Search

We are still accepting applications for Fall 2025 MS MedSLP cohort!

Apply for Fall 2025
Questions? Contact Admissions

MASTER'S

Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology · MS MedSLP

Residential (First year-3 semesters), Hybrid (Second year-3 semesters) | Full-Time | 24 Months

Connect with Us
Connect with Advisor Attend Info. Session Live Q&A

Curriculum

Exposure to the fundamental knowledge and expertise of speech-language pathology builds the foundation of your practice. Explore topics like dysphagia, childhood language disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, and so much more as you become an authority on communication and swallowing disorders.

Develop your medical skills and perspective through advanced training. Learn an SLP’s role within medical settings through an integration of medical models, pharmacology, medical bioethics, and other factors. Assess and treat tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patients, as well as others facing exceptional circumstances.

Curriculum PDF

Core Courses

Code

Course

Credits

Examination of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to normal and disordered human communication. Overview of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, common neuropathologies relevant to communication disorders, and strategies in neurogenic problem solving.
Exploration of acquisition, assessment, and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders in children.
Principles and methods of prevention, diagnosis and intervention applicable to developmental language disorders. Includes consideration of both oral and written developmental language.
Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in medical settings with patients spanning the lifespan and a variety of diagnoses. Topics include medical models, assessment/intervention models in medical settings, medical bioethics, pharmacology, medical terminology, and documentation.
The role of central and peripheral motor systems in speech production and speech disorders related to abnormalities in these motor systems. Emphasis on the neurological bases, assessment, and clinical management of the dysarthrias and apraxia of speech across the lifespan.

This course explores neurogenic (acquired) language disorders with specific content focused on the aphasias as related to neurolinguistic aspects. We will target diagnosis and classifications of aphasias as well as intergenerational approaches.

Second in a sequence of dysphagia courses. Explores issues with feeding in pediatric caseloads, more work with instrumental intervention and treatment.
This course prepares students to work with patients who are tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent. We will explore speaking valves, different types of trachs and ventilator applications.
Study of the anatomic and physiologic systems involved in normal swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) in adults. Emphasis on the role of the speech- language pathologist in the areas of assessment and treatment of dysphagia and as a team member in the areas of dysphagia-related counseling, ethical and quality of life issues.
An investigation of acquired, cognitive-based language disorders including traumatic brain injury (including right brain injury), related cognitive communication sequelae, and dementia. Emphasis on assessment and treatment of cognitive communication disorders.
Examination of the physiology acoustics, and perception of voice quality and speech resonance, as well as the etiologies, diagnosis, and management of voice and resonance disorders.
Examination of the diagnosis and assessment related to fluency across the lifespan. Procedures specific to the differential assessment of fluency are examined, evaluated and related to therapeutic strategies and the methods of behavior change.
Introduction to alternative and augmentative communication systems for consumers. Discussions include the use of aided and unaided communication systems, assessment procedures and intervention, including education and team approaches.
Counseling theory, process, and application to individuals who present a variety of communication disorders and to the families of these individuals, with an emphasis on the discipline of speech-language pathology.

Code

Course

Credits

This course provides direct and hands-on application experience in methods of assessment, intervention, case management, treatment modification, and documentation. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes are assessed through faculty assessment, simulation and application exercises, and documentation review. Specifically, students will learn foundational skills that apply to these areas including advocacy, interprofessional education and practice, client rapport, goal writing, session management, technical skills, diagnostic administration, clinical data interpretation, treatment planning, ethics and scope of practice, and client documentation.
This course provides direct and hands-on application experience in methods of assessment, intervention, case management, treatment modification, and documentation. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes are assessed through faculty assessment, simulation and application exercises, and documentation review. Specifically, students will learn foundational skills that apply to these areas including advocacy, interprofessional education and practice, client rapport, goal writing, session management, technical skills, diagnostic administration, clinical data interpretation, treatment planning, ethics and scope of practice, and client documentation.
This course provides direct and hands-on application experience in methods of assessment, intervention, case management, treatment modification, and documentation. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes are assessed through faculty assessment, simulation and application exercises, and documentation review. Specifically, students will learn foundational skills that apply to these areas including advocacy, interprofessional education and practice, client rapport, goal writing, session management, technical skills, diagnostic administration, clinical data interpretation, treatment planning, ethics and scope of practice, and client documentation.
Offsite clinical practicum experience, completed under the supervision of community-based, qualified and certified speech-language pathologists. Emphasis on the evaluation and treatment of disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication disorders, and swallowing. Meet the competency standards set for the semester.
Offsite clinical practicum experience, completed under the supervision of community-based, qualified and certified speech-language pathologists. Emphasis on the evaluation and treatment of disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication disorders, and swallowing. Meet the competency standards set for the semester.

Offsite clinical practicum experience, completed under the supervision of community-based, qualified and certified speech-language pathologists. Emphasis on the evaluation and treatment of disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication disorders, and swallowing. Meet the competency standards set for the semester.

Code

Course

Credits

Introduction to professional communication and mechanics of being a clinician. Examination of the role of the speech-language pathologist as a therapist, with an emphasis on diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, and intervention. Includes measurement concepts and clinical problem-solving theory and methods.
An examination and exploration of the topics of diversity and professional ethics as they involve clinical speech-language pathology.
An examination and exploration of the topics of professional issues, regulations and law as they involve clinical speech-language pathology.
An examination and exploration of clinical documentation and reporting, as well as business organization/planning as they involve clinical speech-language pathology.
Topics will focus on advanced clinical topics, EPB, supervising assistants.
Class topics will focus on transitioning from student to professional and preparing the student for their Clinical Fellowship Year.

Code

Course

Credits

An overview of what constitutes clinical research. The class instructs students in how to understand the strengths and weakness of various research methods. An overview of research ethics, and application of research results to clinical practice.
Review of basic research issues and concepts in order to prepare to be a consumer of research literature and to prepare the student for their project. Includes various research types and designs, validity, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and clinical applications of research.
As students advance into their topic, they will begin the outlining and writing process with possible preparation for data collection. This seminar will guide them through this phase of their capstone, which is a scholarly project with topics that may involve prevention, assessment, literature review, case presentation or intervention involving the scope of practice for speech-language pathologists.

This seminar will facilitate the data collection with an eye on analysis for the student’s capstone project. The student will continue to plan, write and target clinical and empirical aspects of research and will re-visit ethics, and evidence-based practice concepts.

This seminar will advance the student’s data collection phase and begin to target data analysis for their capstone project. The student will develop their written deliverable project in preparation for the final stage of the capstone.

Advanced Seminar Elective Courses (Optional credits for concentration areas)

Code

Course

Credits

Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.
Elective courses will fall into one of the following three domains: Standard-different emerging patient population, practice setting, instrumentation or procedure. Based on domains of professional practice, scope of practice populations, instrumentation/assessment/treatment, service delivery domains, service delivery areas. Advanced Seminar/Elective courses will explore subtopics within the SLP scope of practice in a more focused and descriptive manner. Learners will brainstorm solutions to problems using critical thinking frameworks, challenge existing frameworks for approaching a clinical situation, and seek alternative perspectives from stakeholders. Courses will require analysis of peer reviewed literature and application of peer reviewed to client cases influenced by setting, severity, or barriers to care. Exploration of case studies representing unique or complex presentations, and practice creating novel management plans that reflect ethical client-centered care will unfold during discussion and clinical inquiry for clinician competence initiatives (CICC). Active engagement with the material, the instructor, and peers is required to pass elective courses. Elective courses may be delivered as intensive one- or two-day seminars, instrumentation workshops, or via learner driven virtual materials. Some electives may have synchronous sessions available.

Practicum Courses (6 courses, 15 credits/375 clinical hours required)

Prepare for independent practice in many different clinical settings as you complete a mix of clinical internships and externships. Under the supervision of preceptors, practice the clinical process. Assess, treat, and counsel patients as you learn to document your procedures. Observe speech-language pathologists within a clinical environment, and practice your own skills as you practice your clinical approach as an SLP.

Code

Course

Credits

Examination of the diagnostic, treatment and documentation procedures in speech- language pathology occurring through active observation in the clinical environment and classroom instruction. Active, supervised participation in the clinical process with emphasis on individualized assessment, treatment, counseling and documentation procedures.

Examination of the diagnostic, treatment and documentation procedures in speech-language pathology occurring through active observation in the clinical environment and classroom instruction. Active, supervised participation in the clinical process with emphasis on individualized assessment, treatment, counseling and documentation procedures.

Examination of the diagnostic, treatment and documentation procedures in speech-language pathology occurring through active observation in the clinical environment and classroom instruction. Active, supervised participation in the clinical process with emphasis on individualized assessment, treatment, counseling and documentation procedures.

Examination of the diagnostic, treatment and documentation procedures in speech-language pathology occurring through active observation in the clinical environment and classroom instruction. Active, supervised participation in the clinical process with emphasis on individualized assessment, treatment, counseling and documentation procedures.

Examination of the diagnostic, treatment and documentation procedures in speech-language pathology occurring through active observation in the clinical environment and classroom instruction. Active, supervised participation in the clinical process with emphasis on individualized assessment, treatment, counseling and documentation procedures.

Offsite clinical practicum experience, completed under the supervision of community-based, qualified and certified speech-language pathologists. Emphasis on the evaluation and treatment of disorders related to speech, language, cognitive- communication disorders, and swallowing.

Program Accreditation

The Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) residential education program in speech-language pathology, at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700

The MS MedSLP program to hold a public meeting for accreditation site visit on May 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. For full details for attending and providing public comment, please download the 2024 Public Meeting Notice.

Connect with an Advisor!

Book an appointment to discover the degree or certificate that matches your career goals.

Which area of study are you interested in pursuing?