Communicative Disorders Assistant

This full-time program prepares students to work in a supporting capacity with Registered Speech-Language Pathologists or Audiologists in a variety of service settings and populations.

All courses will be offered on a scheduled format. Courses will have a set day and time and will occur anytime between 8:30 am and 8:30 pm.

Upon graduation, students will:

• Have a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal functioning of all aspects of human communication.
• Have a basic introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis and its relevance in the field of communication disorders.
• Be able to apply a range of intervention approaches for communication disorders in both adult and pediatric populations.
• Work effectively in an assistive capacity with speech-language pathologists and audiologists, implementing recommended intervention programs.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with professionals in related disciplines.
• Be eligible for membership with the Communicative Disorders Assistants Association of Canada (CDAAC).

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Graduates from this program may find work assisting speech-language pathologists or audiologists in a variety of agencies serving clients/patients with communicative disorders. Hospitals, preschool speech and language programs, children's rehabilitation centers, stroke and brain-injury rehabilitation programs, school boards and private speech and hearing clinics employ Communicative Disorders Assistants.

The current job market is competitive. Many of our graduates relocate to other cities across and outside of Ontario to find employment.

Here are some agencies where graduates are working as CDAs:

• Limestone District School Board (Kingston, ON)
• Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (Kingston, ON)
• KidsInclusive - Kingston Health Sciences Centre (Kingston, ON)
• Big Words Little People - Private Practice (Kingston, ON)
• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, ON)
• Hello Speech - Private Clinic (Toronto, ON)
• Speech Associates - Private Clinic (Ottawa, ON)
• Launch Behavioural Health - Private Clinic (Toronto, ON)
• St. Joseph's Health Centre - Hospital (Guelph, ON)
• Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres (various locations, NS)

• Have a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal functioning of all aspects of human communication.
• Have a basic introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis and its relevance in the field of communication disorders.
• Be able to apply a range of intervention approaches for communication disorders in both adult and pediatric populations.
• Work effectively in an assistive capacity with speech-language pathologists and audiologists, implementing recommended intervention programs.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with professionals in related disciplines.
• Be eligible for membership with the Communicative Disorders Assistants Association of Canada (CDAAC).

Minimum of a two-year post-secondary diploma or degree, with a specialty in health, community services or social services including Psychology, Linguistics or related disciplines.

For applications to the CDA program, there is no requirement to submit a letter of intent, references or curriculum vitae.

This is a HIGHLY COMPETITIVE program. To be included in the competitive ranking, applications must be complete including all transcripts and proof of enrollment by February 1. Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admissions to the program.

Highly Competitive Program Chart (https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/apply/admission-requirements).

Transcripts outside Canada: Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts (https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/apply/apply-with-your-transcript).

Health Requirements

Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements

• Pre-Placement Health Form required for placement.
• Upload via Placement Pass by ParaMed.
• ParaMed information page.
• Questions: placements@sl.on.ca
• Domestic student insurance: We Speak Student (https://www.wespeakstudent.com/).
• International student insurance: guard.me (https://www.guard.me/).

Other Requirements

Technology

• A desktop or laptop with high-speed internet access is required.
• For access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication applications, an iPadOS 17.5 or later is also required.

Criminal Background Check

• CPIC Criminal Background Check required for programs with field/clinical placements.
• Certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placements and program completion may not be possible.
• Student is responsible for the CBC and Vulnerable Sector Screening (OPP).
• May need to be renewed every 3-6 months.
• Applicants with criminal records are advised to contact the Associate Dean/Campus Dean of the respective school prior to applying.
• The CDA program requires the CBC to be submitted by semester start-up due to off-campus assignments in September and October in local area schools.

First Aid and CPR

Students are required to complete Standard First Aid with CPR BLS/AED certification at their own expense. Many students complete these requirements, along with criminal reference checks, just prior to the fall semester.

Professional Memberships

Students and graduates are eligible for student/full membership with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC) and with Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).

• Two full-time field placements totaling 490 hours.
• Students complete practical hours in a variety of clinical settings under the supervision of Speech-Language Pathologists or Audiologists and/or Communicative Disorders Assistants.
• Valid certification in Standard First Aid with CPR BLS/AED is required at the student's expense.

Placement requirements:

• 6 Training Modules
• Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality
• Student COVID-19 Waiver

Agency-specific requirements:

• Immunization
• CPIC - Vulnerable Sector Screening

Questions: placements@sl.on.ca

Website: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement (http://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement)

Students must be prepared to budget for additional costs related to field placements, which may be in communities across Ontario. While every effort is made to arrange for placements in students' preferred or home locations, students must be prepared for additional costs associated with relocating to other cities for placement.

Some field placements, notably placements in school boards, require students to have a vehicle. Students must budget for costs related to transportation and out-of-town accommodation.

Students and graduates are eligible for student/full membership with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC) and with Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).