Observations in Clinic

How can I arrange to observe speech-language pathology clients and services at the Hunter clinic?

Hunter's clinic is the hub of clinical activities at the Brookdale campus, with clients being served, students and supervisors working together to see clients, and students preparing for clinical activities. Because of privacy and liability policies, only students matriculated in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and of them, only students enrolled in COMSC 720 and holding liability insurance, may do observations here.

Will my 25 hours of observation I completed as an undergraduate be accepted at Hunter?

Many students come to Hunter having completed 25 hours of observation in speech-language pathology, however they are often concentrated in just one or two areas of practice, e.g., pediatric articulation in a school, or autism treatment at specialized center, or cochlear implants, etc. The Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology's philosophy is to ensure students have a broad exposure across the lifespan, from culturally and linguistically diverse populations with various communication disorders and disabilities. Matriculated students will be required to submit proof of the 25 hours of previous observation, but students should also be aware that the Department may require further observation in order to comply with its philosophical mission of a broadened experience.

What should the breakdown of my observations include?

Students are encouraged to observe speech-language pathologists at work in a variety of settings: schools, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, early intervention sites, home care, private practices, etc. Further, students should ensure they observe adults and children receiving evaluations and treatments. The observed communication disorders should include these four areas: language, articulation, fluency, and swallowing. Additionally, at least two of the following areas as well: voice, hearing, cognition, social skills, augmentative communication. Students matriculated in the Department curriculum presenting only a letter stating they completed 25 hours of observation will be required to document, in narrative form, the types of clients, communication disorders they observed and amount of designated time for each observation.