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Ministry-approved title: Communicative Disorders Assistant
Under the supervision of Speech-Language Pathologists and/or Audiologists, Communicative Disorders Assistants plan and implement effective treatment for people of all ages to communicate more effectively. The Communicative Disorders Assistant program has a dedicated Harmonize for Speech Communicative Disorders Assistant lab featuring the latest technologies being used in the field. Students in the communicative disorders assistant graduate certificate program receive comprehensive training in screening and intervention techniques for various speech, language, and hearing disorders.
The first two semesters are focused on classroom courses and practical, hands-on lab skills. Students have opportunities to gain practical clinic skills through Durham College Kids Speech and Language Clinic and in the third semester, students attend field placements at various locations and agencies where they will take advantage of invaluable experiential learning opportunities which help them prepare for their careers.
Graduates of the communicative disorders assistant program leave ready to work alongside speech language pathologists and audiologists in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices across Canada.
Applicants who are internationally educated in a non‐English speaking country must meet Durham College’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
Please note: For applications to the CDA program, there is no requirement to submit a letter of intent, resume or references. However, as noted above, volunteer and/or work experience may be requested if applicants do not meet the academic requirements for admission listed above.
This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. Please refer to Admission Processes for details.
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Communicative disorders assistants help individuals of all ages overcome communication challenges. Graduates of the communicative disorders assistant certificate program find employment opportunities working alongside speech language pathologists in healthcare, education, and community settings.
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The Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate program is designed for students with previous education and/or relevant experience (please see the entrance requirements section of this page for more details). It offers an educational pathway for individuals passionate about helping others overcome communication challenges.
Communicative disorders assistants (CDAs), under the guidance of registered Speech-Language Pathologists and/or Audiologists, play a variety of roles including providing speech and language therapy to children and adults, and carrying out speech/language screenings and hearing screenings and assessments.
Durham College’s CDA program, which is recognized by the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC) and Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC), enables students to obtain the knowledge, skills, confidence and credentials needed to deliver a wide range of communication services to clients of all ages with speech, language and/or hearing disorders.
Student in our communicative disorders assistant program develop practical skills to support clients across the lifespan, from children with developmental speech delays to adults recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury. We provide students with a thorough understanding of physiological and functional speech/language and hearing disorders and the development of essential programming skills and communication intervention techniques as we prepare you for a rewarding career in the field of communicative disorders and teach you the most current and effective therapy techniques.
Our faculty members are dedicated speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communicative disorders assistants with many years of clinical experience in communicative disorders. They foster student learning through:
You will practice your skills in our dedicated CDA classroom, and Harmonize for Speech Communicative Disorders Assistant lab, which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and clinical resources that allow students to hone their clinical and professional skills.
Students gain practical clinical experience throughout the academic year with the opportunity to participate in our on-campus Durham College Harmonize for Speech Communicative Disorders Lab. Our on-site community speech and language clinic provides assessments and intervention to clients from preschool age to high school. Under the supervision of a registered Speech-language Pathologist, students participate in speech and language assessments, assist in the development of treatment plans and provide direct therapy to a wide range of clients.
Our CDA program also includes two clinical field placements in the third and final semester of our program, totaling 490 hours, often leading to full-time positions for our students after graduation. Graduates of the communicative disorders assistant program find rewarding careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, school boards, and private practices, where they make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with communication disorders.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
As a graduate of the communicative disorders assistant program, you’ll have the specialized knowledge and practical skills needed to support speech language pathologists and audiologists in delivering vital communication services. The communicative disorders assistant profession continues to grow across Canada, with opportunities spanning healthcare facilities, educational institutions, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Your expertise will help clients of all ages, from children with developmental delays to adults recovering from stroke or injury, achieve their communication goals and improve their quality of life.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your learning experience will be complemented by two clinical field placements in the third semester, totalling over 500 hours, under the supervision of qualified clinicians. This opportunity will provide you with hands-on experience and the ability to practice your skills. Working alongside experienced speech language pathologists and audiologists, you’ll gain practical experience in assessment, intervention planning, and therapeutic techniques for clients with various communication disorders.
Depending on student preference, field placements may be obtained locally as well as throughout Ontario and Canada. Students are encouraged to secure their own field placements at their choice location. Our Field Placement Officer also works with school boards, hospitals, and larger agencies to place students directly. Many students find that these clinical placements lead to valuable professional connections and potential employment opportunities after graduation.
Field placements are unpaid experiences, and students attend full-time from May to August. Placements may also require travel and commuting; students are responsible for any associated expenses for travel.
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ERV with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this Communicative disorders assistant program. You must (at your expense) provide:
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Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
Laptop and/or ipad with internet access required.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the school office.
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