Speech and Language Therapy Education in Greece Voula C. Georgopoulos, Ph.D. Professor and Chair Dept. of Speech & Language Therapy TEI Patras, Greece

Higher Education in Greece Two parallel equivalent paths of undergraduate education Universities School of Fine Arts Hellenic Open University o 4 yrs B.A., B.S. o 5 yrs Diploma in Engineering o 6 yrs Degree in Medicine Technological Educational Institutes o 4 yrs B.S. School of Health and Welfare Professions  Dept. of Speech & Language Therapy  Dept. of Physical Therapy  Dept. of Nursing  Dept of Occupational Therapy  …

Academic Programs Only 3 academic programs are recognized by the Ministry of Education of Greece. First Established in 1996 at TEI Patras (TEI Epirus 2000, TEI Kalamata 2009). Professional rights of the graduates were established in 2002 Number of students admitted each year through national entrance exams 450. Total # of graduates to date ~1200

Program of TEI 4 years curriculum leading to Bachelor’s Degree (7 semesters of courses and clinics and 1 semester practical training and thesis) Background Courses in Medicine, Psychology, Linguistics and Technology 19 obligatory courses in Speech and Language Pathology out of total 39 + thesis +final internship 240 ECTS credits 900 clinical hours

SLT- major required courses Phonological Disorders Developmental Language Disorders, Clinical Issues in SLP Diagnostic Methods in SLP Voice disorders Fluency Disorders Aphasia and Other Acquired Language Disorders (I+II) Rehabilitative Audiology Learning Disabilities & Speech-Language Disorders, Neurogenic Motor Speech Disorders Craniofacial Disorders Swallowing Disorders – Dysphagia Multilingualism Clinical Ethics and Counseling

After Graduation About 20% pursue advanced degrees (mostly in UK or Greece, fewer in the US) SLTs find work immediately – – in the public sector (hospitals, centers for mental health, special education schools and support centers, rehabilitation centers etc.) and – – in the private sector either individually or as members of an interdisciplinary team.

Participation in European/ International Education Networks NetQues: Network for Tuning Standards and Quality of Education programmes in Speech and Language Therapy across Europe. – – partnership of 65 partners representing all 27 EU member states plus partners from Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Turkey. SLT-Intensive Program-Network – – Partnership of 18 SLT-departments from 13 European and non- European countries which annually organizes an intensive week for students and staff consisting of lectures with hands- on seminars and interactive seminars. ERASMUS student and staff mobility NSSLHA Chapter in Greece