MedSLP Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What makes the MedSLP Program unique?
- Advanced coursework emphasizing evidence-based practice and the evaluation and treatment of disorders in the medical setting.
- Multiple community-based clinical practicum experiences across the continuum of care.
- Inclusion of the Clinical Fellowship experience and accompanying Clinical Forum during the third year of the program to enhance the professional training and education of the student.
Do all graduate programs include the Clinical Fellowship (CF) year?
No. Typically graduate programs are completed in two years and students then find their own CF upon receipt of their Master’s degree. The UW MedSLP program is unique because it incorporates the CF into the graduate program as a third year and Master’s degrees are conferred upon completion of the CF requirements established by ASHA and the UW. Incorporating the CF into the program provides students with support in identifying and applying for CF positions and continued faculty mentoring and consultation to help them meet the many challenges faced during the CF.
How are the MedSLP and CoreSLP programs different/similar?
Program emphasis: The MedSLP program is designed for students whose primary interest is working in the field of medical speech-language pathology, and provides focused coursework and community-based experiences in this area. The CoreSLP program is for students with an interest in exploring the practice of speech-language pathology across a variety of settings.
Program length: The MedSLP program is a three-year program which includes the clinical fellowship year. The CoreSLP program is two years and does not include the clinical fellowship experience.
Program requirements: The MedSLP program has a predetermined curriculum structure in terms of coursework and practica. There are no elective coursework options in this graduate program due to its fixed focus. The only exception is the ability for students to register for Independent studies, Master’s theses or special Professional Seminars offered within the department. In the CoreSLP program, however, students select an “emphasis path” and choose didactic and practicum electives in accordance with their selected pathway.
Coursework: During the first year of both graduate programs, students take a similar series of courses to gain the foundation of clinical knowledge that covers the full range of communication sciences and disorders. In the second year, however, MedSLP students take specialized courses significant to the practice of medical speech pathology while CoreSLP students complete their elective coursework according to their interests.
Practica: There are different clinical practicum requirements for MedSLP and CoreSLP programs, however, regardless of the program, all students complete a full-time internship at the end of their second year (before beginning a CF).
During the first year, the clinical practica for both programs are primarily completed in the context of the UW Speech & Hearing Clinic and students learn to assess and treat a variety of communication disorders across the lifespan.
In the second year of the MedSLP program, students complete community-based practicum experiences to help prepare them to work with a wide range of clinical cases across various professional settings. These off-site practicum experiences primarily occur in medical facilities and clinics in Western Washington. CoreSLP students complete the majority of their practicum in the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic during the second year.
Can I get a Master’s degree from the MedSLP program if I do not complete the third year and consequently the CF experience?
No. The third year includes the CF and is a critical element in the MedSLP Program. Clinical Fellowship activities are integrated into the curriculum through the Clinical Forum, a required course for third year students.
Can I apply to both the CoreSLP and the MedSLP Master’s programs?
Yes, students may apply to both programs. However, applicants must state a preference for either the CoreSLP or MedSLP program on their application. In addition, individuals are required to write a personal statement which specifically reflects their interests in the preferred program.
Can I transfer between the CoreSLP program and the MedSLP?
No. Students are accepted into only one program. The curriculum and practica are uniquely designed to support each program and cannot accommodate student transfers.
How many students are typically admitted to the MedSLP Program?
18-24 students are admitted each year.
Are there minimum GPA and/or GRE scores required for admission to the CoreSLP Program?
A minimum GPA of 3.0 during the last 90 quarter credit hours of study (60 semester hours) is required. There are no GRE score requirements. We consider all applicant credentials and information during the application process. High GPAs and GRE scores are desirable, but are not the controlling factors in admission. Please visit the following website (page 10) for a summary of our department’s graduate student statistics http://www.grad.washington.edu/stats/tenyear/departmental/rptgsis_depts_cs.pdf.
If admitted, may I defer entrance to the program?
No. Planning for your program begins immediately upon your admission. On-campus and off-site clinical experiences are arranged annually. If you are admitted, then choose not to enter the program, the strength of your re-application in subsequent years is considered within the pool of applicants at that time.
When are classes offered?
Coursework is scheduled around the needs of clinical practicum placements and scheduling. Prospective students should be aware that some required courses may be offered during late afternoons or evening hours (e.g., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.). In addition, classes may occasionally need to meet on Saturdays. The graduate program is also in session every quarter, including Summer Quarter, and students will have required classes during that time.
Do I have a choice as to where I complete my off-site practicum placements?
No. Off-site practicum placements are assigned by the MedSLP Fieldwork Coordinators and every student will be assigned to a variety of clinical experiences and facilities to meet ASHA and program requirements. Due to the large number of placements, individual preferences and requests cannot be accommodated. However, student skills, performance and interests are considered when making assignments.
Do I get to choose my summer internship site?
No, but student interests and input are integrated into the decision-making process. Designated faculty work to match student interests with the best available community site and clinical supervisor. Assignments are ultimately made by the internship/fieldwork coordinators and are guided by the interest area chosen by each student. In addition, depending on the number of students (from our graduate programs and others) interested in a particular site, students may be required to interview for an internship.
Do I have a choice or input into where I complete my CF?
Yes. Students will collaborate with the MedSLP Fieldwork Coordinators to identify and apply for clinical fellowship opportunities both locally and nationally that best match the students interests and skills. While the University assists with the CF employment search, the CF process requires interviewing with potential employers and each Clinical Fellow is ultimately chosen and hired by the interviewing facility.
Do I need to provide my own transportation to off-site practica placements?
Yes. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from community sites starting as early as their first quarter. Many facilities are served by public transportation, but not all. For those students without cars, the UW offers a Zip Car option with discounts to UPASS holders. See http://www.zipcar.com/u-pass/ for more information.
Will I have to work on weekends during my off-site practica placements and my CF?
Possibly. Many of our affiliated sites provide speech–pathology services seven days a week. Subsequently, students may be placed at facilities that will require weekend attendance due to supervisor or site availability. As an employee, a Clinical Fellow will work the schedule set by the place of employment.
Is it possible to have Clinical Fellowship positions in more than one facility?
Yes. It is possible to complete the CF in one or more facilities to meet ASHA hour requirements.
Are there research opportunities for MedSLP students (e.g., a Master’s thesis)?
Yes. All MedSLP students have the option of completing a Master’s thesis in lieu of the comprehensive exam. 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. Graduation from the program is dependent upon successful completion of either a thesis or comprehensive exam.
How do UW graduates perform on the Praxis examination?
The Praxis exams in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology assess beginning practitioners’ understanding of the essential content and current practices in the profession. From April 2008 – April 2009, twenty-one University of Washington Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology students took the Praxis exam with the following results: Median Score = 750 (Highest score = 780 – Lowest score = 660).
Will I be able to get a job when I graduate?
Although no one can predict economic conditions, many demographic factors indicate that employment opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists will continue to be plentiful. Over the past two years, all of our students graduating with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, who were seeking positions (full or part-time), were successful in securing employment.
Is there a different tuition rate for out-of-state students?
No. The tuition for the MedSLP Program is the same for all students. During the third year of the program, during the clinical fellowship, students pay a reduced tuition that reflects the reduced academic components of that year.
Is financial aid available for the MedSLP program?
The department usually does not have financial assistance for Master’s students; therefore no special application for aid is necessary. If assistance becomes available, we notify all graduate students and interested students may apply.
Prospective students should carefully read the information on University of Washington Office of Student Financial Aid website: http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/index.html
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
What is life in Seattle like?
The Pacific Northwest is often described as the best of all worlds. Our mild climate, owing to our location on the beautiful Puget Sound, along with our proximity to the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, means that you can be sea kayaking on Saturday and cross-country skiing on Sunday. Year-round hiking and world famous ski resorts are within easy reach of Seattle. Miles of bike paths, incredible on-campus sports and workout facilities, and the vibrant, energetic Seattle culture make the University of Washington a perfect place to study and live. The greater metropolitan area offers the full range of cultural and recreational opportunities you would expect, from the world class Seattle Symphony to professional sports (Seattle is the home of the Seahawks, the Mariners, and the Storm) and a friendly culture of community sports leagues. Clean air, a pervasive international flavor, and the natural warmth of the Pacific Northwesterner are all big draws. |
