American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Council on Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology is the council that accredits graduate programs in audiology and speech-language pathology, thereby setting the standards high for the professionals. For more information on CAA-ASHA, read the blog.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) was founded in 1925 to focus on the scientific and professional analysis of human communication and related problems.
ASHA established the American Board of Examiner in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 1959 to help the association achieve its purpose and to serve people with communication disorders with quality services.
In 1996, the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) was established to oversee the accreditation of high-level education programs in Audio Pathology and improve the quality of entry-level professionals.
CAA provides accreditation for Master's degree programs in Speech-Language Pathology and entry-level clinical doctoral programs in Audiology.
The Council is completely autonomous in deciding the standards for education.
source - asha.org
Why is it so important?
Empowering and supporting audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists through - advancing science, setting standards, fostering excellence in professional practice, and advocating for members and those they serve.
Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audio-logic treatment, including hearing aids.
Eligibility Requirements for CAA-ASHA Accreditation
The goal of public school speech-language pathology services is to remediate or improve a student's communication disorder such that it does not interfere with or deter academic achievement and functional performance.
To be eligible to undergo the accreditation process with the CAA, the programs must meet the following requirements.
-
The institution must have at least one Graduate Level Course Program that prepares students to become entry-level Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist professionals.
-
The parent institution and the state authority must have granted authorization to conduct the graduate-level program for which the accreditation is required.
-
The institution must hold accreditation from any of these Regional accreditation agencies - the Middle States Commission for Higher Education or Northwest Commission.
-
The mission and objectives of the program must be steady with the readiness of understudies for proficient practice.
source - asha.org
Process for ASHA Accreditation
Through a peer-review process, the CAA establishes accreditation standards and facilitates the continuous quality improvement of the programs it accredits.
Graduates of CAA-accredited and candidate programs are educated in a core set of skills and knowledge required for entry into independent professional practice.
To seek initial accreditation, the institution is required to apply for the program. After receiving the application, the CAA follows the given process.
-
The self-study guidelines to be followed are sent to the institution.
-
The program sends the self-assessment report. The usage of financial resources which help to achieve the program's objective also needs to be shown. Everything has to be properly documented and sent to the Council.
-
The evaluation of the self-study is done taking into account every data regarding the program including the number of faculties, students, and the duration of the course.
-
Based on the self-study, a site visit is scheduled.
-
The on-site visit is conducted which is for about 3 days.
-
After the site visit, a site evaluation report is prepared.
-
After the analysis of this report and other peer reviews, the program is granted accreditation.
source - asha.org
Mission and Guiding Values of ASHA
The mission of ASHA is to prepare the students in audiology and speech-language pathology as better professionals by improving the quality of high-level education.
The organization strives to serve the general society by advancing magnificence in the graduate training of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists.
It focusses on educational quality and career growth in the area of audiology and speech-language pathology to raise future-ready experts.
Universities Accredited by CAA-ASHA
The CAA offers an accreditation program for eligible entry-level clinical doctoral programs in audiology and master’s programs in speech-language pathology.
CAA accredits entry-level clinical doctorate Degree and master degree level programs in Speech-language pathology which comply with the standards.
Here is a list of few universities which are accredited by CAA.
|
List of ASHA Accredited Universities |
|
source - twitter.com
Conclusion
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology have tried to enhance the quality of high-level education served in the institutions by establishing standards that the programs need to comply with to receive accreditation from the CAA.
The accredited programs are on par with the global standards and meet the benchmark.
It assures the public and students that these courses render high educational quality and will make them better professionals in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the purpose of ASHA Accreditation?
The purpose of ASHA accreditation is to ensure quality assurance of educational programs in audiology and speech-language pathology for the welfare of public and professionals.
2.What is CAA-ASHA accreditation?
The Council on Academic Accreditation-ASHA is responsible for evaluating and granting accreditation to graduate programs in Audiology and speech-language pathology.
3.When was ASHA founded?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) was founded in 1925 to provide effective communication for all.
4.Can the ASHA Board of Directors serve as consultants?
No, the ASHA Board of Directors should not serve as consultants to programs seeking or maintaining accreditation status, during their term on the Board.
5.What is the term of office of a CAA-ASHA member?
The CAA members are elected to serve a 4-year tenure of office.
6.Is the New York University accredited by ASHA?
Yes, the Master's in Speech-Language Pathology program of the New York University is accredited by ASHA.
7.What is the degree requirement for ASHA certification in speech-language pathology?
The requirement for ASHA certification in speech-language pathology is acquiring a master's, doctoral, or other recognized post-baccalaureate degree.
