Graduate Clinical Experiences

Each student completes a minimum of 30 credits of clinical practica and upon graduation meets all of ASHA's clinical contact hour requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Clinical experiences are obtained in the Department's three on-campus clinical programs; The Center for Communication Disorders, The Access Network and Southern Connecticut Audiology Services as well as off-campus sites such as public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private practice settings under the supervision of department and on-site ASHA-certified clinicians.

Students begin their clinical training in the Department's on-campus clinical service programs and initially receive high levels of direct supervision. As skills develop, less intense direct supervision is provided.  In all practicum experiences, students receive hands-on work with clients in a variety of evaluative and treatment modes.

All clinical hours are recorded and tracked by the program.  Students are kept up to date regarding accumulation of clinical hours through computer-generated reports at the end of each semester.

Students are responsible for meeting the health and criminal record clearances established by each clinical practicum site. Practicum sites may require proof of immunization for communicable diseases such as hepatitis, rubella, and poliomyelitis, may require proof of a recent physical exam, and may require participants, at their own expense, to maintain health insurance.  Professional liability insurance is provided by the University to student interns participating in external practica. Criminal background checks are completed at the student's expense through a source arranged by the university. Individual practicum sites reserve the right to refuse to accommodate any student based on the site's criteria for an acceptable background check.

Clinical experiences may be provided through:

  • SCSU Center for Communication Disorders
  • Public and private schools in Connecticut
  • Acute care hospitals
  • Rehabilitation hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Outpatient rehabilitation facilities
  • Veteran's Administration medical centers
  • Adult group home settings
  • Connecticut Birth to Three service providers