Orthophonie

Enrolment to the bachelor’s program in Orthophonie is not limited. All eligible students (view admission requirements) can register.

In the speech pathology program, our mission is to guide students in an environment of dialogue and knowledge sharing. We are committed to creating a dynamic context conducive to learning by immersing you in a discipline that fascinates us and will not fail to inspire you. Our team is dedicated to offering you a quality education and providing you with a framework for success. We are here to answer your questions, support you, and advise you to the best of our ability.

Speech-language pathology students have fun!

The Conseil d’orthophonie de l’Université Laurentienne (COUL) is led by, and for, Orthophonie students. A COUL member attends the School of Speech Pathology's monthly meetings to convey students’ concerns, suggestions, and ideas. Each year, the COUL organizes on-campus events that bring together students of all levels and promote their well-being. Students who serve on the council executive have the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities, communication skills, and capacity to influence change within the university community. Examples of activities include the Orthophonie Bal, porketta bingo, paint social, yoga classes, and merchandise sales.

• LipDub of the Conseil d’orthophonie de l’Université Laurentienne (Youtube)

Speech-language pathologists take communication to heart

Every year, millions of Canadians have a communication or swallowing disorder that affects their ability to communicate or eat. The speech therapist’s prevention, assessment and care of these individuals facilitate their active participation in school, work and daily life activities.

Speech pathology is a rewarding career for several reasons:

1. Direct impact on people’s lives: Speech therapists work with people of all ages with communication or swallowing difficulties. By helping them overcome their challenges, speech-language pathologists can significantly impact their quality of life, independence and interpersonal relationships.
2. Variety of cases and populations: Speech-language pathologists work with individuals of all ages with various disorders, from language delays to complex neurological disorders. This diversity provides constant intellectual stimulation and allows professionals to discover new challenges and solutions throughout their careers.
   • Children: language delay, developmental language disorder, autism spectrum disorder, learning disability, reading or writing difficulties, head trauma, voice or fluency problems (stuttering)
   • Adults: stroke, Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease, dementia, head injury, voice or fluency disorder (stuttering)
3. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Speech-language pathologists often work closely with other health and education professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, educators, and social workers. This collaboration allows for holistic care and promotes an enriching and collaborative work environment.
4. Personal satisfaction: It is extremely rewarding for a therapist to see clients make progress, even small ones. The speech-language pathologist feels a sense of professional satisfaction when they help a client improve their communication ability or restore their capacity to swallow safely. 
5. Growing demand: With the aging population, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and overall quality of life, including communication. As a result, demands on health services, including speech therapy services, are increasing. There are, therefore, many employment opportunities in a variety of settings—hospitals, school boards, rehabilitation centres, and private clinics.

Overall, the speech therapist can make a significant difference in individuals' lives while enjoying a rewarding, intellectually and emotionally stimulating career.

Speech-language pathology scope of practice

A master’s degree in speech therapy (Orthophonie) is required to practise the profession of speech-language pathologist. To hold the title of speech-language pathologist in Ontario and Canada, you must obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and become a member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Please click on the following links for information about the profession:

• What do speech-language pathologists do?
• What is the role of the school speech therapist? (French video)
• Do you know who the speech therapist is? (French video)

Other information

• Speech Therapy and Audiology Canada (OAC/SAC)
• College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (OAOO/CASLPO)
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)