5 answers
Macie
Student
Fernandina Beach, Florida
7
Questions
Asked
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What do I do if I have to go to school online for my degree, but I don't want to miss out on the college experience?
I have to go to school online to get my degree in speech pathology for personal reasons, but I also want to go to college in person. I was hoping to use college as a way for me to make sure I am independent enough to make it in the real world, but I have to go to school online specifically for speech pathology. How do I get the best of both worlds?
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5 answers
Elena Gasca, MS CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
6
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Elena’s Answer
Hi! Some colleges offer an (intense) intersession course(s) during winter or spring breaks. I completed my masters on-line and took two of these courses! It was fun being on campus for a week. Clinic and externships are in person in your city. Good luck!! You are awesome for choosing this career. I work in schools and also in Home health. I love working with students and adults.
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Macie!
Is the college you are attending completely online or just the program? If just the program is online but you can still go to the physical college location you could still do the college experience.
If the college and program are completely online I would see if they still offer opportunities to study abroad, volunteer or other programs where you can get the college experience. Most speech pathology programs will have work experience built into the program but it never hurts to do additional internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs where you can continue to build your experience to feel more independent.
I would just ask yourself what you want out of your college experience and how you can do what is best for you even if it is not the "traditional" college experience.
I hope this helps!
Is the college you are attending completely online or just the program? If just the program is online but you can still go to the physical college location you could still do the college experience.
If the college and program are completely online I would see if they still offer opportunities to study abroad, volunteer or other programs where you can get the college experience. Most speech pathology programs will have work experience built into the program but it never hurts to do additional internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs where you can continue to build your experience to feel more independent.
I would just ask yourself what you want out of your college experience and how you can do what is best for you even if it is not the "traditional" college experience.
I hope this helps!
Thank you for the advice! I have to look into some more programs to see if they fit my needs. Your advice was very helpful.
Macie
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hello Macie,
Although your situation is challenging, life is full of opportunities and exciting changes. Look at the big picture, rather than its separate details. Make decisions which are good for tomorrow, not for today: What seems unpreferable for the present, can make your future great and bright.
Metaphorically speaking, imagine a ship which can take you somewhere. No matter what is the ship’s name, external or internal description. The most important thing is the following: Where does it take you? Can you achieve or at least, get closer to your goals by travelling on it? The same thing is in every situation: No matter the conventional names, classifications of things. The most important is its value for you and the changes (positive or negative) that it can bring into your life.
Although I really value the traditional college experience, it is not the most important thing: Not losing time, overcoming challenges, moving forward in life are of crucial importance. Nevertheless, dissatisfaction should not cross the border of inner peace. Don't study online if it absolutely contradicts to your will and goals.
So, Think big, dream big, and act big!
Wish you good luck and all the best
Although your situation is challenging, life is full of opportunities and exciting changes. Look at the big picture, rather than its separate details. Make decisions which are good for tomorrow, not for today: What seems unpreferable for the present, can make your future great and bright.
Metaphorically speaking, imagine a ship which can take you somewhere. No matter what is the ship’s name, external or internal description. The most important thing is the following: Where does it take you? Can you achieve or at least, get closer to your goals by travelling on it? The same thing is in every situation: No matter the conventional names, classifications of things. The most important is its value for you and the changes (positive or negative) that it can bring into your life.
Although I really value the traditional college experience, it is not the most important thing: Not losing time, overcoming challenges, moving forward in life are of crucial importance. Nevertheless, dissatisfaction should not cross the border of inner peace. Don't study online if it absolutely contradicts to your will and goals.
So, Think big, dream big, and act big!
Wish you good luck and all the best
Pina Kamolnick
Speech Pathologist
8
Answers
Rancho Mirage, California
Updated
Pina’s Answer
Hi Macie! Is there the possibility of a hybrid experience? You might take one in-person class per semester or quarter. If that isn't possible is there a study group connected to a local college or university that you could ask to join? I also suggest connecting with school based SLPs at public schools in your area. You could volunteer a bit of time to help them, have the opportunity to observe their work with students and form professional relationships that might well last a lifetime. Be sure to join NSSLHA, the ASHA organization for students. Through NSSLHA you can attend the ASHA convention at a greatly reduced rate and be kept current on conferences and workshops for extended learning while making new friends in the field. Here's the link: https://www.nsslha.org/membership/#:~:text=Success%20starts%20with%20National%20NSSLHA,unparalleled%20leadership%20opportunities%2C%20and%20more.
Have fun and best of luck!
Have fun and best of luck!
Thank you! I didn't realize that there would be so many opportunities to volunteer. Your advice was very helpful!
Macie
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1849
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Macie ! Even though I don't know the reason that you are not able to go to an in person school I will answer your question with some ideas.
If you go 100% on line for your degree, it is true, you would not have the expereince that you seem to be wanting. I know there are many possible reasons why you may need to do an online program, but if that is what you are saying, than that is what you need to do. However, may I suggest that you enroll in an on campus school for one semster, just to take required courses and get a taste of what campus life is like. If you truly feel called to speech therapy, the studies can be the focus and other experiences can come later. Things may change and you later may have the opportunity to continue it at an in person program. A good thing would be to verify whether or not the courses you've taken on line or that first semester on campus transfer. Ask the admission staff about transferring courses.
So right now, the important thing is to start your speech therapy studies. The younger you start, the better it is. I can imagine that whether it is done in person or on line, it is an intense course of study and one must be dedicated regardless of the study format. Your on line instructors will let you know how to do your clinical work and provide the direction you need. When you say you "have to" study on line, than you'll have to do it that way.
Try not to worry too much about an on campus experience. Although it was some of the best years for me, you must come to a place where you are able to accept what you can do. Speech Therapy is an excellent field in many ways, so it will be worth it. Do not postpone it or give up on it. Speech Therapists have great careers and usually never have trouble finding work. It pays well , too. So be tenacious, accept the roads you must take and at the end, you will enjoy the benefits of working at something you love. That is the important thing. Like I said before, things may change for you and one day you may be able to continue at an in person campus.
Best wishes to you as you begin studying.
If you go 100% on line for your degree, it is true, you would not have the expereince that you seem to be wanting. I know there are many possible reasons why you may need to do an online program, but if that is what you are saying, than that is what you need to do. However, may I suggest that you enroll in an on campus school for one semster, just to take required courses and get a taste of what campus life is like. If you truly feel called to speech therapy, the studies can be the focus and other experiences can come later. Things may change and you later may have the opportunity to continue it at an in person program. A good thing would be to verify whether or not the courses you've taken on line or that first semester on campus transfer. Ask the admission staff about transferring courses.
So right now, the important thing is to start your speech therapy studies. The younger you start, the better it is. I can imagine that whether it is done in person or on line, it is an intense course of study and one must be dedicated regardless of the study format. Your on line instructors will let you know how to do your clinical work and provide the direction you need. When you say you "have to" study on line, than you'll have to do it that way.
Try not to worry too much about an on campus experience. Although it was some of the best years for me, you must come to a place where you are able to accept what you can do. Speech Therapy is an excellent field in many ways, so it will be worth it. Do not postpone it or give up on it. Speech Therapists have great careers and usually never have trouble finding work. It pays well , too. So be tenacious, accept the roads you must take and at the end, you will enjoy the benefits of working at something you love. That is the important thing. Like I said before, things may change for you and one day you may be able to continue at an in person campus.
Best wishes to you as you begin studying.
Thank you so much! I didn't consider the in-person labs or the fact that I could do required courses in person. This was very helpful!
Macie
You are very welcome !
Michelle M.