Communicative Disorders Assistant

Select start date and campus

Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online. Note: not all start dates are available to international students.
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - May 2025

Level 1

Course details

Applied Anatomy and Physiology
ANAT8000

Description:

This course will review the basic structure and function of the systems that support the production and perception of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing. Students will connect knowledge of the function of the structures of respiration, phonation, articulation and the nervous system with common communicative disorders and their clinical implications.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Basic Articulation and Phonology
COMM8610

Description:

This course focuses on the role of the communicative disorders assistant in the implementation of program recommendations related to articulation, phonology and motor speech. Topics include normal development, screening/assessment process and tools, and basic principles of treatment and programming. Through small group lab learning, students will be exposed to assessment tools, intervention activities, treatment processes or approaches and the application of clinical skills when working with individuals who have speech sound production or oral-motor disorders.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Child Language Acquisition and Disorders 1
COMM8620

Description:

This course will review normal and atypical language development in preschool and school aged children as a foundation for the development of language, phonological awareness and literacy. Students will practice administration of language and phonological awareness screening tools and examine the role of the communicative disorders assistant with intervention approaches for language and phonological awareness, early school-age literacy skills and addressing the impact of language disorders across different environments.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Adult Communication Disorders 1
COMM8630

Description:

This course will provide students with an overview of acquired neurogenic communication disorders and the management of aphasia and associated language disorders that may occur after stroke, acquired brain injury and common neurological conditions. A review of basic neuroanatomy and normal language production and comprehension will be provided as a foundation for discussing practical concepts related to language, cognitive-communication screening, and intervention. The role of the communicative disorders assistant in supporting the client, family and community will also be explored.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Practice 1
ETR8010

Description:

Professional Practice 1 will introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of communicative disorders assistants, speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Practice guidelines, professional associations and relevant legislation that guide or govern speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communicative disorders assistants will be reviewed in preparation for fieldwork experience offered in the program.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Foundations of Audiology and Amplification Systems
HEAR8180

Description:

In this course, students will learn the foundations of the human auditory mechanism in relation to sound. Students will practice basic audiological measures and be exposed to amplification systems in the hearing instrument specialist lab. Common health conditions that cause hearing disorders across the lifespan will be discussed in preparation for the work environment.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Fluency and Voice Disorders
COMM8640

Description:

The focus of this course is to study fluency and voice disorders. Students will review voice disorders including stuttering, and their treatment, in both child and adult populations. Strategies and approaches for various populations will be highlighted with an emphasis on the emotional and psychosocial factors that may affect the lives of individuals who stutter.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT8000 AND COMM8610
  • CoRequisites:

Child Language Acquisition and Disorders 2
COMM8650

Description:

This course builds on concepts learned in the introductory course on child language acquisition and disorders. Language disorders associated with other diagnoses in preschool and school-age populations will be covered. The role of the communicative disorders assistant and intervention approaches for language disorders and associated learning barriers seen in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and hearing impairment will be emphasized. Language-based learning disabilities and interventions aimed at literacy development in the school-age population will also be examined.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT8000 AND COMM8620
  • CoRequisites:

Adult Communication Disorders 2
COMM8660

Description:

Building on Adult Communication Disorders 1, this advanced course will explore typical and atypical language and cognitive changes that occur in the aging adult population. Students learn supportive strategies for people living with dementia and other acquired motor speech disorders. Intervention principles and strategies for dysarthria and apraxia of speech are explored along with an introduction to the role of the CDA in the area of dysphagia.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT8000 AND COMM8630
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Practice 2
ETR8020

Description:

This course builds on knowledge gained in Professional Practice 1. Professional communication skills, interprofessional collaboration with colleagues and clients and topics relevant to the treatment approaches and clinical practice of the Communicative Disorders Assistant will be integrated throughout to support fieldwork experiences. Students will also be encouraged to examine ethical issues, current trends, service delivery models and barriers to service delivery.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ETR8010
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 1 (Communicative Disorders Assistant)
FPLT8480

Description:

Fieldwork Placement is designed to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the first semester. Students will complete 165 hours working in a variety of clinical settings under the supervision of Speech-Language Pathologists or Audiologists, and/or Communicative Disorder Assistants.

  • Hours: 165
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320
  • CoRequisites: ETR8020

Amplification Systems and Aural Rehab
HEAR8190

Description:

This course will provide students with a general overview of the impact of hearing impairments and options to manage hearing. Students will learn how hearing instruments are verified and validated. Hearing instrument candidacy, earmolds, and various amplification options will be explored. Advanced (digital signal processing) features of hearing instruments and practical skills required to care, maintain and troubleshoot issues will also be included.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT8000 AND HEAR8180
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Augmentative and Alternative Communication
COMM8670

Description:

The goal of this course is to explore the application of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Students will be exposed to a broad range of AAC systems, intervention activities and strategies ranging from no or low technology to high-tech systems and specialized assistive technology. Practical skills required to support AAC users across the lifespan will be emphasized and the role of the Communicative Disorders Assistant on the interprofessional team and implementation of program recommendations will be addressed throughout the course.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ETR8020 AND FPLT8480
  • CoRequisites:

Approaches for Special Populations
COMM8680

Description:

Communicative disorders assistants work with individuals across the lifespan with a range of special needs. The course will explore speech and language intervention across clinical populations who may present with a variety of physical, perceptual, motor and cognitive dysfunction. Practical skills including eliciting and maintaining target behaviours, lesson planning, data collection and report writing will also be addressed.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ETR8020 AND FPLT8480
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Practice 3
ETR8030

Description:

This course is designed to provide students with expanded skills and knowledge pertaining to professional behaviour and issues in the areas of speech-language pathology and audiology. Students will share diverse practicum experiences with each other. Professional issues such as professional practice and advocacy in the field will be explored. Career readiness topics such as interview skills, resume writing, and professional development will also be included to support the transition from student to professional.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ETR8020 AND FPLT8480
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 2 (Communicative Disorders Assistant)
FPLT8490

Description:

Fieldwork Placement 2 will provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from academic coursework and consolidate practical skills. Students will complete 330 hours working in a clinical setting under the supervision of speech language pathologists or audiologist, and/or communicative disorders assistants.

  • Hours: 330
  • Credits: 11
  • Pre-Requisites: ETR8020 AND FPLT8480
  • CoRequisites: ETR8030

Program outcomes

  1. Implement speech/language/hearing programs under the direction and supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist
  2. Contribute to the screening and assessment, development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans for the patient/client under the direction and supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
  3. Communicate effectively, through oral, written, non-verbal and electronic means with others including patients/clients, their significant others/caregivers, speech-language pathologists, audiologists and members of the interprofessional healthcare team.
  4. Apply appropriate interpersonal skills to participate in the effective functioning of interprofessional health care teams.
  5. Establish, develop, sustain and conclude therapeutic relationships with patients/clients and their significant others/caregivers.
  6. Promote a safe environment that prevents or minimizes potential physical or mental harm to the patient/client, self and others.
  7. Adhere to legal, professional and ethical standards of practice within the role of a communicative disorders assistant.
  8. Document client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and timely manner within the role of a communicative disorders assistant.
  9. Perform the roles and responsibilities of a communicative disorders assistant by applying knowledge of relevant anatomy and physiology, health conditions, communicative disorders, assistive technology, augmentative communication and clinical procedures.
  10. Perform routinely required maintenance procedures on therapy materials and equipment.
  11. Engage in ongoing professional development activities to enhance and maintain professional competence.