2 answers
Maia
Student
Highland Springs, CA
2
Questions
Asked
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What advice would you have for someone looking for more experience in their passion?
Hi, I am an upcoming college sophomore in the fall of 2023. I currently am majoring in Pre- Social Work and minoring in Speech Pathology. My ultimate goal is to become a Speech Pathologist but I want to get more experience right now. I am just not too sure where to look or start. Where do you think is the best place to find opportunities such as internships, scholarships, etc. for someone like me?
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2 answers
Elena Gasca, MS CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
6
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Elena’s Answer
Hi Maia. Wow, social work and speech pathology are two wonderful careers. In social work you will work with a variety of people. In speech pathology you will work with individuals with speech-language disorders (also includes voice, pragmatics, fluency/stuttering, and swallowing). Unfortunately, due to HIPAA (medical confidentiality) and IDEA (special education) laws it will be quite difficult to find someone to allow you to observe a patient/client/student receiving services . I volunteer with a Speech group that has missions in Mexico and we are free to work with children and adults.
If you are enrolled in a speech masters program, you are required to do clinical hours (observation) and then towards the end of your program you will have externships in two different settings (adult and pediatric); your university provides proof of liability insurance to the facilities/schools in order for you to observe or complete your externships. Interviewing and/or Observing a Speech Pathologist may be the easier route; they may have a close relationship with a student-family and it may happen. You can call a University Speech clinic or your local Elementary school and see if you can assist (crowd control, etc) when they have hearing or speech screenings. There is one counseling course within the masters program (at least the one I completed) that will give you a quick overview and will come in handy throughout your SLP career. I currently work in the schools and also do Home health. I love working with students and adults. It is a very broad but specialized field and you can further specialize in an area. As for social work, schools have social workers and so does Home health. Good luck!!!
If you are enrolled in a speech masters program, you are required to do clinical hours (observation) and then towards the end of your program you will have externships in two different settings (adult and pediatric); your university provides proof of liability insurance to the facilities/schools in order for you to observe or complete your externships. Interviewing and/or Observing a Speech Pathologist may be the easier route; they may have a close relationship with a student-family and it may happen. You can call a University Speech clinic or your local Elementary school and see if you can assist (crowd control, etc) when they have hearing or speech screenings. There is one counseling course within the masters program (at least the one I completed) that will give you a quick overview and will come in handy throughout your SLP career. I currently work in the schools and also do Home health. I love working with students and adults. It is a very broad but specialized field and you can further specialize in an area. As for social work, schools have social workers and so does Home health. Good luck!!!
Hello I am finally getting back to you I have read your response but have been so busy to respond! Thank you so much! I called a Speech Center and they gave me a recruitment number! I'll be calling them Wednesday to see if they offer what you mention thank you so much again!
Maia
Robert Kohn
remodeling general contractor
43
Answers
Methuen, Massachusetts
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Maia,
DO IT!
Don't let anyone tell you, you can't!
If its speech pathology ask a speech pathologist. Call one up that is close to where you live and ask it you can come down after their work day and give you 15 minutes of answering questions. Bring a note pad and take notes. If they are receptive maybe you can ask if 1 day you can sit in on a patient and watch from the corner. Dress presentively or business like. When done in either case sy thank you and send a thank you note so make sure you get their card so you have all the correct information.
Google a school and see if they have internships or go online and see if there is anyone that has a blog or a video on speech pathology. Today there is usually something for everyone and everything.
I hope this helps! Remember if you find it is not for you, then better now and more on to something else. NEVER be afraid to ask and leasrn.
Good luck in you quest!
Bob
DO IT!
Don't let anyone tell you, you can't!
If its speech pathology ask a speech pathologist. Call one up that is close to where you live and ask it you can come down after their work day and give you 15 minutes of answering questions. Bring a note pad and take notes. If they are receptive maybe you can ask if 1 day you can sit in on a patient and watch from the corner. Dress presentively or business like. When done in either case sy thank you and send a thank you note so make sure you get their card so you have all the correct information.
Google a school and see if they have internships or go online and see if there is anyone that has a blog or a video on speech pathology. Today there is usually something for everyone and everything.
I hope this helps! Remember if you find it is not for you, then better now and more on to something else. NEVER be afraid to ask and leasrn.
Good luck in you quest!
Bob
Thank you so much Bob! I am hoping for the upcoming fall I can gain some experience with internships. I know after my minor program when I go for my master's they'll help me get my license and all that but I wanna gain experience as soon as possible. I'll research and call around and keep you updated thank you sooooo much!
Maia
Excellent good luck and I'll be waiting!
Robert Kohn