Overview and Structure
The clinical education sequence for the UNK's online Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program is designed to meet ASHA certification standards and prepare students for independent professional practice. It features four part-time practicums (P1–P4) completed during the fourth through seventh semesters of the program and two full-time internships completed during the final two semesters — one in a school or pediatric setting, and one in a medical/clinical setting.
Placements
Placements must span at least three different settings across the program, and students are responsible for identifying placements, with support and oversight from UNK’s SLP Online Advisors.
Students begin identifying practicum placements two semesters before the placement begins. All placements outside Nebraska are located by the student, while those within Nebraska or in medical centers must be coordinated with the Online Advisor. Online Advisors verify placement eligibility, secure site contracts, and ensure that cooperating SLPs meet ASHA supervision requirements. Qualified supervisors must hold current ASHA CCC-SLP certification, have at least nine months of experience after obtaining their CCC-SLP, and complete two hours of continuing education in supervision.
Practicum Sequence (P1–P4)
- Practicum 1 Focus: Foundational therapy skills in pediatric or school settings. Students provide screenings and basic intervention under close supervision. No evaluations or adult placements are permitted. Target: 20–25 direct contact hours over 10 weeks, typically one full day or two half-days per week.
- Practicum 2 Focus: Expanding intervention experience and beginning evaluation tasks in pediatric or outpatient settings. Target: 25–30 direct contact hours, typically one full day or two half-days per week. Inpatient medical placements are not permitted.
- Practicum 3 Focus: Integration of advanced therapy and evaluation skills. Students may complete a community or Simucase placement (Simucase available only during summer). Target: 25–30 hours. Students are encouraged to gain experience in medical or rehabilitation contexts, excluding fully inpatient placements.
- Practicum 4 Focus: Independent practice and transition to internship readiness. Students may complete inpatient medical placements if they can commit to 10–15 hours per week. Target: 25–30 hours, typically one full day or two half-days per week. Students are expected to demonstrate full competence in all major disorder areas and professional conduct.
Internship Sequence (I1–I2)
- Internship 1 – School or Pediatric Setting Focus: Immersive experience simulating a full-time SLP role in an educational or pediatric environment. Attendance: Full-day, 45–50 workdays. Students should independently manage 90% of their caseload by midterm. Interns earn approximately 100+ direct contact hours and must participate in all aspects of evaluation and treatment.
- Internship 2 – Clinical/Medical Setting Focus: Full-time clinical internship emphasizing adult populations. Minimum of 8 weeks full-time attendance required; some sites may extend to 10–12 weeks. At least 50% of the caseload must include adult patients. Interns should demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, professionalism, and readiness for independent practice.
Expectations and Support
- Students are responsible for securing placements but receive guidance and vetting support from Online Advisors.
- Clinical supervisors must provide live supervision for at least 25% of direct clockhours.
- Students must accrue at least 375 ASHA-approved clinical clockhours across the program, including experiences spanning different ages, disorders, and service delivery models.
- Up to 125 hours may be a combination of telepractice services and clinical simulation.
- All placements must comply with ASHA and state licensure standards.
- Students receive a midterm and final evaluation each semester for clinical skill progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
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