Update on Academic and Clinical Training in Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Anomalies for Speech-Language Pathology Students

Purpose The purpose of this study was to survey speech-language pathology master's programs regarding their academic and clinical coverage of cleft palate/craniofacial anomalies. Method A link to a 19-item survey was sent via e-mail to the program directors of 271 accredited graduate programs in speech-language pathology. Information was also obtained via university websites to verify survey responses. Results The response rate was 86% with 232 of 271 programs completing all or part of the survey. Twenty-four percent of respondents indicated their program offers a dedicated and required course in cleft palate/craniofacial anomalies, 22% offer an elective course, and 51% embed this content in other courses. Respondents reported that their students frequently (7%), sometimes (58%), or rarely (34%) receive clinical experience with this population. Conclusion Our findings suggest that an increasing number of academic programs are eliminating dedicated coursework in cleft palate/craniofacial anomalies and are embedding such content in other courses. A legitimate concern resulting from this consolidation of coursework is the degree to which feeding, articulation, and resonance difficulties associated with cleft palate/craniofacial anomalies are being addressed elsewhere in the curriculum.