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How do I get my foot in the door?
I am a student deciding between Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. I want to explore these careers and gain experience in the fields but I just don't know how.
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Briana’s Answer
Hi, Fatima,
Both speech pathology and audiology require observation hours of a credentialed provider before you can begin taking graduate level courses. You should begin here! Try emailing local hospitals, private practices, ENTs, hearing centers, or outpatient rehabs stating that you are hoping to get observation hours with one of the clinicians. Another option, if you are in undergraduate college now, is to email the Communication Sciences and Disorders administrative team and ask if you can observe any on-campus therapy sessions. Also begin looking into mentoring opportunities through ASHA such as the STEP program or the minority study leadership program.
Both speech pathology and audiology require observation hours of a credentialed provider before you can begin taking graduate level courses. You should begin here! Try emailing local hospitals, private practices, ENTs, hearing centers, or outpatient rehabs stating that you are hoping to get observation hours with one of the clinicians. Another option, if you are in undergraduate college now, is to email the Communication Sciences and Disorders administrative team and ask if you can observe any on-campus therapy sessions. Also begin looking into mentoring opportunities through ASHA such as the STEP program or the minority study leadership program.
Updated
LaTristaca’s Answer
Hi Fatima,
I sent resumes to private speech and/or language therapy clinics. One responded and allowed me to volunteer. That quickly became a paid position.
I agree with everyone else's recommendation for volunteer and observations.
I sent resumes to private speech and/or language therapy clinics. One responded and allowed me to volunteer. That quickly became a paid position.
I agree with everyone else's recommendation for volunteer and observations.
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Hi Fatima!
Covid and Hippa has made observation hours harder at hospitals - now, you have to do an orientation and Hippa training class to volunteer. Our hospital has volunteer opportunities working all around the hospital or you can specifically ask for the physical medicine/ rehab department.
As Briana suggested above, there are private practice therapists, school based therapists, home health care, nursing homes, and other locations who are sometimes more open to observers. You can email, or call the director of speech therapy for information. Most therapists love to share their profession with students.
You might also volunteer to help with special Olympics, or a special needs camp, or special needs program through your local children’s hospital. Talk to the kids and the parents about their experiences.
Don’t be shy, make some calls or emails and reach out.
Good luck!
Covid and Hippa has made observation hours harder at hospitals - now, you have to do an orientation and Hippa training class to volunteer. Our hospital has volunteer opportunities working all around the hospital or you can specifically ask for the physical medicine/ rehab department.
As Briana suggested above, there are private practice therapists, school based therapists, home health care, nursing homes, and other locations who are sometimes more open to observers. You can email, or call the director of speech therapy for information. Most therapists love to share their profession with students.
You might also volunteer to help with special Olympics, or a special needs camp, or special needs program through your local children’s hospital. Talk to the kids and the parents about their experiences.
Don’t be shy, make some calls or emails and reach out.
Good luck!