What is clinical practicum?

The clinical practicum experience can be broken down into two parts: direct clinical observation and direct clinical experience.

What is Direct Clinical Observation?

Per ASHA requirements, all students must complete 25 hours of direct observation in speech-language pathology. The COMSC Program does expect the student to complete a variety of observation of clinical work in adults and pediatrics, evaluation and treatment in language, articulation, fluency, voice, dysphagia, cognition, pragmatic skills, hearing and augmentative/alternative communication. Observation hours may be obtained from an undergraduate communication sciences program, although once matriculated, all students are given the opportunity to broaden the variety of hours. The 25 hours of observation are not an admission requirement.

What is Direct Clinical Experience?

Clinical experience is one of the key components of the COMSC program. Students apply theory learned in the classroom, to practice in several clinical settings and graduate with at least 375 hours of "hand on" experience.
Settings for these experiences are spread throughout the NY Metropolitan area, offering students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in areas involving many populations across the lifespan, at medical and/or educational facilities.

When do I start practicum?

Students complete 25 hours of observation during their first semester. Those students who start the COMSC Program having already completed 25 hours of observation in speech-language pathology may be assigned a client during the fall of their first year.