RADFORD – The Radford University speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate concentration, which is housed in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services under the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, has maintained its accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The CAA is the only accrediting agency for audiology and speech-language pathology education programs recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation by the CAA is voluntary. However, applicants who seek national certification must initiate and complete their graduate coursework and graduate clinical education at an institution whose program is accredited by the CAA.

"Re-accreditation of RU’s SLP concentration certainly emphasizes the university’s goal as outlined in its 7-17 strategic plan to provide exceptional graduate programs that produce outstanding scholars,” said Raymond Linville, dean of Waldron College.

The RU SLP graduate concentration offers academic and clinical curricula that provide students with the knowledge and skills required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. This nationally recognized professional credential is issued to individuals who present evidence of their ability to provide independent clinical services to persons who have disorders of communication.

“Maintaining our CAA accreditation speaks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni who work tirelessly to promote the highest quality professional services for individuals with communication disorders,” said Claire Waldron, chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

To learn more about RU’s speech-language pathology graduate concentration, visit http://gradcollege.asp.radford.edu/ or call (540) 831-5431. To learn more about the RU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, visit http://cosd-web.asp.radford.edu/ or call (540) 831-7735.