Official Program Outline
Program description
The Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) program prepares graduates to work in an adjunctive capacity as supportive personnel to qualified Speech-Language Pathologists and/or Audiologists in a variety of treatment settings.
Over three continuous semesters, this post-graduate program will provide students with both the theory and practical experience to conduct remediation programs with clients and work in co-operation with Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Audiologists.
Based on a thorough understanding of physiological and functional speech/language and hearing disorders, students develop programming skills and learn intervention techniques to evoke and sustain communication behaviours. In addition students become aware of vital behaviour and environmental factors that can potentially support or erode the efficacy of treatment.
Why choose Georgian?
The Harmonize for Speech, Hearing and Language clinic offers state-of-the-art equipment and training that enables students to observe and participate in speech-language and audiological treatment sessions and programming involving community clients.
Our highly qualified faculty are well known for their experience, and their ability to work with students to put theory into practice. Our program provides clinical experience and two field practica in which students will gain hands-on experience and learn more about career possibilities.
Competency-based Field Practica
During the winter semester, there are two seven-week competency-based field practica (January-February, March-April). These practica provide students with opportunities to develop and practise intervention and programming skills in clinical settings. They also provide invaluable exposure to multi-disciplinary teams and service delivery processes for adults and/or children. Students have had wonderful internship experiences throughout Ontario as well as nationally and internationally.
Applications
Candidates must have completed a relevant 2 year diploma or a 3-4 year university degree preferably in human, health or social sciences.
The first deadline for applications is usually February 1. Applications received subsequent to that date are reviewed according to date of arrival.
Candidates apply online through Ontario College Application Service www.ocas.ca/. Once at the OCAS site, click the link to have your post-secondary transcript sent to Georgian. We do NOT require your high school transcript.
Once a candidate has applied, OCAS will forward your information to the Registrar at Georgian. Starting in mid-December, the Registrar will send you a letter to confirm receipt of your application and to outline the required supportive documentation.
As part of the required supportive documentation package, candidates will be asked to provide a letter of intent (stating why you are interested in the program and why you are suited to a career in communication disorders/delays); a resume; and two letters of reference (referees can be volunteer/employment and/or academic-related). You will be instructed to send the supplemental documentation to someone in the Registrar’s Office.
Employment
Graduates from the program find employment as supportive personnel (CDAs, speech and learning technicians, speech aides, and therapy assistants) serving children and adults with communicative disorders and delays. They work in a variety of settings including children’s treatment centres, school boards, public health units, Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), Community Care Access Centres (CCACs), hospitals, early years centres and private speech and/or audiology clinics. They work under the auspices and direction of qualified Speech-Language Pathologists and/or Audiologists.
Entry-level salary: $20-$26/hr