The Speech-Language Pathologist in Long-Term Care

The Speech-Language Pathologist in Long-Term Care is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that provides a framework for the SLP providing care in a skilled nursing facility.

As the population of the United States ages, more healthcare professionals find themselves treating elders. Schools, private practice, and hospitals will always be major practice settings, but the demographics of our country point to a growing need for geriatric treatment. There are about 1.7 million people in 16,700 skilled nursing facilities (CDC, 2020). By 2030 this number may be as high as 2.6 million (AoA, 2014). There is a significant need now for treatment provided by speech-language pathologists in the skilled nursing facility setting which will only grow in the years to come.

Skilled nursing facilities have unique challenges for healthcare professionals. Multiple federal regulations, a complex billing system, and the long-term nature of skilled nursing facility residents make this a setting that requires an orientation to its unique traits. A culture of care that must be learned and integrated into the clinician’s treatment habits

This course provides an overview of skilled nursing facilities as a work setting for speech language pathologists. The structure, organization, and reimbursement structure of skilled nursing facilities will be described. The average resident and common treatment areas will be discussed.

Course #21-50 | 2021 | 33 pages | 15 posttest questions