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Dysphagia course for SLTs

The Dysphagia Course at the Whittington Hospital was started in 2013 and has been run annually since then. This course is designed to prepare Speech and Language Therapists in the early stages of their professional careers to work within the field of adult dysphagia.
 
It provides the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently and safely assess and manage adults with swallowing difficulties, supporting development of independent practice in their clinical settings. It is suitable for those working in acute hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and community-based services.
 

What can you expect

The course is structured over five days. The first four days are theory, during which you will be based in a classroom setting and work in groups to enhance collaboration and learning. The class size is kept small to ensure that you have access to the therapists if you have any questions or need clarification.
 
On the final day of the course, you will have the opportunity to put your theory into practice by going onto the wards in small groups with a supervisor, where you will meet and interact with patients.
 
The course equips candidates with the knowledge and skill which they can demonstrate to their clinical supervisor in their workplace in order for them to sign off their dysphagia competencies (up to Level C in Theoretical Knowledge components of 2014 RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies or Foundation-Proficient Level in Knowledge components of 2025 RCSLT SLT Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework).
 

What will you learn?

Here is what we aim to provide you with during the course:
  • Enhanced ability to describe swallowing anatomy and physiology
  • Improved understanding of theoretical concepts relating to adult acquired dysphagia assessment and management
  • Knowledge and implications of diet and fluid modification using the IDDSI framework
  • Understanding of compensatory strategies and impairment-based rehabilitation approaches
  • Increased confidence in clinical decision-making
  • Insight into decision-making around NG/PEG feeding, quality of life considerations, and the related legal aspects
  • Supervised experience putting theory into practice

 

When will it start and how much does it cost?

The course costs £580. Our November 2025 course is now fully booked. We will be running another course early 2026, please watch this space for more details!
 

How to apply

Please complete our form and email to speechtherapy.whitthealth@nhs.net

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Feedback from participants

“Exceeded my expectations and has made me even more inspirated and excited to continue developing my knowledge in dysphagia”

 

“Each person who presented was so engaging and knowledgeable and it was a safe space for questions and comments whilst being supported”

 

 “This was an amazing course and was beyond my expectations. Content was delivered in such an effective and engaging way. Speakers were amazing and covered so much ground! Really enjoyed all the case studies, insightful discussions and group activities. The final ward day was such a good way to consolidate all the knowledge we have learnt”