Course: Business Principles for the Speech Language Pathologist
SLP 490 | 1 Quarter Hour
Course Summary: Business Management for Speech-Language Pathologists
Catalog Description:
This introductory course offers a comprehensive overview of the functional areas of business, emphasizing their relevance to the profession of speech-language pathology. Students will explore the development, structure, and social responsibility of business, focusing on the interplay of management, marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, and insurance within corporate, educational, and healthcare settings.
Course Description:
Designed to foster a fundamental understanding of entrepreneurship and business management, this course covers essential topics such as managing, marketing, financing, and communicating within a business environment. Students will evaluate the benefits and risks of self-employment while developing competencies necessary for starting a small business. Key skills taught include effective communication, problem solving, decision making, ethics, and basic marketing principles.
Pedagogical Methods:
Instruction will be delivered through a variety of engaging formats, including:
- Online lectures
- Supportive materials via D2L
- Videos and readings
- Structured discussions
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Recognize the importance of business knowledge for speech-language pathologists.
2. Identify essential leadership, negotiation, and management skills.
3. Distinguish between different legal forms of business and their pros and cons.
4. Analyze components of a marketing strategy.
5. Understand the role of accounting and finance in business operations.
Virtual Discussions:
The course features five virtual discussions with guest speakers who are successful SLP entrepreneurs. These sessions will provide insights and real-world wisdom related to course topics. Recordings of the discussions will be accessible to all students.
Assignments:
- Virtual Discussion Reflection Summaries : Students will write summaries reflecting on insights gained from guest speakers.
- Business Plan: In groups, students will create a business plan for an SLP-related venture, applying knowledge gained in the course.
- Marketing Pitch Presentation: Groups will deliver a recorded marketing pitch for their business idea, followed by peer feedback.
- Peer Evaluations: Students will assess group collaboration and contributions based on specific criteria.
Knowledge & Skills Competencies:
This course aligns with ASHA Knowledge and Skills Acquisition standards for those pursuing a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as competent clinical professionals, ensuring they acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary for effective practice.
This course not only equips students with foundational business knowledge but also prepares them for the complexities of entrepreneurship within the field of speech-language pathology.
