Online Classes in Communication Disorders

Online classes in communication disorders are for individuals interested in working with people who are hearing impaired or who have speech disorders. Students can become eligible for certification as speech pathologists or audiologists by completing online courses through graduate degree programs at universities.

Overview of Online Classes in Communication Disorders

Several academic institutions offer online speech-language pathology graduate programs certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Graduates from these programs are eligible to become speech pathologists or audiologists by earning certification through ASHA. The available ASHA certifications are a certificate of clinical compliance in audiology (CCC-A) or in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP). Online speech-language pathology classes may lead to a master's degree in communication disorders. Some universities offer an educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree in special education and communication disorders. The Ed.S. degree offers more training than a master's degree, without the research focus required for a doctoral degree.

Class Requirements

Blackboard is a common online venue through which classroom discussions occur and through which assignments are submitted. Some programs require access to additional resources, such as a webcam, a VCR and a scanner. Distance learners are sometimes required to participate in evening conference calls with the professor to go over specific course material or to listen to guest lectures being presented at similar courses on campus. Some universities may provide online learning options only to local residents. Each online degree plan follows the university's campus-based program. Following a specific degree plan, students are admitted as an academic cohort and complete the program requirements together.

List of Online Communication Disorder Classes

Speech and Language in the Hearing Impaired

This online course introduces students to the developmental process of speech and language skills for those who are hearing impaired. The student learns how to evaluate communication skills used by the patient and how to determine which interventions can be utilized with the patient's disorder. Usually taken toward the beginning of the program, this course provides a foundation upon which the rest of the program is built.

Diagnosis of Speech and Language Pathology

The ability to recognize, diagnose and assess the complex communication disorders of clients is important to the treatment process. This online course describes the characteristics of multiple disorders, explaining how these disorders develop and how patients can benefit from various interventions. Providing a more in-depth understanding of communication disorders, this advanced course is a continuation of previous online classes about language skill development.

Research of Communication Disorders

Through online discussion posts and intensive research projects, an online research course or project exposes the student to the use of applied research methods and statistics used in speech-language pathology and audiology. Online library research skills are taught, and students use them to complete projects and assignments. Whether working with a research committee through an online classroom or simply using online library resources to submit a research paper, the student uses an online component in every aspect of the program.

Practicum

All graduate programs require a supervised practicum experience, in addition to the online classes. This practical aspect of the program is completed in community- or medical-based facilities in order to give students clinical experience with patients who have communication disorders. While clocking the required 400 hours for certification eligibility, students also participate in an online course to share their experiences and ask questions of clinical concern as they arise.