Thursday, February 5, 2015

LEAD Community Outreach

The LEAD Mentoring group members, mentees and mentors, came together for our first meeting this semester to plan future community outreach endeavors. Our goal is to present the Lamar University Speech and Hearing programs, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, to local high schools during career day activities.

April Bonton, Graduate SLP Clinician, is heading up the outreach project. April states that our goal is to inspire people to know more about Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Several outreach activities have been held at Lamar Port Arthur and Lamar Orange.

The next planned outreach activity is planned for:

February 23, 2015
Central High School
Beaumont, Texas
8am -11am

Volunteers are needed, and can be undergrad or grad students.
If you are interested please email me pboudreaux@lamar.edu

Kearston Burton, Graduate SLP Clinician, led the group in a fun get-to-know-you activity, by creating a fun quiz in the web app Kahoot. Our competitive spirits went into overdrive as we split into groups to answer the quiz questions. Check out this fun website, it would be perfect for presentations, study groups, or test reviews.

The following FAQ's about Audiology and Speech-language Pathology were created by Maureen Ehrlich, Graduate SLP Clinician. Designed to be used as a handout during group outreach projects, they are also handy fact sheets that you can copy and give to anyone that may be interested in learning more about our chosen professions.
FAQ About Audiology


  • What is audiology?
Audiology is a branch of science dealing with the science of hearing.


  • What does an audiologist do?
An audiologist is a highly educated and trained professional who evaluates an individual’s hearing loss and fits him/her with hearing aids.


  • What kind of education do you need to become an audiologist?
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, a student must enter a four year program to earn a clinical doctorate in audiology.


  • What is the median salary for an audiologist?
The median salary is $71,000 a year.


  • How competitive is it to get into graduate school to become an audiologist?
Getting into graduate school is highly competitive. Students are expected to have a gpa of at least 3.5G. The RE is also required at most graduate schools.


  • How can Lamar University help me become an audiologist?
Lamar University has a comprehensive academic program that will provide a student with the education and training to enter the field of audiology.
Learn more here:

http://fineartscomm.lamar.edu/speech-and-hearing-sciences/academic-programs/doctor-of-audiology.html




FAQ About Becoming A  Speech Language Pathologist


  • What is a speech language pathologist?
A speech language pathologist is a specialist that evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages.
From stroke patients to a child with a stutter, an SLP sees a wide range of clients.


  • What kind of education does a speech language pathologist need?
First, a student needs a bachelor's degree or post baccalaureate work in speech pathology.  Speech pathologists also have a master's degree as well as a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) earned by working under supervision. Texas also requires a state license.


  • What is the median salary for an SLP?
The median salary for an SLP is about $70,000.


  • How competitive is it to go to graduate school in speech pathology?
Getting into graduate school is very competitive. Most students have a gpa of at least 3.5. The GRE is also required for most graduate programs.


  • I have a bachelor's degree in speech pathology but I did not wish to go to graduate school. Are there other opportunities ?
Yes! With a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, you can become a speech pathologist assistant. Learn more here:


  • How can Lamar University help me become a speech language pathologist?
With small classes, student organization and opportunities to learn outside the classroom, Lamar University faculty and staff are dedicated to education the next generation of speech language pathologists. Learn more here:
  • http://fineartscomm.lamar.edu/speech-and-hearing-sciences/


Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Sincerely,
Your Speech and Hearing Family