Clinical Practicum Participation Requirements

In addition to the aforementioned academic requirements, students must adhere to the following:

Clinical Observation and Practicum for Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology

Each student is required to complete hours of clinical observation. This time is spent observing certified Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in service delivery. This observation generally occurs as part of a course requirement and will satisfy the observation requirement mandated by the American Speech-Language and hearing Association (ASHA) in order to obtain professional certification.

Additionally, each qualifying student will take two semesters of clinical practicum, SLP 4400 and 4410. In order to enroll and participate in clinical practicum a student must apply for and be awarded Clinical Privileges. These courses are intended to provide you with an introduction to professional practice and will involve both class activity and direct intervention. Students are responsible for planning, documenting and implementing intervention under the guidance of a clinical educator. All students must carry student malpractice insurance in order to participate in the program.

Students who are participating in clinical observation and practice are expected to maintain a professional demeanor. Personal appearance, interpersonal behaviors and writing are expected to reflect knowledge of ethical professional practice.

Insurance for Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology

Students enrolled in SLP 4400 and SLP 4410 must obtain professional liability insurance and provide the original certificate of insurance to the Speech Center Director. (The original will be returned to the student and a copy will be kept on file.)

Preparatory Work for the Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Clinical

• Students are required to attend preparatory meetings and workshops prior to beginning clinic.
• Students wishing to enroll in SLP 4400 MUST apply for Clinical Privileges. A minimum overall GPA of 2.8 and 3.0 in the major must be attained in order to apply for Clinical Privileges. Please see the Speech Center Director to obtain and Undergraduate Application for Clinical Privileges.
• Students are required to meet with the Speech Center Director during the spring semester preceding enrollment in SLP 4400. They should provide the following:
  • Three written observation reports to be evaluated by the Speech Center Director. The student's writing and ability to document clinical behavior effectively will be assessed
  • The student must submit verification that 25 observation hours have been completed.

Clinical Scheduling

Students are required to be available during the specified course times. Additionally, students are required to provide the Speech Center Director with hours of availability to provide clinical services.