Clinical Training in the Management of Voice-Disordered Clients

The professional orientation program is designed to provide new speech-language pathologists (S-LP) and S-LPs who are changing clinical focus with up-to-date information and skills in clinical management of individuals with voice disorders, so they can provide effective community-based voice care programs in British Columbia.

Program Outline

The intensive portion of the training program lasts three consecutive weeks (fifteen days: Monday - Friday). The first week comprises a directed study of current literature on anatomy and physiology of speech mechanism and the nature and management of voice disorders. The primary text for this study week is Management of the Voice and Its Disorders by authors, Linda Rammage, Murray Morrison, Hamish Nichol, Bruce Pullan, Lesley Salkeld, and Philip May. The full reference and ordering information for this textbook can be found in the "Literature & Publications" section. The first week is undertaken within each clinician's community work setting.

Weeks two and three of the orientation program are undertaken in the interdisciplinary Pacific Voice Clinic at Vancouver Hospital. The S-LP participants observe and participate in assessment and treatment of patients consulting the multi-disciplinary team. Clinical activities include comprehensive assessment and treatment of individuals with voice disorders, as well as discussions regarding management issues with the professional voice clinic team. The intensive training program is directed by Dr. Rammage, but training will also be provided by other team members, including the laryngologist, psychiatrist and vocal pedagogy specialists when applicable. Participants will be trained in treatment outcome measurement for voice disorder management programs.

Following completion of the intensive training program, clinicians will be asked to submit reports on assessment results, treatment plans and outcome measures for the first two clients with voice disorders managed within their community setting. This allows for ongoing program evaluation and professional consultation with the voice clinic team.



Eligibility for the Training Program

Applicants for the clinical training program will be speech-language pathologists employed to provide clinical services to British Columbians. They must hold CASLPA certification in speech-language pathology, and meet all professional requirements to practice speech-language pathology in the province of British Columbia.

Applicants meeting all professional qualifications will be considered for program participation. Priority for the training program will be given to clinicians employed by public agencies to provide community-based voice care service throughout B.C. Applications will also be considered based on a caseload priority-needs basis.