Clinical Hours Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology

KASA CHECKLIST FOR CLINICAL EDUCATORS

Clinical Hours Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Currently ASHA requires 375 hours of practica (preceded by 25 hours of observation) and has numerous skill outcomes that must be achieved through your externships experiences. At least 325 clock hours of practicum must be completed at the Graduate level, and you must have exposure to patient populations across the life span with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and presenting with various types and severities of communication disorders. Details are summarized on the additional pages entitled “Standards and Implementation for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology,” copied for you from the ASHA Certification and Membership Handbook. The skill outcomes that are expected to result from your clinical practica are listed below.

Below, you will find a summary of the Section 4G competencies from the KASA document. The entire KASA document is also included in this manual for your reference. All supervisors will check off competencies that the student has participated in or observed during the externship. This checklist will be sent to you during the last month of the externship.

Summary of Section 4G Competencies

1) Evaluation . conduct screening and prevention procedures . collect case history information and integrate information from clients, families, teachers, and other relevant parties . select and administer appropriate evaluation procedures . adapt evaluation procedures to meet client needs . interpret, integrate, and synthesize information to develop diagnoses and make recommendations for intervention . complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support evaluation . refer clients for appropriate services

2) Intervention . develop setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients’ needs . collaborate with clients and relevant others in planning process . implement intervention plans . select or develop and use appropriate materials and instrumentation . measure and evaluate clients’ performance and progress . modify intervention plans, strategies, and materials to meet the needs of clients . complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support intervention . identify and refer clients for services as appropriate 3) Interaction and Personal Qualities . communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the client and relevant others . collaborate with other professionals in case management . provide counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to clients and relevant others . adhere to the ASHS Code of Ethics and behave professionally.

ASHA program accreditation standards require that we approve all practica, including supervisors and place. We maintain records on supervisors and their clinical settings. Our oversight of the practica includes resolution of all potential conflicts of interest in situations where an employer or potential employer might also wish to provide you with practicum supervision.