SLP Clinical Education

The goal of the University of Memphis clinical education program in Speech-Language Pathology is to provide students with a broad practicum experience across ages, settings, cultures, and communication disorders. Students begin their clinical experiences in the University clinic and then by the second year are placed off-site in area hospitals, private clinics, and schools. Clinical experiences are individualized to meet the needs and interests of the student while assuring that by graduation he/she has the necessary knowledge and skills to begin the Clinical Fellowship.

The School has a speech pathology clinical faculty with individuals who each have their particular areas of interest and expertise. They are very active professionally and present papers at local, state and national meetings. In addition to their specialty areas, these faculty members are committed to studying the clinical education process. All students have the opportunity to work with and learn from each master clinician.

In addition to the clinical practicum experience all students participate in a clinic class each semester. The first semester students are introduced to fundamental skills for clinical practice and policies and procedures for the Memphis Speech and Hearing Center. The second semester focuses on assessment of speech and language disorders and client/family counseling. The third semester covers public school law and procedures involved in providing services in the schools. The final semester is a professional issues section.

Clinical students begin their clinical practice at the Memphis Speech & Hearing Center. There, students are encouraged not only to ask questions, but also to consider alternative explanations for research and clinical outcomes. In addition, students work under the guidance of faculty in other clinical sites around Memphis, such as rehabilitation hospitals, private practices, developmental centers, medical centers, and public and specialty schools. As a result, our students gain valuable experience with clients, in specialties across the scope of practice in the field, well before graduation.