Bachelor's Degree of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

SPEECH LAN.PATHOLOGY&AUDIOLOGY

About the Department: The Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is one of the departments of the Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences. It is the first department of its kind to be opened in a public university in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. The department offers two tracks: Speech-Language Pathology Track and Audiology Track. The department targets students interested in disorders such as fluency disorders, developmental and acquired language disorders, speech sound disorders, voice and swallowing disorders, hearing loss, and balance disorders. This implemented curriculum is the result of the efforts of staff members, as well as the curriculum committee and advisory committee members. It incorporates recommendations from stakeholders, the Saudi Society of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, along with national and international best practices. Most courses include laboratory or clinical hours to enrich the educational experience and provide high-level practical training. The program equips students to practice in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and special needs centers, addressing the needs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders. Efforts were made to ensure that the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology would become a leading department with international standards that align with national needs. Therefore, a study plan was developed with two tracks (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) to align with the labor market needs, international requirements, and the recommendations of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. The department welcomed its first batch in 1443 H, and since then, it has worked diligently to fulfill its mission: to graduate skilled professionals in clinical skills, research, and community service. Faculty members strive to prepare students both academically and clinically, encouraging participation in research, volunteer activities, and extracurricular engagements to develop their skills and talents. Faculty members are distinguished by their passion for the field, dedication to the department, and sense of responsibility toward the education and training process. They are encouraged to participate in research and continuous professional development, believing this positively impacts the educational environment. The department also believes in the importance of collaboration with various sectors to exchange experiences, expand horizons, and raise awareness about communication, hearing, and balance disorders. Finally, the department continuously strives to maintain the highest professional standards and graduate individuals who are dedicated, ethical, and capable of advancing this distinguished humanitarian field, under the support of King Abdulaziz University and in alignment with the Saudi Vision. About the Program: The Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Program offers coursework in the fundamentals of speech-language pathology and hearing disorders, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for various conditions. It aims to provide a solid academic foundation necessary for studying and practicing modern, evidence-based procedures in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Specialization: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Tracks: • Speech-Language Pathology Track • Audiology Track Language: English Duration: Five years (four academic years and one internship year) Degree: Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (Speech-Language Pathology Track or Audiology Track) Admission Requirements (General Conditions): Students entering the B.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology must meet all the university and faculty admission requirements. They must also show interest in working with patients and in clinical environments. Admission and internal transfer information for health colleges is described clearly and can be obtained from the university’s admission booklets, which are available through the Deanship of Admission and Registration. Bachelor’s Degree Graduation Requirements: For a student to qualify for the degree, he/she must successfully complete the total credit hour requirements (137 study units), including university requirements (23 study units), faculty requirements (30 study units), and the departmental requirements (66 study units) that includes (33 study units) of joint courses and (33 study units) for each track, departmental electives (12 units) and (6 units) of free courses. In addition, a student must earn a grade of “D” (at least 60%) or better in all required courses and successfully spend the obligatory training year of the internship program in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, depending on the student’s track. Publications: 1. Program manual - BSc. Speech-language pathology and Audiology 2025 (English and Arabic) 2. SLPA Faculty Handbook - 2025 3. SLPA Internship Handbook - 2025 4. SLPA IQAS - 2025 5. SLPA Students Handbook - 2025 Awards: • Sara Alnouri, Rawan Batarfi, and Rawan Saqqaf – First place for best audiology research poster at the 4th Saudi Society of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Conference (Supervisor: Dr. Haneen Rayes, 2024). • Mawaddah Bobsait, Basimah Barik, and Yasmin Al-Zahrani – Third place for best audiology research poster at the 4th Saudi Society of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Conference (Supervisors: Dr. Hanadi Albatati and Dr. Haneen Rayes, 2024). • Dana Al-Ghamdi and her group – First place in Quality of Life/Community Service category at the 15th Scientific Symposium, KAU, for their project on elderly hearing screening (Supervisors: Dr. Haneen Rayes and Ms. Alaa Sindi, 2024). • Areen Al-Bloushi – Third place for best research poster at the Saudi Society of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Conference (Supervisor: Dr. Nada Fakeeh, 2023). • Areen Al-Bloushi, Ahdab Junaid, and Walaa Rabaeen – Third place at the 14th KAU Scientific Symposium in the Quality of Life/Community Service category for their project “Support Session on Stuttering” (Supervisors: Dr. Hanadi Albatati and Ms. Manar Haddad, 2023). • Nisreen Al-Amoudi – Third place in the “Best Project for Stars” competition and second place in the Quality of Life/Community Service category at the 14th KAU Scientific Symposium for her project "Listen to Me" (Supervisor: Dr. Haneen Rayes, 2023).