Skip to content

Guided Observations in Speech-Language Pathology (SPHSC 495)

About This Course

In this course, which you’ll take over three quarters, you’ll earn the minimum 25 observation hours required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to qualify for graduate study and clinical certification. You’ll engage in weekly, faculty-guided clinical observations of pre-recorded speech-language pathology diagnostic and treatment sessions. Each quarter you’ll have access to 10 or more hours of guided observations. The observation sessions will consist of experienced clinicians working with clients of different backgrounds and ages who exhibit various types and severities of communication and/or swallowing disorders, differences and disabilities. Through pre- and post-observation reflective writing, you’ll enhance and refine your observational, analytical and writing skills, and engage online with peers and instructors. 

What You’ll Learn

  • How to apply observation principles to identify, describe, analyze and interpret clinical interactions and practices across the lifespan and a variety of disorders

  • Standard and informal clinical assessment procedures and their role in the treatment process

  • The trajectory and continuum for treatment planning and delivery 

  • How to hone your observational, analytical and clinical writing skills to accurately capture the diagnostic and treatment services for communication and swallowing disorders


NOTE: This program is not intended for those seeking to become licensed and/or certified speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). For more information, see your state's SLPA requirements.

Course Sessions

Online Asynchronous

September 2026
Dates Sep 30 - Dec 18
Location Online
Instructor Julie Dalessio
Cost $401
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from September 30, 2026, to December 18, 2026.

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Credit Course

You'll earn 1 academic credits for successfully completing this course.

This course is part of the Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations. You can also take this course without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course page for details.

January 2027
Dates Jan 4 - Mar 18
Location Online
Instructor Julie Dalessio
Cost $401
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from January 4, 2027, to March 18, 2027.

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Credit Course

You'll earn 1 academic credits for successfully completing this course.

This course is part of the Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations. You can also take this course without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course page for details.

March 2027
Dates Mar 29 - Jun 11
Location Online
Cost $401
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from March 29, 2027, to June 11, 2027.

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Credit Course

You'll earn 1 academic credits for successfully completing this course.

This course is part of the Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations. You can also take this course without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course page for details.

September 2027
Dates Sep 29 - Dec 17
Location Online
Instructor Julie Dalessio
Cost TBD
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from September 29, 2027, to December 17, 2027.

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Credit Course

You'll earn 1 academic credits for successfully completing this course.

This course is part of the Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations. You can also take this course without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course page for details.

January 2028
Dates Jan 3 - Mar 17
Location Online
Instructor Julie Dalessio
Cost TBD
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from January 3, 2028, to March 17, 2028.

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Credit Course

You'll earn 1 academic credits for successfully completing this course.

This course is part of the Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations. You can also take this course without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course page for details.

March 2028
Dates Mar 27 - Jun 9
Location Online
Cost TBD
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from March 27, 2028, to June 9, 2028.

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Credit Course

You'll earn 1 academic credits for successfully completing this course.

This course is part of the Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations. You can also take this course without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course page for details.

Closed Sessions

Online Asynchronous

March 2026
Dates Mar 30 - Jun 12
Location Online
Instructor Julie Dalessio
Cost $390
Closed