Speech-Language Pathology

The Speech-Language Pathology Program at Misericordia University is an entry-level 5-year Masters Degree program that provides an educational experience that produces pathologists who are critical thinkers and educated consumers of research.

Students admitted as first year or undergraduate transfers who successfully complete all major and university requirements are awarded a BS degree in health sciences in addition to a MS degree in speech-language pathology. Students who have baccalaureate degrees-whether in communication disorders or another field-are conferred the MS degree in speech-language pathology upon completion of all requirements but do not receive the BS in health science.

Misericordia graduates are prepared to engage in contemporary, competent, legal, and ethical practice, obtaining employment in the field upon graduation.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Misericordia University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

CAA

Accredited

100

Pass Rate (2021)
100% for 8 consecutive years

100

Employment Rate (2021)

SLP Accreditation Status

Accreditation is a voluntary process that professional programs in communication sciences and disorders (not individual people) undergo to ensure that their academic and clinical curricula meet the minimum standards of quality as delineated by a governing board. The governing board for speech-language pathology and audiology programs is the Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA), a semiautonomous body of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Accreditation is a "seal of approval" by the CAA that the professional program in question provides a quality education to prospective students.

As part of the requirements for earning the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a speech-language pathologist must obtain his or her education at a college or university professional program that has been accredited by the CAA. For new programs, the first step in the accreditation process is candidacy. Candidacy can be considered a probationary period during which the new program must come to compliance with all accreditation standards. Once all accreditation standards are met, the program is then awarded accreditation. Upon earning accreditation, professional programs must continue to meet all accreditation standards or run the risk of being placed on probation, or worse yet, lose accreditation altogether. If a student attends a professional program and graduates from that program while it is in candidacy, he or she is still eligible for the CCC, even if the program does not earn full accreditation after the student graduates.

The master of science education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Misericordia University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850.

If you have additional questions about Misericordia University's ASHA accreditation status, please contact the Accreditation Department at ASHA at 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Student Outcome Data

PROGRAM COMPLETION RATES

PERIOD

# COMPLETED PROGRAM
WITHIN EXPECTED
TIME FRAME

# COMPLETED LATER
THAN EXPECTED
TIME FRAME

# NOT COMPLETING

% COMPLETED PROGRAM
WITHIN EXPECTED
TIME FRAME

2021

100

2020

2019

100

3 year average

32.33

PROGRAM EMPLOYMENT RATES

ACADEMIC YEAR

EMPLOYMENT RATE IN PROFESSION

# of students

% employed

2021

100

2020

100

2019

100

3 year average

33.33

100

PRAXIS SLP PASS RATES
Program Data

PERIOD

# OF STUDENTS
TAKING EXAM

# OF STUDENTS
FAILED EXAM

PASS RATE (%)

2021

100.00

2020

100.00

2019

100.00

3 year average

33.33

100.00

SLP Virtual Tour

Undergraduate SLP Program

The undergraduate SLP program at Misericordia University is a 5-year entry level masters degree program. A potential applicant can enter the undergraduate program in Speech-Language Pathology under one of two circumstances:

As a Traditional Undergraduate student who has been accepted into the 5-year professional program.
As an Undergraduate Transfer student who has not been conferred a baccalaureate degree.

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Learn About the Misericordia University SLP Program

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete all academic coursework.
Complete all clinical practicum requirements.
Pass a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis during the last semester of graduate study.
Show evidence of having taken the PRAXIS SLP

Students meeting criteria (1) through (4) above will be eligible for graduation. Traditional 5-year students and undergraduate transfers who have completed both the undergraduate and graduate curricula at Misericordia University will be granted both the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Misericordia SLP in school with children

Graduate SLP Program

Misericordia University offers individuals who already have a baccalaureate degree the opportunity to earn a masters degree in Speech-language Pathology.

A potential applicant can enter the program in Speech-Language Pathology under one of two circumstances:

As a graduate holding the baccalaureate degree with communication sciences and disorders - Post-Baccalaureate Major.
As a graduate holding the baccalaureate degree in a major other than communication sciences and disorders- Post-Baccalaureate Non-Major.

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Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete all academic coursework.
Complete all clinical practicum requirements.
Pass a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis during the last semester of graduate study.
Show evidence of having taken the PRAXIS SLP

Students who have completed the graduate curriculum only (i.e., students who earned a baccalaureate degree prior to commencing graduate studies in the Speech-Language Pathology program) will be granted the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Testimonial Slideshow

Meet our Students

Student/Community Opportunities

Speech-Language and Hearing Center

The Speech-Language Hearing Center at Misericordia University is a comprehensive facility serving the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Located on the second floor in John J. Passan Hall, the center provides complete diagnostic and speech, language, and hearing services for children, adolescents, adults and elderly with communication disorders.

Communication problems can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people are born with communication disorders; others develop speech and language difficulties or hearing loss after a severe illness, disease, or as the result of an accident. Many individuals can overcome these challenges with special intervention and treatment. These services are provided by undergraduate and graduate student clinicians working toward their master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Misericordia University. The clinicians evaluate and treat clients under the direct supervision of faculty and staff certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Summer Career Speech-Language Hearing Exploration Camp

In an effort to provide students with information regarding Misericordia University's Speech-Language Pathology program as well as the profession itself, the Speech-Language Pathology department hosts a 4-day, 3-night residential Career Exploration Camp for interested high school students. The camp is generally held the last week in June and the cost is $125.00.

During this time students have an opportunity to speak directly to faculty, staff, and students who are currently enrolled in the Speech-Language Pathology program. Participants tour the department's state-of-the-art academic facilities at John J. Passan Hall, learn about the career field from guest lecturers, interact with pediatric clients and observe live therapy sessions in the Speech-Language and Hearing Center. Social activities that facilitate career exploration in a casual setting also take place on campus and in the community.

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National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

Students with award — **PSHA Convention 2017 - receiving the NSSLHA Chapter Honors Award**

National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

The National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the student arm of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Membership in NSSLHA is open to any student who has an interest in communication sciences and disorders. ASHA has special incentive programs for students who remain NSSLHA members throughout their studies. NSSLHA members also receive a discount in the registration fee to the Annual Convention of the association, and receive several of the publications that are made available to full ASHA members.

Most professional university programs in communication sciences and disorders have their own local chapters of NSSLHA. The Speech-Language Pathology department's NSSLHA chapter was chartered in the Spring 2004 semester.

All speech-language pathology majors are encouraged to become active members of the NSSLHA chapter.

Assistive Technology Research Institute (ATRI)

The Assistive Technology Research Institute (ATRI) at Misericordia University is a regional resource to provide information and education in the application of assistive technology and universal design principles to allow individuals with limited function to participate in their personal lives and their communities to the greatest extent possible.

The Institute activities include research into the usability of devices and products that are specifically marketed to allow individuals with disabilities improved function (assistive technologies) and products that are intended for the general population, but have been designed to be usable by people with functional restrictions as well as able-bodied individuals.

The Institute is not an engineering center, and does not evaluate the engineering soundness of products. The focus of the Institute is on the usability of devices by a diverse population.

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SLP Technologies

The Speech-Language Pathology Department at Misericordia University offers a wide variety of modern technologies in the areas of video observation, augmentative and alternative communication, fluency, and voice/speech science. This technology is used to enhance the clinical and classroom experiences while introducing students to various systems and devices they may encounter in the work setting.

Anatomage Table

The Anatomage Table in the Speech-Language Pathology Department helps students to gain a better understanding of human anatomy through the virtual cadaver. This 3D virtual technology has shown to improve overall academic and professional success for Misericordia students.

Anatomage also featured Misericordia on their blog after students presented on the table and how it impacted their academic success at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference. Click here to access the blog and read the post, "Students Leverage Classroom Technology into Professional Growth."

Misericordia Speech-Language Pathology students were featured on EyeWitness News for their success with the Anatomage Table. Click here to watch the news package featuring Misericordia SLP students.

Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)

The Speech-Language Pathology department has a large selection of cutting-edge AAC devices. These devices are available for clients, students, and faculty use in the clinic and classroom. Some of the devices include:

Mighty Mo, Mini Mo, Vantage Plus, Vanguard Plus, Pathfinder Plus, Spring Board Plus, DynaVox DV5, Dynamite, Dynamo, Boardmaker, Speaking Dynamically Pro, Chatbox, Mercury, Tech Talk, Co:writer, MT4, Lightwriter, Dynawrite, Big Mac, Tango, and other equipment.

ISCAN Device

The ISCAN is a non-invasive eye tracking device that allows researchers and clinicians to track and map eye movements of children and adults. It has been used to map the eye movements of infants in normal development as well as the eye movements of those with pragmatic language issues. Students in the Misericordia SLP Department have exposure to such cutting edge technology through their participation in research with faculty.

Motion Capture Technology

Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive measure of brain function. NIRS detects changes in blood hemoglobin concentrations that are associated with neural activity. NIRS can be used on infants, children, adolescents, and adults. We use NIRS in diagnostics and treatment to determine changes in blood concentration levels for verbal and nonverbal tasks.

Video Observation

The Speech-Language and Hearing Center at Misericordia University uses a novel technology (Video Audio Learning Tool) (VALT) for speech and language observation and analysis. This technology is used for advanced video-capture in the clinic. Cameras in each therapy room are linked to a central server. The VALT secure server sends the video to a clinical supervisor's computer for recording and editing. Several sessions can be viewed and recorded simultaneously. The video is also sent to the student clinicians' resource room, clinical rooms, and classrooms for viewing and playback. These videos can be accessed via tablet PCs in each therapy and observation room so that students can review sessions with clients in real-time. Professors can also retrieve video from the server and display clinical sessions in the classroom. All sessions are categorized by several parameters, including, age, gender, race, disorder, therapy session, treatment technique, and other factors. Students, supervisors, and faculty can complete a video analysis of one session or multiple sessions for a client or for numerous clients by refining a search field by any of the parameters in the database. All video can be saved in MPG format and given to clients to demonstrate progress in therapy.

Voice/Speech Science Lab

Clients, students and faculty have access to a lab that has state-of-the-art equipment for research and clinical practice. Equipment includes:

Visi-Pitch IV 3950 for Voice Diagnostics, Yamaha Keyboard for Voice Treatment, Endoscopic Unit, Aerophone II - Phonatory Aerodynamic System (PAS), Electroglottograph, CSL,VES, videostroboscopy, spirometry and other equipment.

SLP students studying voice — Students are performing a voice evaluation in the Misericordia University Speech-Language and Hearing Center. This evaluation is completed by using an instrument that measures the acoustic parameters of the voice.

Who Can I Contact?

When choosing what profession you want to pursue you will naturally have many questions. At Misericordia University we are here to answer any questions that you may have. Never hesitate to reach out to us. We are providing you with a few answers to the most asked questions but encourage you to contact us and speak with us personally if you have any additional questions.

If you have any questions about the profession of Speech-Language Pathology or about our educational program, please contact the Department at the following address: Department of Speech-Language Pathology Misericordia University 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612.
You also may contact the Speech-Language Pathology Department by phone at (570) 674-8255 Department Administrator.

Misericordia welcomes the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country in the U.S. Armed Forces, including spouses and dependents. For more information, visit our Veterans Service Page.

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Speech-Language Pathology

Accreditation Status and Outcomes

SLP Accreditation Status

Student Outcome Data

Student Outcome Data

SLP Virtual Tour

Undergraduate SLP Program

Learn About the Misericordia University SLP Program

Graduation Requirements

Graduate SLP Program

Graduation Requirements

Testimonial Slideshow

Student/Community Opportunities

Speech-Language and Hearing Center

Summer Career Speech-Language Hearing Exploration Camp

Summer Career Speech-Language Hearing Exploration Camp

National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

Links

Assistive Technology Research Institute (ATRI)

SLP Technologies

Anatomage Table

Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)

ISCAN Device

Motion Capture Technology

Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Video Observation

Voice/Speech Science Lab

Who Can I Contact?

Helpful Links