Orthophonie
Bilingual SLP: Là tu parles!
Bilingual speech therapy: Now you’re talking!
This program is available in French only.
The language of instruction in the Orthophonie program at Laurentian University is French. However, some courses are in English, and the required readings are mainly in English. This combination prepares students to work in both languages. As a result, several cohorts of our bilingual graduates are now working in northern Ontario or elsewhere in Canada in speech pathology or a related field, significantly improving everyone's access to health services in French and English.
Our students develop a variety of skills essential to the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders:
- Anatomy and physiology of speech and swallowing: understanding the structure and function of the vocal system and airways to assess disorders and abnormalities.
- Language development: studying typical and atypical language development across the lifespan and the factors that can influence these processes.
- Assessment and identification of communication and swallowing disorders: learning to use tools and techniques to assess speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages.
- Management of communication and swallowing disorders: learning how to design and implement an individualized intervention program for various communication and swallowing disorders.
- Technology and communication support: learning to use technological tools and systems to help people with communication disorders communicate effectively.
- Management of neurological disorders: understanding neurological disorders that impact communication and swallowing, such as stroke, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
- Professional ethics: exploring ethical issues related to the practice of speech-language pathology to provide care in a respectful, confidential, and patient-centred manner.
For more information about the program, visit the French page.
Academic Advisor
Sophie Laurence, undergraduate program coordinator
Telephone: (705) 675-1151, ext. 4129
Email: slaurence@laurentian.ca
Office: Alphonse-Raymond Pavilion, AR-205
Enrolment to the bachelor’s program in Orthophonie is not limited. All eligible students (view admission requirements) can register.
In the speech pathology program, our mission is to guide students in an environment of dialogue and knowledge sharing. We are committed to creating a dynamic context conducive to learning by immersing you in a discipline that fascinates us and will not fail to inspire you. Our team is dedicated to offering you a quality education and providing you with a framework for success. We are here to answer your questions, support you, and advise you to the best of our ability.
Speech-language pathology students have fun!
The Conseil d’orthophonie de l’Université Laurentienne (COUL) is led by, and for, Orthophonie students. A COUL member attends the School of Speech Pathology's monthly meetings to convey students’ concerns, suggestions, and ideas. Each year, the COUL organizes on-campus events that bring together students of all levels and promote their well-being. Students who serve on the council executive have the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities, communication skills, and capacity to influence change within the university community. Examples of activities include the Orthophonie Bal, porketta bingo, paint social, yoga classes, and merchandise sales.
Speech-language pathologists take communication to heart
Every year, millions of Canadians have a communication or swallowing disorder that affects their ability to communicate or eat. The speech therapist’s prevention, assessment and care of these individuals facilitate their active participation in school, work and daily life activities.
Speech pathology is a rewarding career for several reasons:
- Direct impact on people’s lives: Speech therapists work with people of all ages with communication or swallowing difficulties. By helping them overcome their challenges, speech-language pathologists can significantly impact their quality of life, independence and interpersonal relationships.
- Variety of cases and populations: Speech-language pathologists work with individuals of all ages with various disorders, from language delays to complex neurological disorders. This diversity provides constant intellectual stimulation and allows professionals to discover new challenges and solutions throughout their careers.
- Children: language delay, developmental language disorder, autism spectrum disorder, learning disability, reading or writing difficulties, head trauma, voice or fluency problems (stuttering)
- Adults: stroke, Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease, dementia, head injury, voice or fluency disorder (stuttering)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Speech-language pathologists often work closely with other health and education professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, educators, and social workers. This collaboration allows for holistic care and promotes an enriching and collaborative work environment.
- Personal satisfaction: It is extremely rewarding for a therapist to see clients make progress, even small ones. The speech-language pathologist feels a sense of professional satisfaction when they help a client improve their communication ability or restore their capacity to swallow safely.
- Growing demand: With the aging population, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and overall quality of life, including communication. As a result, demands on health services, including speech therapy services, are increasing. There are, therefore, many employment opportunities in a variety of settings—hospitals, school boards, rehabilitation centres, and private clinics.
Overall, the speech therapist can make a significant difference in individuals' lives while enjoying a rewarding, intellectually and emotionally stimulating career.
Speech-language pathology scope of practice
A master’s degree in speech therapy (Orthophonie) is required to practise the profession of speech-language pathologist. To hold the title of speech-language pathologist in Ontario and Canada, you must obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and become a member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Please click on the following links for information about the profession:
- What do speech-language pathologists do?
- What is the role of the school speech therapist? (French video)
- Do you know who the speech therapist is? (French video)
Other information
Ontario High School Applicants
Admission requirements
- 1 French course at the U/M grade 12 level; 1 English course at the U grade 12 level; 1 biology course at the U grade 11 or 12 level; 3 other courses at the U/M grade 12 level (4 other courses if the biology course is at the grade 11 level)
- Minimum overall average of 70% of the best 6 U/M Grade 12 courses
Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.
Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.
Applicants from outside an Ontario High School
Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario
Canadian Applicants
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Undergraduate Studies page.
Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant
International Applicants
If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.
Apply Now as an International Applicant
The degree options listed below are for the upcoming academic year, not the current academic year. If you are a current student looking for which courses to take in order to complete your degree options from a previous academic year's curriculum, please consult with an academic advisor.
To learn more about degree options and requirements, see the "Options de diplôme" tab on the French page.
Please note
This program is delivered in French on the Sudbury campus. The complete information is available on the French side of this Web Page.
List of Faculty Members
Sessional faculty and adjunct professors:
- Beaudoin, Céleste, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)
- Beaulieu, Stéphanie, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)
- Beauregard, Yves, M.Sc.S. (audiologie)
- Demers, Christine, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)
- Filion, Émilie, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)
- Génier-Bédard, Léanne, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)
- Kanyamuneza, Williane, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)
- Serré, Mélodie, M.Sc.S. (orthophonie)