Shape the Next Generation of Speech-Language Pathologists as a Clinical Educator
Ithaca College’s more than 100 years of experience in speech-language pathology (SLP) education continues with our online MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. Our online SLP students learn from expert faculty who are active thought leaders in their field, dedicated to educating, equipping, and mentoring caring speech-language pathologists.
The online M.S. SLP program is designed with the same rigor as a campus program and includes fully online coursework, immersive virtual simulations, in-person clinical experiences guided by clinical educators, connections with a diverse community of peers nationwide and exceptional program outcomes.
If you are passionate about training, caring for, and empowering future speech-language pathology professionals to reach their full potential, serving as a clinical educator at Ithaca College can be the perfect opportunity to give back to the profession.
What is a Clinical Educator?
A Clinical Educator for a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program is a licensed and experienced speech-language pathologist who supervises, mentors and evaluates students during their clinical practicum and externship experiences. They provide educational guidance, support, and evaluation, helping students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical settings.
One of the key roles of a clinical educator is to build confidence in beginning graduate students, who can be apprehensive at the start of their clinical training as this may be their initial exposure to full-time fieldwork. Clinical educators play a crucial role in integrating a student’s academic and theoretical understanding of therapy into real-world clinical practice.
Requirements to Become a Clinical Educator
Clinical Educators for Ithaca College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program will provide supervision for up to 150 clinical practicum hours or up to 200 Professional Externship hours.
To become a Clinical Educator for Ithaca College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program, you must have:
- ASHA Certification (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
- Completed a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education training in clinical supervision*
- Completed a minimum of 3 years’ post-graduate experience
*Ithaca College has access to free CEUs in this area
Benefits of Becoming a Clinical Educator
As a clinical educator, you can help shape the next generation of speech-language pathologists, making a significant contribution to the field.
- Foster professional growth through one-on-one student mentorship.
- Stay current with the latest research, techniques, and advancements in the field by working closely with students.
- Enhance leadership skills to support your career advancement.
- Gain professional recognition for contributions to education and training within institutions and the broader professional community.
Contact Us
Your support of our students is greatly appreciated! If you or someone you know may be interested in being a clinical educator, please contact StudentAdvising@Slponline.ithaca.edu.
A Clinical Educator in a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program is a licensed and experienced speech-language pathologist who supervises, mentors, and evaluates students during their clinical practicum and externship experiences. They guide students in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical settings, ensuring they develop the necessary skills and competencies.
To become a Clinical Educator for Ithaca College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program, you must have:
- ASHA Certification (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
- Completed a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education training in clinical supervision*
- Completed a minimum of 3 years’ post-graduate experience
*Ithaca College has access to free CEUs in this area
Clinical Educators evaluate students through a combination of methods, including direct observation, assessing students' clinical skills and interactions during sessions. They provide regular, constructive feedback on performance, areas of improvement, and strengths. Clinical Educators also encourage students to reflect on their own performance and set goals for improvement.
Clinical Educators for Ithaca College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program will provide supervision for up to 150 clinical practicum hours or up to 200 Professional Externship hours. Each clinical practicum is 50 hours and each externship is 100 hours of direct care.
As a Clinical Educator for Ithaca College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program, you will be provided resources prior to getting started, and you will be supported throughout your experience by our Fieldwork Coordinator.
You can find e-learning courses specifically designed for this purpose on the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) website.
About the Program
Ithaca College’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) is a competitively priced, accredited program with fully online coursework delivery and prerequisites complemented by immersive virtual simulations and in-person clinical experiences. The online MSSLP program offers two pathways: a traditional pathway for students with a background in communication disorders/speech-language-hearing, and a pathway that incorporates required leveling courses for students without that background.
Students can complete the degree in as few as 3 years – benefiting from a program designed to support work/life balance, expert faculty, connection to a diverse nationwide network, dedicated individual support, and local clinical placements.
Curriculum Example
This graduate practicum experience involves multiple clinical experiences in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Graduate clinicians provide diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic intervention for individuals with speech-language disorders. Emphasis is placed in students displaying appropriate professional skills while developing and implementing an intervention plan, creating a dynamic therapeutic environment, collaborating with relevant others, and completing thorough documentation. Site and client assignments are determined by clock-hour needs, scope of practice, and regulatory requirements. Practica may take place on or off campus. Supervision is provided in accordance with ASHA requirements. Mandatory seminars on selected topics are held throughout the semester. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: SLPG 66100. (S,Y)
Attributes: TE
2 Credits
Engage in multiple supervised clinical practice experiences. Provide diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic intervention for individuals with a variety of speech-language disorders across the lifespan. Demonstrate professional skills. Develop and implement an intervention plan, create a dynamic therapeutic environment, collaborate with relevant others, and complete thorough documentation. Site and client assignments are determined by clock-hour needs, scope of practice, and regulatory requirements. Practica will take place take place in a variety of settings both on or off campus. Supervision is provided in accordance with ASHA requirements. Mandatory seminars on selected topics are held throughout the semester. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
Prerequisite: SLPG 66200. (F,S,U,Y)
Attributes: TE
1 Credit
This graduate practicum experience involves multiple clinical experiences in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Graduate clinicians provide diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic intervention for individuals with speech-language disorders. Emphasis is placed on students displaying appropriate professional skills while developing and implementing an intervention plan, creating a dynamic therapeutic environment, collaborating with relevant others, and completing thorough documentation. Site and client assignments are determined by clock-hour needs, scope of practice, and regulatory requirements. Practica may take place on or off campus. Supervision is provided in accordance with ASHA requirements. Mandatory seminars on selected topics are held throughout the semester. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: SLPG 66300. Co-requisite: SLPG 66401. (F,Y)
Attributes: TE
2 Credits
This is a full-time professional externship experience in speech-language pathology. Externship settings and locations are determined in accordance with regulatory requirements, scope of practice needs, and professional interests. Specific requirements, duties, and responsibilities vary with the placement site.
Prerequisite: SLPG 66400 and faculty approval.
Attributes: TE
4 Credits
This is a full-time professional externship experience in speech-language pathology. Externship settings and locations are determined in accordance with regulatory requirements, scope of practice needs, and professional interests. Specific requirements, duties, and responsibilities vary with the placement site.
Prerequisite: SLPG 66400 and faculty approval.
4 Credits