Student News November 2021

SPA STUDENT NEWS Summer 2021

Meet Dr Debbie Phyland

Be a well being

Become an AHA

SPEAK OUT STUDENTNEWS

Speak Out Student News is a publication of Speech Pathology Australia. The Student news is published four times per year with the seasons, and is distributed to all Speech Pathology Australia student members. Send in your news, article ideas, information and inspiration to the Association’s Publications Manager, Rebecca Faltyn, publications@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au. www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

2 student news

Disclaimer To the best of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited’s (‘the Association”) knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of the information provided. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication. Digital ISSN : ISSN 2208-7125

WHAT'S INSIDE...

Summer 2021

Becoming an AHA The good and the great about starting out as an Allied Health Assistant. Applying for a Medicare provider number

Be a well being tips and advice and keeping motivated

WorkingasanAHA

I began working as an Allied Health Assistant two days per week at the beginning of 2021 as I started my Masters of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Sydney. I saw it as an opportunity to start my career as an SLP without having to wait for graduation to come around. Prior to finding my current role, I decided to email every speech clinic in my city to check if they needed an enthusiastic student who wanted to learn as much as possible from qualified speech pathologists. To my surprise, I found a wonderful clinic that was looking for an Allied Health Assistant to help provide therapy to children who had speech and/or language difficulties, a role I didn’t even know existed. I couldn’t believe my luck! Being able to apply what I learn directly to a clinical setting has been advantageous to my studies, more so than I expected. I get a better understanding of the content being taught at university when I can go into

the clinic the following week and put it into practice. Obviously this isn’t always the case as the coursework doesn’t always align, however, most of what I am learning has been solidified in some way by my role as an AHA. For example, last semester as we were learning about phonological disorders, I was able to go into the clinic and apply the Minimal Pairs Approach in therapy the week after we learnt about it. Instead of revising my notes, I was able to work with a real client and get feedback from my supervisor as an alternative, a far superior alternative in my opinion. In addition to this, I get to work on skills that can only be learnt in a clinical setting such as; engaging with clients and parents efficiently, dealing with a range of behaviours during the session, time management skills and teamwork skills. I am so pleased with how much I am learning from week to week and how it has impacted how much I enjoy university. The whole experience really has been so ideal and although sometimes it does feel overwhelming, each day I wake up grateful for the opportunity to work with these children and their families as I navigate the world of Speech Language Pathology. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience working as an AHA as I undergo study, and highly recommend the experience to any students out there who want to enhance their learning experience. The most important thing I have learnt in my role as an AHA is that I definitely chose the right career path and am so looking forward to becoming a fully qualified SLP.

As students graduate, one of the steps you will take is to apply for a Medicare provider number (MPN). Speech pathologists must obtain an MPN to provide services that are rebateable under Medicare. Most private health funds also require eligible providers to have an MPN. In order to apply for a Medicare provider number, new graduate speech pathologists must become Provisional Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) members of SPA. Graduates will need to provide the Association with evidence of successfully completing their speech pathology course and submit their application. Applications generally take about 10 business days to process, but at busy periods may take much longer. Once SPA membership has been granted, new graduates can apply for a Medicare provider number. Services Australia has advised SPA that they experience a peak in MPN applications from now until end January. This means it can take a bit more time to process applications. It is advisable for new graduates starting work in the private sector plan ahead and coordinate prompt application for SPA membership, evidence of course completion from their university, and application for an MPN. It is also recommended to communicate with employers about this process and to update them on progress. While you are waiting for a MPN you must Applyingfora Medicareprovider number

not use another speech pathologist’s MPN-this is illegal. For speech pathologists who already have an MPN and need to apply for an additional one, it’s quicker and easier to do this online. You can apply for an additional MPN through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). You can also update your contact and bank account details using HPOS. To use HPOS, you’ll need a Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account. More information You can read more about o Applying for a Medicare provider number (Services Australia): https://www.servicesaustralia. gov.au/.../apply-provider... o PRODA: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov. au/.../proda-provider... o Applying for SPA membership: https://www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/.../Membershi... o Medicare and other Rebates and Funded Programs: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org. au/.../Rebates...