Reflection on the Design, Development, and Implementation of an Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Abstract

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide services within medical and education settings. SLPs in the United States are professionals who assess and treat speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing problems, and audiologists assess and treat problems related to hearing and balance. The professions of speech-language pathology and audiology are projected to grow over the next decade with workforce shortages expected in both school and healthcare settings. With job growth on the horizon and a desire to increase the diversity of the workforce, more flexible programming is needed. To meet this need, Auburn University developed a post-baccalaureate online certificate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences accredited by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The asynchronous online program consists of four semesters and was developed for students who need to complete prerequisite coursework required for becoming a certified assistant or applying to graduate programs in audiology or speech-language pathology. The current paper describes how online courses for the post-baccalaureate certificate program were developed and designed in collaboration with Auburn Online to meet the needs of students and ongoing workforce shortages.