What are the "essential functions" of a student of Speech-Language Pathologist?

To work in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, there are expectations the clinician possesses basic abilities and even traits such as compassion, empathy, resourcefulness, independence, and patience. In 2006, the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders unanimously moved to establish that "clinical intervention requires essential functions in the areas of sensory, motor, cognitive, and interpersonal abilities... it is important that students contemplating study for entry into the profession understand that they be able to demonstrate these essential functions."

The COMSC Program seeks to train and prepare future clinicians by ensuring they have acquired solid foundations of knowledge and skill, and, maintain the essential functions. Students enrolled in the COMSC program must demonstrate throughout the curriculum the development of academic and clinical competencies, so that upon graduation, they may seek employment. COMSC not only seeks students meeting high academic standards, but also those with appropriate interpersonal skills and traits consistent with others in the health care industry.