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school of health professions - student handbook 2022-2023


SLHS Technical Standards

Technical Standards
The technical standards of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences reflect the functions that are considered essential to the pre-professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. Ability to meet these technical standards is required for admission to the undergraduate program and must be maintained throughout the time a student is enrolled in the program. These standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care/scope of practice.
In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully in our department. Any student with a disability who is accepted to the undergraduate program must contact the 504 coordinator in the TTUHSC Office of Student Services as soon as possible. The coordinator will evaluate the student, confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws, and determine what accommodations are reasonable.
To successfully complete the undergraduate program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, an individual must meet the following technical standards:
1. Observation
a. Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures.
b. Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.
2. Communication
a. Communicate professionally (orally and in writing) as required for coursework and clinical practicum to ensure patient safety.
b. Use technology to meet requirements of courses and clinical practicum (e.g., computer skills including but not limited to internet access, word processing and spreadsheet programs, learning management systems, and electronic health records).
3. Cognition
a. Comprehend, integrate, and synthesize a large body of information in a short period of time.
b. Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to ensure patient safety.
c. Accurately self-assess clinical skills and academic performance.
4. Social Behavioral Skills
a. Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.
b. Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical situations.
c. Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.
5. Motor Skills
a. Sustain the necessary physical activity level required for classroom and clinical activities during the defined workday.
b. Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environment, materials, and equipment.
c. Access transportation to attend academic courses.
I understand and acknowledge that I must meet the technical standards required for this degree program in order to complete the program.

Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses
Undergraduates who have at least a 3.0 GPA in the major may enroll for courses carrying graduate credit, subject to the approval of the course instructor and the graduate program director. Undergraduates permitted to enroll for graduate work are expected to receive their bachelor’s degree within a year of their first graduate enrollment. An undergraduate may not receive credit for more than 12 semester hours of graduate work prior to admission to the graduate program.

Admission Standards for the Undergraduate SLHS Program
Admission standards for the traditional SLHS program include a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Placement in the undergraduate program is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a student will be admitted. Admission standards for the post-baccalaureate second degree SLHS program include a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Placement in the undergraduate program is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a student will be admitted.