Clinical Processes in Speech Pathology A

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2026/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Health and Wellbeing

Unit Title:

Clinical Processes in Speech Pathology A

Unit ID:

HEASP5014

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

061707

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an in depth understanding of the clinical processes and skills of speech pathology, and to the range of practice areas and settings that speech pathologists work within. The unit will present an overview of the history of the speech pathology profession, along with reflection cycles and foundational skills in understanding and applying evidence-based practice. Students will learn about how the profession links to and draws on a range of other disciplines. The unit introduces the professional frameworks that guide speech pathology practice in Australia; these include Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework, Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Students will begin to apply these frameworks and linkages whilst developing the relevant academic and communication skills associated with assignments, class presentations, professional portfolio development and reflective learning activities. Through the support of lectures, workshops and case studies, students will begin to develop their understanding of the clinical processes used in a range of speech pathology areas. Students will also learn evidence-based practice skills of locating and analysing information from different sources of evidence, including the research literature, the client, and the clinical background. Initially there will be a focus on assessment, interpretation, diagnosis and reporting on assessment findings.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Explain and explore the scope of speech pathology practice, interprofessional practice, and the professional role of Speech Pathologists.

K2.	Explain the speech pathology professional framework, its relevance to speech pathology practice and how it helps direct clinical processes

Skills:

S1.	Reflect, analyse and provide supportive feedback on one's own and others contributions to a team activity and provide constructive feedback.

S2.	Demonstrate an indepth understanding and application of professional standards to clinical practice scenarios/processes and demonstrate effective teamwork skills.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Demonstrate effective communication in a range of settings including oral and written English language and visual media

A2.	Apply research and literature to speech evidence-based scholarly practice

Unit Content:

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologist in Australia (2020), Speech Pathology Guidelines for Reporting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Development and Inclusions (2018), FedUni STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan (2019-2022), National Quality and Safeguarding Framework (NQSF, 2018), National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (2017-2019) and National Aged Care Quality Standards (2019) have substantially informed the syllabus/content of this unit. Topics may inlcude:

The role of a speech pathologist:

- What is a speech pathologist?

- Service delivery and the role of speech pathologists across the a range of practice areas communication and swallowing.

- Communication as a basic human right

- Culture and speech pathology practice

Professional frameworks

- Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia

- International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework

- Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics

Professional practice

- Introduction to professional communication

- Inter-professional practice - Evidence-based practice

- Defining EBP and relevance to speech pathology

- Types of evidence

- Steps in EBP: Asking, locating, organising, analysing and evaluating research

- EBP and ethical practice

- Credible evidence in research, evidence-based practice and academic integrity

- Research Design and Methods

- Client centred/family centred practice

Professional skills

- Clinical reasoning

- Developing skills for lifelong learning and professional practice

- Frameworks for reflection

- Self evaluation

Clinical processes

- Assessment

- Interpretation

- Diagnosis

- Reporting on assessment findings

Graduate Attributes:

Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptor		Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
FED TASK and descriptor		Level
FEDTASK 1 Interpersonal	Students at this level will demonstrate an advanced ability in a range of contexts to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display high level skills in-person and/or online in: • Using and demonstrating a high level of verbal and non-verbal communication • Demonstrating a mastery of listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Demonstrating and showing empathy for others • High order skills in negotiating and conflict resolution skills\\ • Demonstrating mastery of working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.	1 - Yes
FEDTASK 2 Leadership	Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery in professional skills and behaviours in leading others. • Creating and sustaining a collegial environment • Demonstrating a high level of self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect and justify decisions • Inspiring and initiating opportunities to lead others • Making informed professional decisions • Demonstrating initiative in new professional situations.	1 - Yes
FEDTASK 3 Critical Thinking and Creativity	Students at this level will demonstrate high level skills in working in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically to generate and consider complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level • Analysing complex and abstract ideas, concepts and information • Communicate alternative perspectives to justify complex ideas • Demonstrate a mastery of challenging conventional thinking to clarify complex concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving to new situations for further learning.	1 - Yes
FEDTASK 4 Digital Literacy	Students at this level will demonstrate the ability to work competently across a wide range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Mastering, exploring, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information professionally • Collating, managing complex data, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding professionally to messages in a range of professional digital media • Contributing competently and professionally to digital teams and working groups • Participating at a high level in digital learning opportunities.	1 - Yes
FEDTASK 5 sustainable and Ethical Mindset	Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery of considering and assessing the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting professional ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Demonstrate informed judgment making that considers the impact of devising complex solutions in ambiguous global economic environmental and societal contexts • Professionally committing to the promulgation of social responsibility • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Communicating lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to the diverse professional others • Generating, leading and implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life	1 - Yes

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting	Professional Standards
1.	K1, K2, S1, S2, A1, A2	Case Study	Group oral and written assignment	15-35%
2.	S1, S2, A1	Group learning agreement / contract for case study assignment	Group learning agreement / contract	S/U Hurdle
3.	K1, K2, A1, A2	Essay demonstrating reflective cycles and life long learning.	Reflective written assignment	25-40%
4.	K1, K2, A1, A2	Examination on unit content	Written Exam	20-35%
5.	K1, K2, S2, A1, A2	Attendance at on-campus intensive	100% attendance at on-campus intensive	S/U Hurdle

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency