Our SLHS Program

Welcome to the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences! We are located within the School of Health Professions at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Our department consists of audiology and speech-language pathology undergraduate and graduate students interacting with faculty in an innovative teaching, clinical, and research environment.

If you are interested in a blend of psychology, education, and medicine, this may be a great career option for you! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of positions available for audiologists and speech-language pathologists is expected to grow by approximately 10% over the next 10 years.

At the department’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, students get to experience first-hand the many facets of our professions as they work with faculty providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services to children and adults. Because graduate degrees are required to practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, the undergraduate program here at TTUHSC is designed primarily to prepare students for graduate school. Undergraduate students learn about the normal processes of speech, hearing, and language, and also learn about a variety of communication disorders.  They will also complete all required coursework to become licensed speech-language pathology assistants with a bachelor's degree.

Please use our website to gain more information concerning the profession, our faculty and students, our curriculum, the application process, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and financial aid information. If you have any questions or want additional information, contact me by e-mail at melinda.corwin@ttuhsc.edu. I hope that you will seriously consider a career in this rewarding field!

Essential Functions/Technical Standards: Department-Student Agreement:
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Technical Standards
The technical standards of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences reflect the functions that are considered essential to the pre-professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. Ability to meet these technical standards is required for admission to the undergraduate program and must be maintained throughout the time a student is enrolled in the program. These standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care/scope of practice.
In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully in our department. Any student with a disability who is accepted to the undergraduate program must contact the 504 coordinator in the TTUHSC Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible. The coordinator will evaluate the student, confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws, and determine what accommodations are reasonable.
To successfully complete the undergraduate program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, an individual must meet the following technical standards:

1. Observation
   
   
   • Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures.
   • Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.
2. Communication
   
   
   • Communicate professionally (orally and in writing) as required for coursework and clinical practicum to ensure patient safety.
   • Use technology to meet requirements of courses and clinical practicum (e.g., computer skills including but not limited to internet access, word processing and spreadsheet programs, learning management systems, and electronic health records).
3. Cognition
   
   
   • Comprehend, integrate, and synthesize a large body of information in a short period of time.
   • Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to ensure patient safety.
   • Accurately self-assess clinical skills and academic performance.
4. Social Behavioral Skills
   
   
   • Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.
   • Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical situations.
   • Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.
5. Motor Skills
   
   
   • Sustain necessary physical activity level required for classroom and clinical activities during the defined workday.
   • Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environment, materials, and equipment.
   • Access transportation to attend academic courses.