Speech & language Therapy: A New Dimension in the Health Service System of Bangladesh
Background
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is the scientific and rehabilitative treatment of human communication disorders. This includes disorder/difficulties of Speech, Language, Voice and Swallowing. Though it is an established profession all around the world but still it is very fresh in Bangladesh. It was first started on 3rd July-2004 at Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), which is an academic institute of CRP. The title of the course is B.Sc. –in- Speech & Language Therapy (BSLT) which is a four year bachelor degree with one year compulsory internship (Total 5 years). The awarding body of this course is University of Dhaka and the responsible University faculty is medicine faculty.
The degree programme is the first university-approved professional training for Speech & Language therapists (SLT) in Bangladesh. The academic year usually run from January to December where each year is divided into two semesters of 23 weeks each. The subjects studied on the course range from the biological sciences to the humanities and students need a broad range of skills in order to succeed. The design of the course includes both theoretical classroom based learning and practical experience in a variety of settings in the health, education and rehabilitation sectors. The course is conducted in English, although clinical work is carried out in the clients’ own language, Bangla. Successful completion of the course indicates professional competence to practice as a Speech and Language Therapist in Bangladesh.
The Modular System
The curriculum is divided into 38 modules of study, most of which comprise a minimum of 40 hours classroom study (with the exception of the Clinical Practice module). In addition to these taught hours, students are expected to carry out a minimum of 30 hours private study per module (unless otherwise stated). The module is divided into three categories and there are various subjects under these categories. These are:
A. Foundation Modules
- Psychology 1 & 2
- Linguistics 1 & 2
- Acoustics & Audiology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Development of Communication
- Medical Aspects
- Introduction to Communication Disability
- Clinical & Psycholinguistics
B.Professional Skills Modules
- Teaching Skills
- Working in Education
- Research Methods 1, 2 & 3
- Community, Culture, Disability & CBR
- Professional Development
- Professional Management
- Health Provision and Promotion
- Health Issues
- Disability and Development
- Study Skills English 1,2,3,4
C) Speech and Language Therapy Intervention Modules:
- Introduction to SLT and Communication Skills
- Introduction to Intervention
SLT's are working with:
- Child speech/language delay & disorders
- Children with Physical Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Acquired Neurological Disorders
- Deafness
- Cleft Palate & Child ENT
- Voice and Adult ENT
- Dysfluency
- Clinical Practice, CP1-8