Analysis of Speech Therapy Degrees in Argentina

Regionalization, Characteristics of Practices, and Degree Attainment

Abstract

This paper aims to map the educational offerings in Speech Therapy in Argentina and to develop certain aspects related to regionalization, practices, and the attainment of the degree above mentioned. This study was conducted through an analysis of the resolutions of the curricula for Speech Therapy programs. A compilation of secondary data sources was carried out, followed by a comparative and comprehensive analysis of them.

The results indicate that, concerning the regionalization of higher education centers offering training in Speech Therapy, the geographic distribution shows a centralization of universities towards the centre of the country, leaving surrounding areas the country without offerings in this discipline. This suggests a lack of a planned projection logic for both public and private institutions.

Regarding the hours of practical training in the various Speech Therapy programs around the country, there is evidence of a predominantly theoretical undergraduate education. The vast majority of programs give little or no focus to supervised practical skills, these being just theoretical ones, with most of the university training being theoretical. Furthermore, despite the fact that there is a trend for practical training to be developed, this is intended for the last years of the training program.

As for obtaining the degree, more than half of the programs require the submission of a final project. It is important to note that producing a final project or thesis requires skills and decision-making that demand a high level of reflection.