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Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Practicum

Graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology participate in providing direct services to the clients of the University of Texas Speech and Hearing Center, as well as at two or more off-campus sites. The mission of the Speech and Hearing Center is to provide state-of-the-art, client-focused services to individuals with communication disorders in the local and regional community. Students participate in evaluation, treatment, parent training, and consultation as appropriate to meet client needs. Services at the Center are provided by teams, based on specific disorder areas. Each student serves on a different team each semester, rotating through the teams to receive a variety of clinical experiences. Client service and professionalism are emphasized on all teams, and participation on the teams provides a depth of experience in each disorder area.

Though students seeking the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence as Speech-Language Pathologists are expected to engage in 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum (see breakdown below), these are considered minimum levels. Most students engaged in practicum at the Speech and Hearing Center can expect to go well beyond the minimum required. Hours earned will include, but are not limited to:

Clinical Observation: 25 hours

Clinical Practicum: 350 hours

  1. At least 20 hours of direct client service in each of the following:
  • Evaluation of speech disorders in children
  • Treatment of speech disorders in children
  • Evaluation of speech disorders in adults
  • Treatment of speech disorders in adults
  • Evaluation of language disorders in children
  • Treatment of language disorders in children
  • Evaluation of language disorders in adults
  • Treatment of language disorders in adults

    2. At least 20 hours in Audiology, to be divided between:

  • Evaluation and screening of hearing
  • Habilitation or Rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss

- At least 250 of the 350 minimum hours must be completed at the graduate level. At least 50 hours must be obtained in each of two off-campus sites.

- Successful completion of a clinical competency review is required before the student may participate in an off-campus practicum.

- Professional liability insurance, at the student's own expense, is required of each student enrolled in an off-campus practicum. Students will be provided with forms and instructions at the appropriate time.

-Clinical practicum hours earned as an undergraduate count, provided the hours are properly documented and certified by the institution at which they were earned.

- During off-campus practica, graduate students are placed in local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private settings, or school settings throughout the community.