FEES Training for Speech-Language Pathologists

FEES training for Speech-Language Pathologists is a specialty skills training course in the use of fiberoptic nasoendoscopy to assess oropharyngeal dysphagia using a standard FEES® assessment protocol and procedures. This basic course is designed for Speech-Language Pathologists working in medical settings and with little to no experience using endoscopy.  The course is organized for small group participation to insure individualized, hands-on, supervised training, both with the endoscope and learning the analysis procedures. Thus, the course is limited to approximately 20 participants. SA Swallowing Services has provided FEES training for over 8 years and trained over 800 SLPs around the world.

The SASS faculty is composed of SLPs with many years of experience with swallowing assessment and intervention, and have worked in all medical settings. The instructors have been certified by the Board of Health, State of Tennessee, as approved instructors of nasal and oral endoscopy, in accordance with the state statutes of 2007.

At the completion of the FEES Training for Speech-Language Pathologists, participants should be able to:

Use safe & effective manual skills using nasopharyngoscopy to assess the oropharynx, hypopharynx, & larynx before, during, & after each swallowing event;
Describe & use specific FEES® protocols & procedures to assess dynamic swallowing events;
Describe anatomy & physiology of normal & abnormal swallow events, as viewed endoscopically;
Identify & use standard infection control procedures, & identify risks & contraindications for nasoendoscopy; and
Score, analyze & interpret FEES® results to recommend appropriate diets and interventions.
Have a minimum of 10 successful endoscope passes on normal subjects following FEES procedures.

This training spans two days for 15 hours and is approved for 1.5 continuing education units by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Course registration can be completed online.