in the workforce, as all 29 have already passed their national licensure exams. Dan Halling, professor and chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders, said they refer to the first cohort as “30-30-30,” as nearly 30 students enrolled in the first speech language pathology cohort, and all have passed licensure exams and will graduate together.

The Speech Language Pathology program began in 2013. The master’s level program is four semesters, including clinical placements with adults and children.

Denise Ludwig, associate professor of speech language pathology, said students enrolled in the program are trained as generalists. “Throughout their coursework, students get a great deal of experience working with different age groups, and diverse populations,” Ludwig said.

Speech language pathologists are found in school settings, hospitals and other health care settings. Ludwig said the work can be diverse such as helping patients who have swallowing difficulties, people who suffered strokes or children with cognitive deficiencies.

“It could include working with children who are medically fragile, have a speech or language disability, are on the autism spectrum, or adults with aphasia, swallowing problems or cognitive impairments,” she said.

Whatever type of work they choose, the students are learning an interdisciplinary approach to patient care.

“They know when they go out into the workforce, they will be on medical teams and work with physical therapists, physicians, social workers and nurses,” Halling said. “This is a people helping people profession. Our students care very much about people and it’s evident through their volunteer work and their leadership skills.”

Student learning experiences includes time in the five labs at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences dedicated to audiology and speech language pathology. Students also have opportunities to use Grand Valley’s Simulation Center and work with standard patients, people trained to portray a role in a simulated health care setting.

Ludwig said students and faculty members regularly conduct clinics at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and Kent County Head Start, where they work with preschoolers on pre-reading skills.

“At the veterans’ home, we work with members who have difficultly swallowing and also work with them to help rebuild their memory or social skills in group situations,” she said.