Course Description:
This blended course prepares Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) to confidently support adults with dysphagia in hospital, long-term care, and community settings under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Combining online modules with hands-on in-person training, the course delivers essential knowledge and applied skills rooted in evidence-based practice and regulatory guidelines.
Participants will explore the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, common causes and presentations of dysphagia, and the CDA’s role in implementing safe feeding strategies and therapeutic interventions. Real-world case studies and interactive components help learners apply concepts in context, while in-person sessions reinforce clinical techniques and observational competencies essential for safe, effective care.
This course emphasizes professional boundaries, interprofessional collaboration, and client safety—ensuring CDAs are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to dysphagia management teams.
Key Topics Include:
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Swallowing anatomy and physiology
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Causes and clinical signs of dysphagia
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Scope of CDA practice and legal considerations
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Safe feeding strategies and meal observation
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Oral hygiene, alertness, and aspiration risk monitoring
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Therapeutic techniques: thermal tactile stimulation, Masako, Mendelsohn, Shaker, etc.
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Documentation and interprofessional communication
Format: Blended delivery (online modules + in-person clinical training)
Target Audience: CDAs entering or transitioning into adult medical practice
Prerequisites: Completion of a CDA diploma program or equivalent
- Teacher: Admin User