Eating and drinking is a complex developmental process, daily activities that are necessary for survival, but for some children, eating and drinking is not such a simple task. Between 25%-45% of typically developing children demonstrate feeding and swallowing problems. The incidence of such problems is even higher (30%-80%) for children with developmental disorders.
An Overview of Pediatric Dysphagia
Eating and drinking is a complex developmental process, daily activities that are necessary for survival, but for some children, eating and drinking is not such a simple task. Between 25%-45% of typically developing children demonstrate feeding and swallowing problems. The incidence of such problems is even higher (30%-80%) for children with developmental disorders.
These problems can have severe consequences, such as growth failure, malnutrition, dehydration, and increased susceptibility to chronic illness. These disorders are more common due to improved survival rates of children born prematurely, with low birth weight, and with complex medical conditions
Program Format
This post-master's 15 credit Advanced Certificate in Pediatric Dysphagia is designed for a practicing Speech Language Pathologist and some related service providers* looking to enhance their skill set in the areas of assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.
The program consists of five asynchronous courses taken in a prescribed sequence, with one to two courses scheduled each semester. Course order and timing are pre-determined by the program. Each course follows a timed-release format, with modules unlocking according to the semester calendar. Students are expected to progress together as a cohort.
In addition to these five asynchronous courses, we also offer an OPTIONAL On-site 1 credit practicum experience.
Medical-Based Training for Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists
As one of the few medically based speech-language pathology programs in the country, we are uniquely positioned to give SLPs and OTs the knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat these feeding and swallowing disorders in newborns, toddlers and children. Few practicing clinicians have had the opportunity to take coursework specifically designed to address the clinical needs of this population. Fewer than a handful of graduate programs in the U.S. offer comprehensive coursework in dysphagia in children.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum objectives:
1. Describe and differentiate typical feeding developmental milestones and swallowing physiology across infancy and early childhood, identifying the transitions that occur through these stages.
2. Analyze and explain the physiological, medical, and environmental factors contributing to disordered feeding development and altered swallowing function.
3. Apply critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to the assessment and differential diagnosis of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, integrating instrumental and non-instrumental evaluation data.
4. Critically appraise current research and evaluate evidence-based intervention approaches, demonstrating the ability to translate research findings into clinical practice.
5. Demonstrate advanced clinical decision-making skills in the management of feeding and swallowing disorders across the pediatric age continuum (neonatal, infant, toddler, and school-aged populations) and within diverse clinical settings (acute care, outpatient, early intervention, and school-based environments).
6. Integrate contextual and ethical considerations including cultural competence, caregiver education, and interdisciplinary collaboration into individualized treatment planning and implementation.
7. Design and justify a team-based, comprehensive management program that incorporates the roles of interdisciplinary partners, caregiver education, and outcome measurement.
ASHA Continuing Education Credits
Upon completion of each academic course, ASHA continuing education is available. Only participants who successfully complete a course and receive academic credit are eligible for ASHA continuing education credit. Visit our page on ASHA CEU for more information.
Curriculum
The Advanced Certificate in Pediatric Dysphagia requires completion of 4 courses. Completion of this 15-credit certificate requires maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above for all coursework and practicum combined.
Courses
All four academic courses, and one practicum course, are each 3-credits and required for the program.
Acquisition/Development of Feeding/Swallowing Skills in Children
Required Academic Course; Fall Semester; 3 credits
This is a foundational course which provides a thorough understanding of normal swallow physiology including the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the swallow mechanism in a developmental context from birth to adolescence. The class learns to identify influencing factors on the swallow function such as medical comorbidities, developmental skills, and child engagement. The learning is completed via learning modules that explore the neurobiology of the swallow mechanism; In utero development of feeding and swallowing; normal development: birth to adolescence; developmental care; principles of assessment; and the Introduction to objective assessments. Meaningful assignments aid in the understanding and practical applications of the learning modules. Assignments are created to be beneficial in class and in the SLP’s practice. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches to this area of typical/normal acquisition are discussed.
Feeding/Swallowing Disorders in Pediatric Populations
Required Academic Course; Spring Semester; 3 credits
Through this course the principles of assessment are identified to which to explore a variety of disorders of feeding and swallowing possible in children. Beginning to look at presented cases through the lens of a diagnostician incorporating knowledge from Course #6001 Acquisition of feeding and swallowing skills in children. Feeding and swallowing disorders of multiple factors are reviewed for their features, swallowing expectations, and feeding manifestations. Prevalence of expected feeding disorders in specific populations are discussed, including specific syndromes and other medical etiologies. The learning modules build on the medical management of the medically complex pediatric client; education of multifactorial feeding disorders; education of oral dysphagia; education of pharyngeal dysphagia; diagnoses from prematurity through craniofacial disorders including: general information regarding diagnosis and specifics. Specific real-life cases are presented along with specifics related to oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal features. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches to this area of atypical or disordered management are discussed. Meaningful assignments are provided utilizing evidenced based practice and journal article review to support areas of knowledge. Assignments incorporate skills to be adopted into daily SLP practice for future growth.
Comprehensive Assessment and Clinical Writing
Required Academic Course; Fall Semester; 3 credits
This course aims to explore the principles of comprehensive clinical feeding and swallowing assessment through clinical observations, developmental checklists as well as up-to-date objective measures available to the clinicians as identified through evidenced based practices. The course content is focused on interdisciplinary approach across settings including neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home care, educational/school settings, and outpatient clinics. Principles of instrumental/non-instrumental diagnostic techniques reviewed. Meaningful continuity of care ideas are explored. Assignments aim to build clinical writing skills to achieve thorough case histories, clinical skills to complete comprehensive screening, referrals, and assessments.
Treatment Approaches in Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Required Academic Course; Summer Semester; 3 credits
This course provides a thorough review of the principles of creating a plan of care based on the assessments achieved, build on the clinical writing skills to capture the clinical writing in the treatment sessions. Throughout the course there is a review of the evidenced based practices for the provision of treatment for feeding and swallowing disorders in various settings. Specific treatment approaches and of current continuing education opportunities with need for certification or varied levels of training for specific treatment areas are reviewed. Clinical cases are utilized to explore treatment scenarios and engage in discussion of treatment planning options and common issues SLPs experience in their practice.
Clinical Applications of Assessment and Treatment Processes
Required Academic Course; Spring Semester; 3 credits
This course aims to apply the principles learned in the academic coursework to case scenarios. Case scenarios and learning objectives are achieved via remote learning modules in which real cases are presented; discussions regarding pertinent features, live Q&A as well as assignments built on the learning opportunities from case discussions
Optional In-person Clinical Experience
The program offers an optional in-person opportunity over 2 days in New York for students to observe in various pediatric care settings. Students will attend this experience in small groups to observe their clinical educator while they conduct feeding/swallowing evaluations and/or treatments. Students and clinical educators will work towards application of theoretic learning to live cases, discuss their observations and complete required clinical writing tasks.
Application Requirements
Completed applications are reviewed by faculty members in the Division of Speech-Language Pathology.
In order to be considered for the program, please submit the following:
- A completed Pediatric Dysphagia Certificate application.
- Your non-refundable application fee submitted to NYMC TouchNet.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Personal Statement explaining why you are interested in earning an advanced certificate in pediatric dysphagia.
- Documentation of licensure and professional certification or status as a clinical fellow.
- International applicants who earned a degree outside the U.S. must send credential evaluations to the Office of Admissions.
Please contact the Office of Admissions at (914) 594-4510 if you have any questions about the program or about your submitted application.
Please note the class size is limited to 25 students.
Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Can I check the status of my application?
**Answer by admission department**
