Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program

Transcription

1 COLLEGE OF DUPAGE Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Spring 2016 Application Deadline: Nov. 13, 2015 at 5 pm Note: Completion of Health Requirements, CPR completion, criminal background checks, and proof of insurance is an independent activity to prepare for entrance into health programs at College of DuPage and/or participation in clinical sites within health programs. Funds paid to Edward Corporate Health or to a personal health care provider/ source, Criminal Background.com (or equivalent), insurance companies, and funds used towards CPR completion are not eligible for any sort of refund from College of DuPage if the required course is not successfully completed. Note: Students are not accepted into this program until they receive an official acceptance letter from the College of DuPage Office of Admissions & Outreach.

2 The College of DuPage Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Thank you for your interest in the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program. Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) are emerging professionals who, under the supervision of licensed Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), provide treatment and screening services related to communication problems. SLPAs work in a multitude of settings, including schools, clinics, early intervention programs and rehabilitation facilities. SLPAs provide services for a wide variety of individuals, from infants to the elderly, with a variety of issues and disorders. Working under the supervision of an SLP, an SLPA can enhance the quality of life of the individuals served by: o Eliminating or minimizing the impact of communication disorders and enhancing functional communication, thereby allowing individuals to communicate wants and needs effectively and comprehend linguistic input. o Enhancing cognitive skills, thereby allowing individuals to effectively function in their activities of daily living and increase their independence. Without such intervention, individuals with communication disorders may experience social isolation and limitations in educational and professional opportunities. This packet provides basic information regarding the SLPA program. Information is also available on the SLPA program web site: Additional information about the fields of speech language pathology and audiology is also available at the American Speech Language Hearing Association web site For additional questions or more information on the SLPA program at College of DuPage, please do not hesitate to contact the SLPA Program Coordinator Faye Campagna, M.A., CCC-SLP at (630) or campagnaf@cod.edu, the Office of Admissions & Outreach at , a Health Sciences Program Advisor at (630) or the Health and Sciences Division at Applications submitted by students who are not currently enrolled and participating in SLPA 1101 or have not previously completed SLPA 1101 will NOT be considered for admission. In this circumstance, the student will forfeit his/her application fee. The SLPA Program The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program at College of DuPage is an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program consisting of 25 hours of general education courses and 39 hours of SLPA program courses and electives for a total of 64 credits. Graduates of the SLPA program at COD are eligible to apply for state licensure through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations. SLPA program courses are offered in the evening, spread sequentially over the course of five consecutive semesters. While the program is designed to be completed in two years (five semesters), a student may opt, with the approval of the program coordinator, to complete his/her program on a three-year (eight-semester) track. Please note that College of DuPage and the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program reserve the right to revise curricula without notice. Classes With the exception of the practicum experience, all classes meet one time per week on the main COD campus in Glen Ellyn. Classes meet from 6 to 9 or 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. No classes are held Friday evenings. Students expecting to complete the program in two years must enroll in two courses per semester. Therefore, students will be on campus for class an average of two times per week each semester. Some program courses may be hybrid or blended courses, whereby a component of the course is held online; this reduces on campus seat time by up to 40%. All SLPA courses are offered one time per year. 2

3 Clinical Education The purpose of clinical education is to allow the student to apply the theoretical principles of the didactic portion of the SLPA program. Students will enroll in practicum during the final (spring) semester of the program. Practicum placement will consist of experience in a clinical setting three days per week (Monday to Friday), approximately eight hours per day, for the entire semester. A fee for professional liability insurance is included in the course fee for SLPA 2112 which is the clinical practicum course. Students working daytime hours will have the opportunity to continue their employment without disruption during the first four semesters of the program. However, arrangements must be made by students to be available three full days per week during their final semester in the program. These three days will be determined at the coordinator s discretion, based on clinical site availability and need. Weekend and evening placements are not available. Students typically will not be assigned to a site where they have been or presently are an employee or volunteer. Students may not be supervised by personal acquaintances. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites, which are located throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Students must attend the sites to which they are assigned. Progress on General Education Requirements It is not necessary for students to complete general education requirements in full prior to beginning SLPA program courses. However, it is strongly recommended that substantial progress be made toward completion of these requirements prior to beginning the program coursework. It is expected that students will be prepared to graduate upon completion of all SLPA program courses. Students must have all general education requirements and electives completed by the end of their fourth semester in the program. A student who has not successfully completed all general education coursework and electives by the end of his/her fourth semester may not complete his/her clinical practicum placements and may be dismissed from the program. Non-Discrimination Policy The College prohibits discrimination in its admissions, employment, and educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, arrest record, military status or unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status, and physical or mental handicap or disability. The College will protect an individual s right to express their viewpoint or opinion, so long as it does not violate State or Federal law and is not detrimental to the College. (Board Policy 20-5) Non-discrimination applies to all areas of the college, including the following departments: Admissions, Academic Affairs, Employment, Financial Aid, Placement and Recruitment. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission and participation in educational programs. Admissions criteria and descriptions of educational programs are available in the college s printed and online semester Class Schedule and college Catalog. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and concerns about non-discrimination at the college: Student Inquiries concerning Non-Discrimination Statement Dean of Student Affairs Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3200 (630) Employee and Visitor Inquiries Human Resources-Affirmative Action Officer Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1486 (630) , FAX (630) TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) (630) American with Disabilities Act accommodations, call (630) (voice) or (630) (TDD) Note: Please do not call the numbers above for information about the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program. Contact information for the SLPA program is on page 2 of this packet. 3

4 Criminal Background Check Information All health care workers and student health care workers are required to undergo a criminal background check in order to work in a clinical setting. A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions as defined by Federal and State law will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of the program. A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions as defined by Illinois State Law (225ILCS46/25) will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of this program, thus preventing the student from obtaining mandated certification and/or licensure in Speech Language Pathology. The disqualifying conditions are listed below. NOTE: You may have been convicted and not sent to jail. People are often fined or given probation or conditional discharge rather than jail time, but these are still considered convictions. If you are unsure as to whether an arrest resulted in a conviction, contact the county in which you were arrested and speak to a representative in the Circuit Clerk s office, State s Attorney s office or your attorney. Disqualifying Criminal Convictions Criminal convictions (both felonies and misdemeanors) that disqualify (which means a person cannot work in a direct patient care position with these convictions) an individual from working in a direct care position include: Battery, domestic battery, aggravated battery Assault Forgery Receiving or using a debit or credit card of another, without permission Financial identity theft Theft, retail theft Robbery, armed robbery, aggravated robbery Burglary, residential burglary Armed violence Criminal trespass to a residence Financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person Murder, homicide, manslaughter Kidnapping, child abduction Unlawful restraint, forcible detention Indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child Aggravated stalking Tampering with food, drugs or cosmetics Home invasion Sexual assault, sexual abuse Endangering the life or health of a child Abuse or gross neglect of a long-term care facility resident Criminal neglect of an elderly person Ritual mutilation, ritualized abuse of a child Vehicular hijacking, aggravated vehicular hijacking Arson, aggravated arson or residential arson Unlawful use of a weapon Manufacture and delivery of controlled substances (drugs) or cannabis (marijuana) Possession with intent to deliver (either drugs or marijuana) Illegally receiving, selling or using credit or debit cards Statement of Health Once accepted, the health requirements must be completed prior to the first day of class for the Clinical Practicum Course, SLPA Please see the health requirement packet. If applicants do not submit the necessary paperwork, do not obtain the required examinations and vaccinations, and/or are unable to obtain clearance to participate in all the program s clinical activities, without restrictions and/or precautions, they may be considered ineligible for the program and can be withdrawn from the program courses in which they are registered. Mandatory Drug Testing: Policy and Procedures Health Career students with direct patient contact must be drug tested annually prior to clinical experience in every program. New admissions to Health Career Programs that test positive to the drug screen will be considered ineligible for admissions into the program and will be withdrawn from program classes. Continuing Health Career Program students who test positive may not seek readmission to the same program or initiate admission to another program for a minimum of one year. 4

5 Health Insurance Students are responsible for their own medical care and must carry personal health insurance. The student is responsible for any costs that may be incurred related to personal injuries acquired while performing routine activities at the clinical affiliate. The affiliating clinical facility and/or College of DuPage cannot be held liable for such injuries. Students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of classes may purchase student health insurance through University Health Plans. All students accepted into the program are required to provide evidence of current health insurance coverage. Citizenship/Visa Status If you are not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., and if you have any questions or concerns regarding your eligibility to participate in health sciences programs, please contact the International Student office, SSC 2225, (630) , intlstdt@cod.edu. Qualified applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be considered out-of-district in the admissions ranking process. Program Admission Preference Preference in admission is given to residents of District 502 who meet the stated minimum acceptance criteria for the program. Priority for admissions are a) In-district applicants; b) Out-of-district applicants working full-time in-district (proof of in-district employment will be required each semester); and c) Out-of-district applicants including those students with a joint or chargeback agreement and International students. Admission Criteria To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the following prerequisites. (1) Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the GED exam. (2) Enrollment in and completion of Introduction to Speech Language Pathology (SLPA 1101) at COD with at least a final grade of B or better. Students who complete SLPA 1101 with a grade of C may be provisionally admitted to the program, with full admission to the program pending successful completion (grade of B or better) of additional SLPA classes. Students earning a D or F in SLPA 1101 are not eligible to apply; they are welcome to retake the course and apply to the program after earning a grade of B or better. Prospective students who have completed an introductory course in the field at a different institution must submit a copy of their grade report or transcript including the grade received. The SLPA coordinator reserves the right to request additional information, including but not limited to, the course description from the course catalog and a copy of the course syllabus. 5

6 An applicant to the SLPA program must: ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (1) Complete the College of DuPage General Admissions Application online or in person at the College of DuPage Office of Admissions and Outreach, SSC There is a $20 general admissions fee due upon submission. If you have previously attended COD, you can omit this step. This application is for general admissions to College of DuPage only; it is not an application to the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program. (2) Complete the online Health Sciences Application and select Speech Language Pathology Assistant when asked which Health Sciences program are you applying to? and Spring 2016 as your anticipated entry term. NOTE: You can only submit the application online and must pay a $50 non-refundable application fee by credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you can purchase a prepaid credit card from your local retailer. Be sure you have selected the correct entry term and program. Once your term is selected and application submitted, you may not change this without submitting a new application and paying another $50 non-refundable application fee. If you previously applied to the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program, you will need to complete this step again and pay another $50 nonrefundable fee to be considered for this admissions cycle. (3) To ensure that all of your eligible credits are evaluated towards the admission requirements turn in all official Transcripts from any schools that you have attended. Please follow the steps listed below: Submit your official transcript(s). Contact your previous institution(s) to order an official copy of your transcript to be sent to the College of DuPage, Office of Student Records, 425 Fawell Blvd, SRC 2150, Glen Ellyn, IL Verify receipt of your transcript(s). Login to your myaccess account, click on myaccess for Students, then select My Profile. The receipt status of your transcript will be listed under Transcript Institutions. NOTE: If you have an international transcript from high school or college, it must be evaluated by EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS, Inc. Forms may be obtained from (4) Attend a mandatory Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Advising Session. View upcoming session dates and times and please make sure to RSVP for your session to secure your spot using the directions provided. It is required that an applicant attend an advising session within a 12 month period prior to the application deadline. (5) Complete the Reading Placement Test and Writing Placement Test (not e-write Essay placement test) at the College of DuPage Testing Center, BIC These tests are only required of students, who either (a) do not have a bachelor s degree (satisfies Reading Requirement) and (b) have not successfully completed a college level English Composition class (satisfies Writing Requirement). Immediately following the test, the student will receive two test report sheets (one sheet entitled Reading Placement Test Score Report, and one sheet entitled Writing Placement Test Score Report ) from the Testing Center. Score required on both tests is Category One. (6) Submit the College of DuPage Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Written Essay Questions & Applicant Responses to the Office of Admissions & Outreach, SSC Essay questions are supplemental application material distributed during your SLPA 1101 course. See page 14 (form is subject to change). (7) Submit two (2) Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Recommendation Forms, to the College of DuPage Office of Admissions & Outreach, SSC 2207, from individuals who can attest to the applicant s clinical and/or academic ability. Forms completed by friends or relatives of the applicant are unacceptable. Recommendation forms are supplemental application material distributed during your SLPA 1101 course. See pages (form is subject to change). (8) Complete the College of DuPage Residency Verification form by providing 2 proofs of residency to the Office of Student Registration Services, Student Services Center (SSC) Room 2221 by the program application deadline date. Note: If 2 proofs of residency have not been submitted to Registration by the program application deadline date the applicant will not be considered for admission. Applicants must submit all application materials by 5 pm on November 13, It is the student s responsibility to ensure that all steps have been completed and all information received. Formal admission will not be considered for applicants with incomplete requirements. 6

7 Evaluation of Applicants The number of students admitted to the SLPA program is limited by the availability of clinical sites. Selection for admission is determined using a numerical point system based on the following categories: (1) Final percent grade earned (not letter grade) in SLPA 1101 (or other course if student has taken the equivalent of SLPA 1101 at another institution) (2) Quality of written essays submitted on application form (3) Mean score from grids on recommendation forms (4) Summary of Recommendation on recommendation forms (5) Progress toward fulfilling general education requirements Additionally, points are deducted for any Summary of Recommendation that states recommend with reservation. Applicants who receive a rating of do not recommend are not considered for acceptance into the program. Applicants may earn extra points for demonstrated success if they have earned an associate s degree or higher. The specific admissions rating system is available upon request. See next page for Merit Evaluation Rubric with specific categories and possible points. 7

8 MERIT EVALUATION (Subject to Change) NAME: ID NUMBER: DATE OF APPLICATION: POINTS 1. COLLEGE CREDIT HOURS: /4 Master s or above = 4 points Bachelor s = 3 points Associate s = 2 points 12+ credit hours = 1 point Less than 8 credit hours = 0 points 2. PRE-REQUISITE COURSE (or equivalent): /10 SLPA 1101 Introduction to Speech Language Pathology Grade: Calculation: Final Grade Percentage x.1 **SCORES <69.9% are denied candidacy and removed from applicant pool 3. RECOMMENDATIONS FORMS: Section B Characteristic Scores: = 1 point /1 Average Scores/5 Summary of Recommendation: /0 Recommend as outstanding = 0 points Recommend very highly = 0 points Recommend = 0 points Recommend with reservation = -.25 points Do not recommend = Denied Candidacy (Removed from applicant pool) Section B Characteristic Scores: =1 point /1 Average Scores/5 Summary of Recommendation: #2 /0 Recommend as outstanding = 0 points Recommend very highly = 0 points Recommend = 0 points Recommend with reservation = -.25 points Do not recommend = Denied Candidacy (Removed from applicant pool) 4. ESSAYS: /2 Excellent = 2 points Good = 1 points Fair =.5 points Poor = 0 points TOTAL POINTS: /18 8

9 Possible Course Sequences: SLPA Program Sequences: Two-Year Recommended Sequence and Optional Three-Year Sequence The following program sequence assumes that general education requirements have been completed. Additionally, these sequences do not take into account the potential need for elective credits. Students may apply to and be accepted in the SLPA program prior to completion of general education requirements; in such cases, their course sequences must be adjusted accordingly and the program may require additional time to complete. Students will not be allowed to enroll in Clinical Methods and Documentation (SLPA 2101) and Clinical Practicum (SLPA 2112) until all general education classes have been completed. It is expected that students will be prepared to graduate upon completion of all SLPA program courses. Two-Year Sequence First Year Fall: SLPA 1101 Introduction to Speech Language Pathology 4 credit hours Offered Thursday evenings SLPA 1105 Phonetics 3 credit hours Offered Tuesday evenings Spring: SLPA 1106 Speech Disorders and Intervention across the Lifespan I 4 credit hours Offered Wednesday evenings SLPA 1109 Language Development 3 credit hours Offered Monday evenings Summer: SLPA 1107 Speech Disorders and Intervention across the Lifespan II 2 credit hours Offered Tuesday evenings SLPA 1112 Introduction to Audiology 2 credit hours Offered Thursday evenings Second Year Fall: SLPA 1110 Language Disorders and Intervention across the Lifespan 4 credit hours Offered Wednesday evenings SLPA 2101 Clinical Methods and Documentation 4 credit hours Offered Monday evenings Spring: SLPA 2102 Professional Issues and the SLPA 4 credit hours Offered Thursday evenings SLPA 2104 Augmentative Communication 3 credit hours Offered Tuesday evenings SLPA 2112 Clinical Practicum 6 credit hours Three days per week 9

10 Optional Three-Year Sequence First Year Fall: SLPA 1101 Introduction to Speech Language Pathology 4 credit hours Offered Thursday evenings Spring: SLPA 1106 Speech Disorders and Intervention across the Lifespan I 4 credit hours Offered Wednesday evenings Summer: SLPA 1112 Introduction to Audiology 2 credit hours Offered Thursday evenings Second Year Fall: SLPA 1105 Phonetics 3 credit hours Offered Tuesday evenings Spring: SLPA 1109 Language Development 3 credit hours Offered Monday evenings Summer: SLPA 1107 Speech Disorders and Intervention across the Lifespan II 2 credit hours Offered Tuesday evenings Third Year Fall: SLPA 1110 Language Disorders and Intervention across the Lifespan 4 credit hours Offered Wednesday evenings SLPA 2101 Clinical Methods and Documentation 4 credit hours Offered Monday evenings Spring: SLPA 2102 Professional Issues and the SLPA 4 credit hours Offered Thursday evenings SLPA 2104 Augmentative Communication 3 credit hours Offered Tuesday evenings SLPA 2112 Clinical Practicum 6 credit hours Three days per week 10

11 Admission Status Applicants will be notified of their admission status via letter by the College of DuPage Office of Admissions & Outreach, SSC Applicants are notified of their admission status by late December. Individuals offered admission must respond via letter (as directed in the acceptance letter sent by the Office of Admissions & Outreach) by deadline date stated in the Acceptance Letter, or the offer is withdrawn. Candidates who decline an offer of admission, or accept but fail to register for classes, are not guaranteed admission at a later date. Requests for admission are not automatically carried over to the following year. Applicants not accepted to the program may apply the following year; it is strongly recommended that individuals considering reapplying speak with the program coordinator regarding possible methods for improving their chances of admission. Following acceptance to the SLPA program, students receive a copy of the College of DuPage SLPA Program Handbook. Students are expected to comply with the rules, regulations and procedures of College of DuPage, the SLPA program and the affiliating clinical sites as outlined in the handbook. Students are expected to sign an acknowledgment of the Discipline Procedure, Informed Consent and Verification of Receipt, Review and Comprehension of the SLPA Program Handbook (following a review of the handbook). Noncompliance is grounds for dismissal from the SLPA program. Requirements after Acceptance Once admitted to the program, students receiving less than 80% in any SLPA course are placed on academic probation for a period no shorter than one semester, although this duration may be substantially longer. Students receiving a 69% or below in any SLPA course or practicum are dismissed from the program. A dismissed student may apply for readmission to the program in the fall semester of the following school year, however the student is not guaranteed readmission. If the student is readmitted, the failed course must be repeated. Additional information regarding grade requirements, probation and dismissal is contained within the COD SLPA Program Handbook. In order to ensure students acquire knowledge relevant to their clinical practice, students may be required to make up portions of failed exams or projects regardless of earning a passing grade in class. Prior to being admitted into clinicals which take place during the students final spring term, students must complete and pass a pre-clinical examination. Students must sit for this examination on the first Thursday of January of the students final spring semester. Students who do not pass the exam will not be allowed to enter clinicals and will have the choice of either (1) exiting the program and reapplying at a later date if desired or (2) completing coursework and or self-study to remediate deficit areas and, pending successful performance on the exam the following January, enrolling in clinicals the following spring term. Please note: Acceptance into the SLPA program does not guarantee successful program completion. 11

12 Physical Requirements To participate in the clinical education component of the SLPA program, students must possess additional non-academic, physical skills. These skills are consistent with the duties of required of an SLPA in a variety of settings. Students in the SLPA program should have the ability to: o Lift and carry 30 pounds of weight. o Move at a reasonable speed by foot and negotiate stairs safely and in a timely manner. o Maintain pace with a toddler or active child, including but not limited to activities such as moving from a seated position in a chair or on the floor to standing and moving around the therapy room. o Sit on the ground and/or in child-sized chairs for a prolonged period of time. o Perform for a prolonged period without breaks in a typical eight-hour workday. o Respond appropriately to sounds such as the client s voice at normal conversational volume levels. o Visually differentiate various gestures, signs and oral movements. o Manipulate objects, such as a tongue blade, with dexterity. o Respond appropriately to equipment signals such as sound and light. o Communicate orally and in writing with clients, clients families, supervisors, and other personnel clearly and effectively, and follow verbal and written directions o See note below regarding speech production Speech Production: In addition to the above listed requirements, it is preferable that students be able to model Standard American English as delineated in the guidelines set forth by ASHA in the 1997 position statement entitled Students and Professionals Who Speak English with Accents and Nonstandard Dialects: Issues and Recommendations. While this position paper addresses accents and nonstandard dialects, for the purposes of the SLPA program the concepts extend to speech and language differences and disorders as well. Please note that while accents, dialects, and speech and language differences and disorders would not preclude admittance to the program and completion of the clinical practicum, they may have an impact on employment after graduation. Students with any questions regarding this are encouraged to speak with the program coordinator. Licensure While the SLPA program at COD is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and graduates are eligible to apply for a license, successful completion of the SLPA program does not guarantee licensure in the State of Illinois. Individuals in any of the following categories may have difficulty obtaining a license or may be denied licensure: o Individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offense in state or federal court. o Individuals who have been convicted of a felony. o Individuals who had or have any disease that interferes with one s ability to perform the essential functions of the profession. o Individuals who have been denied a professional license or privilege to sit for a licensing exam, or had a license or permit disciplined by the State of Illinois or elsewhere. o Individuals who have been discharged other than honorably by the armed services or a city, county, state or federal position. Additionally, applicants who do not have a social security number may have difficulty obtaining a license. Potential applicants may refer questions to the Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation, Springfield, Ill. Falsification of Documents or Other Information Falsification of any information, including but not limited to falsification of application information, health care information, background check information, insurance information or clinical performance information, will not be tolerated. Prospective students found to have falsified any application information will not be admitted to the program and may not reapply or be considered for admission at a later date. Students enrolled in the program found to have falsified any documents or other information related to the program will be dismissed without possibility of reapplication or readmission. 12

13 College of DuPage Health Science Programs POLICY FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN CLASSROOMS, AND AT LABORATORY/CLINICAL SITES Revised Fall 2013 Socialization of students to appropriate professional conduct is a significant component of the Health Science Programs of College of DuPage (the Programs ). Students in the Programs are expected and required to be reliable and competent, exercise sound judgment, act with a high degree of personal integrity, represent themselves and College of DuPage (the College ) in a respectful manner, and observe all the rules and regulations of the clinical sites to which they are assigned. Students also have a responsibility to protect the welfare and safety of the patients/clients for whom services are being provided. Students placed at clinical sites must realize the privilege of this experience, its responsibilities, and the reflection on the College of DuPage and its numerous health programs. Any violation will be handled immediately so as to not affect C.O.D. s use of the clinical site for future students. In accordance with these expectations, when participating in laboratory exercises and /or assigned to clinical sites, students in the Programs must adhere to the following Policy for Professional Conduct. This Policy is in addition to the Student Code of Conduct outlined in College catalogs and/or policy (Board Policy 20-35). The policy of Professional Conduct includes, but is not limited to, 1. Providing competent and reliable services to patients/clients using sound judgment and discretion. Students are expected to: a. be prepared for the learning environment and actively participate in appropriate ways to ensure learning of key components b. be on time c. refrain from excessive absenteeism d. remain in assigned work areas, leaving only with permission e. not leave patients unattended and/or release patients without prior approval from a qualified staff member (if applicable) 2. Demonstrating respect and courtesy to patients/clients and their families 3. Demonstrating respect and courtesy to peers/classmates, instructors, supervisors and all other members of the health care provider team in classrooms and at the site 4. Cooperating with faculty, staff and peers without insubordination 5. Providing care and/or services on a non-discriminatory basis 6. Performing only procedures and/or services authorized by supervisor(s) in accordance with accepted professional standards. 7. Observing the rules and regulations of classrooms, and all clinical facilities including (but not limited to): a. proper use of equipment and other property b. not removing property of clinical facilities c. not distributing, possessing, and/or being under influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances, d. not possessing and/or being under the influence of alcohol e. complying with all current health requirements, drug testing and criminal background checking requirements f. not possessing or using any type of weapon g. comply with cell phone or other electronic device (ipod, ipad, electronic tablets, etc.) usage consistent with the policies of the classroom/clinical site or lab 8. Maintaining the confidentiality of patient/client information in accordance with recognized professional and institutional rules; without unauthorized release and/or misuse of patient/client information or institutional data 9. Maintaining proper dress, appearance, hygiene and decorum in accordance with the standards set by the program, clinical site, and professions 10. Complying with the ethical and professional standards set by the profession and the Programs including (but not limited to): a. never taking prescription blanks or writing prescriptions b. never falsifying documents regarding student performance or the care of patients The penalty for violating the Policy for Professional Conduct will be discipline up to and including suspension or dismissal from the Programs. Due to the sequential design of the curriculum in most Health Science programs, any period of suspension or dismissal may result in a delay in program completion. If the disciplinary action is suspension or dismissal from one of the Programs a form will be completed by the program coordinator and submitted to the appropriate Associate Dean. The student may appeal that disciplinary action to the Health Sciences Professional Conduct Review Board within 10 business days of the discipline imposed. This appeal must be in writing and submitted to the appropriate Associate Dean in the program area (HSC 1220). The student will not be permitted to participate in the clinical/lab portion of the Programs during the appeal process. However, the student may continue with on campus courses until a final decision is rendered from the appeal process. The appeal will result in a hearing before the Health Science Professional Conduct Review Board, comprised of faculty from other COD health science programs within 5 business days of the date the appeal is filed with the Associate Dean. Both the student and faculty involved in the disciplinary action may make an oral presentation to the Board in addition to written comments. There is no further appeal; the decision of the Board is final. If the decision to dismiss or suspend a student from a Program is upheld, no refund of tuition or fees or equipment or books will be provided. When a student is dismissed from a health program for professional misconduct, they are not eligible for readmission, or admission to any other health program at the College of DuPage. All health programs require completion of current health requirements and drug testing as a condition of program participation. Drug testing (performed at the student s expense) will precede clinical experience in all cases, and will be required prior to admission in some programs. Positive results on a drug screen or misrepresentation regarding drug use will lead to immediate dismissal from, or non-admittance to the particular program(s). When a student is dismissed from or not admitted to a program for a positive drug screen, he/she may reapply to the same program or to any other College of DuPage health programs after one year has elapsed. Criminal background checks are performed at the student s expense, and are required for many programs prior to admission. Positive results will be handled by individual program faculty, as per program policies. 13

14 Applicant: College of DuPage Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Short Essay Questions (1) Why are you interested in the field of speech language pathology? (2) Do you possess any special skills, education, or work experience which you feel may contribute toward acceptance into the program? If so, please elaborate. (3) Please indicate if you intend to complete the program in two or three years (circle one). Please seal in an envelope, sign your name across the seal, and mail to: College of DuPage Office of Admissions & Outreach SSC Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL

15 Section A: Must Be Completed By Applicant College of DuPage Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Recommendation Form (Page 1 of 2) Applicant s Name: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (PL ) allows a candidate to waive his/her rights of access to recommendations written on his/her behalf if the recommendation is used solely for the purpose of admission. You are not required to waive access. Under the legislation, you have the option of signing a waiver. Check one and sign: I waive my right of access to this recommendation. I do not waive my right of access to this recommendation. Applicant s Signature: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Section B: Please proceed only if Section A has been completed and signed by the applicant. The above individual is applying for admission to our Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program. We require the completion of two recommendation forms, at least one of which must be completed by a college level instructor of the applicant, and at least one of which must be completed by an individual who can attest to the applicant s interpersonal skills. Recommendation forms completed by friends or relatives of the applicant are unacceptable. Please rate the applicant on the following characteristics by checking the appropriate boxes. Academic Ability Outstanding Excellent Good Fair Poor Unable to Assess Clinical Ability Written Language Skills Oral Language Skills Maturity Respect for others Motivation Dependability Punctuality Critical thinking Integrity Leadership 15

16 1 (Page 2 of 2) How long have you known the applicant? What is your relationship to the applicant? (i.e. Instructor, Employer) How well do you know the applicant? (Please check one.) very well fairly well not very well What do you feel are the applicant s strengths? What do you feel are the applicant s weaknesses? Summary of Recommendation: Please check one: Recommend as outstanding Recommend very highly Recommend Recommend with reservation Do not recommend Name of person completing this form: Date: Signature: Title: Institution or Facility: Address: Phone: Please seal in an envelope, sign your name across the seal, and mail to: College of DuPage Office of Admissions & Outreach SSC Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL

17 Section A: Must Be Completed By Applicant College of DuPage Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program Recommendation Form (Page 1 of 2) Applicant s Name: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (PL ) allows a candidate to waive his/her rights of access to recommendations written on his/her behalf if the recommendation is used solely for the purpose of admission. You are not required to waive access. Under the legislation, you have the option of signing a waiver. Check one and sign: I waive my right of access to this recommendation. I do not waive my right of access to this recommendation. Applicant s Signature: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Section B: Please proceed only if Section A has been completed and signed by the applicant. The above individual is applying for admission to our Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program. We require the completion of two recommendation forms, at least one of which must be completed by a college level instructor of the applicant, and at least one of which must be completed by an individual who can attest to the applicant s interpersonal skills. Recommendation forms completed by friends or relatives of the applicant are unacceptable. Please rate the applicant on the following characteristics by checking the appropriate boxes. Academic Ability Outstanding Excellent Good Fair Poor Unable to Assess Clinical Ability Written Language Skills Oral Language Skills Maturity Respect for others Motivation Dependability Punctuality Critical thinking Integrity Leadership 17

18 (Page 2 of 2) How long have you known the applicant? What is your relationship to the applicant? (i.e. Instructor, Employer) How well do you know the applicant? (Please check one.) very well fairly well not very well What do you feel are the applicant s strengths? What do you feel are the applicant s weaknesses? Summary of Recommendation: Please check one: Recommend as outstanding Recommend very highly Recommend Recommend with reservation Do not recommend Name of person completing this form: Date: Signature: Title: Institution or Facility: Address: Phone: Please seal in an envelope, sign your name across the seal, and mail to: College of DuPage Office of Admissions & Outreach SSC Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL