Regulation, Ethics and Standards
In Australia, the speech pathology profession is governed by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), and adopts a Professional Self-Regulation program.
The SPA Code of Ethics recognises that participating in clinical education is important for the development of the profession. All speech pathologists (including students) are bound by code and supervision needs to ensure students work within their level of competence and demonstrate ethical practice.
Education and Training
Speech Pathology Australia oversees the accreditation of degrees in Speech Pathology. The Clinical Supervision resources can assist Speech Pathologists considering student placements in understanding the clinical education frameworks processes and evaluation.
Useful Resources
Clinical Education Position Statement
Speech Pathology Australia has published a position statement on clinical education: Clinical Education - The importance and value for the speech pathology profession. The document discusses the issues in clinical education, Speech Pathology Australia’s position and suggests strategies for meeting the challenges identified. Professor Alison Ferguson has written an attachment on models of clinical education.
Assessing a student on placement
- The competency-based occupational standards (CBOS) document details the minimum skills, knowledge and professional standards required for entry-level practice in speech pathology in Australia. The CBOS was revised in 2011 to reflect changes in the scope of practice of speech pathologists and work contexts.
- COMPASS®: Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology is the assessment tool used to assess the clinical performance of speech pathology students on placement. The assessment is available online and in paper format. Speech Pathology Australia provides information and resources for clinical educators to understand the assessment process:
- COMPASS® Resources
- Simulation based learning program
