What makes the MedSLP Program unique?
Classroom and clinical experiences are focused on communication and swallowing disorders in the medical setting, and students acquire extensive knowledge in Evidence-Based Practice, which is of unique value. In addition, the integration of the Clinical Fellowship into the program is designed to enhance the training experience of the student.  (top)  
  
How do the Core SLP and MedSLP programs differ?
Students in both programs take a similar series of courses in their first year to provide a general foundation of clinical knowledge that covers the full range of communication sciences and disorders. Students learn to assess and treat communication disorders across the lifespan. Clinical practica for both programs are completed in the highly supportive context of the UW Speech & Hearing Clinic during the first year.
     
In the second year of the MedSLP Program, specialized courses prepare students to work with a wide range of clinical cases across various professional settings. Students in the MedSLP program complete practica primarily offsite in medical facilities and clinics in the Puget Sound region.
  
The MedSLP program is unique in that the third year includes the Clinical Fellowship  (CF) which is required for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). The CF is spent primarily in one or more clinical facilities in WA state, but out-of-state placements are available.  UW SPHSC faculty helps place students in these facilities and coordinates the associated paperwork. Clinical Fellows receive an hourly wage or salary from their employers. In addition, they participate in a weekly, evening course that provides support and guidance throughout this experience.  Note: There is a minimal tuition fee for this course. (top)
    
Can I get a Masters degree from the MedSLP program if I do not complete the third year and consequently the CF experience?  
No. The third year, which includes the CF, is a critical element in the MedSLP Program. Clinical Fellowship activities are integrated into the curriculum through the Clinical Forum, a required evening course for third year students. (top)
    
Can I apply to both the Core SLP and the MedSLP Masters programs?
Yes, you may apply to both programs. If you are interested in both programs, please indicate this on the departmental application. You will be asked to state a preference for the Core or MedSLP program, but your application will be considered by both committees. (top)
 
Can I transfer between the Core SLP program and the MedSLP?
No. Students are accepted into only one program.  The curriculum and practica are uniquely designed to support each program.(top)
    
If admitted, may I defer entrance to the program?  
No. Planning for your program begins immediately upon your admission. On-campus clinical experiences and off-site clinical experiences are arranged annually. Of course, if you are admitted in one year, then choose to defer entry into the program, the strength of your re-application in subsequent years is considered within the pool of applicants at that time. (top)
 
When are classes offered?
Coursework is scheduled around the needs of clinical practica scheduling. Prospective students should be aware that some required courses may need to be offered during the evening hours (e.g., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.). In addition, classes may occasionally need to meet on Saturdays. (top)

Are Summer Quarter classes required?
Absolutely. The MedSLP program is in session every quarter, including Summer Quarter.  Breaks in your program greatly complicate your plan of study and preclude the careful planning that has gone into matching your classroom experiences with your clinical training. (top)
       
Are evening classes required?
Didactic coursework is scheduled around clinical practica. There may be quarters in which some required classes are offered during the evening hours or on Saturdays, particularly as MedSLP students complete clinical practica within the community and require increased availability during daytime work hours (8:00 am -5:00 pm). (top)

Do I have a choice as to where I do my offsite practica placements and my CF?
Offsite practica placements are assigned by the MedSLP Fieldwork Coordinators and every student will have a variety of experiences. Due to the large number of placements, individual preferences cannot be accommodated.  However, your interests are considered when making practica assignments. Clinical Fellowships are coordinated by the MedSLP Fieldwork Coordinators but the CF requires an interview process and each Clinical Fellow is ultimately chosen and hired by the interviewing facility. (top) 
     
Do I need to provide my own transportation to offsite practica placements and my CF?
Yes. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from community sites starting their first quarter in the program. Many facilities are served by public transportation, but not all. For those students without cars, the UW offers a FlexCar option with discounts to UPASS holders. See http://www.flexcar.com/default.aspx?tabid=371 for more information. (top)

Will I have to work on weekends during my offsite practica placements and my CF?
More than likely. Many of our affiliated sites provide speech and language services seven days a weeks.  Subsequently, students may be placed at facilities that will require weekend days due to supervisor or site availability.  As an employee, a Clinical Fellow will work the schedule set by the place of employment. (top)

Is it possible to have Clinical Fellowship positions in more than one facility?
Yes.  It is possible to complete the CF in one of more facilities, due to a Clinical Fellow’s interest or to meet ASHA hour requirements. (top)
 
Are there research opportunities for MedSLP students (e.g., completing a Masters thesis)?
Yes. All MedSLP students have the option of completing a Masters thesis in lieu of the comprehensive exam as part of the Masters Degree Program. Any student who chooses to complete a thesis will do so under the guidance of Speech and Hearing Sciences faculty who are internationally recognized as leaders in clinical research.  Note:  The masters thesis is separate from the Evidence-Based Practice project which is required of all MedSLP students. Graduation from the program is dependent upon successful completion of a thesis or comprehensive exam.  (top)
  
Will I be able to get a job when I graduate?  
Position vacancies in Medical Speech-Language Pathology are generally numerous as there is a well documented personnel shortage in our field. Although no one can predict economic conditions to come, many demographic factors suggest that employment opportunities in Medical SLP should be plentiful for many years. (top)
  
Is there a different tuition rate for out-of-state students?
No. The tuition for the MedSLP Program is the same for all students. (top)
 
Is financial aid available for the MedSLP program?
The department usually does not have financial assistance for masters students; therefore no special application for aid is necessary. If teaching assistantships (TA) or research assistantships (RA) become available, we notify all graduate students and interested students may apply.(top)
If a student qualifies for UW Work Study, the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences makes every effort to employ the student within the department. Work study positions are also available throughout the UW campus. Complete information about the Work Study Program is available at: http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/ws1.html     (top)
   
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