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The Clinic Experience

In addition to the academic course work, Communication Disorders majors receive instruction in clinical management. Undergraduate programs that offer opportunities for clinical training are unique. Specialized clinic courses and experiences allow majors to combine academic knowledge with actual clinical services.

Student clinicians work in the University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (CDIS 4550-4580) under the direct supervision of speech-language pathologists and audiologists certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. When meeting special requirements, clinicians may also engage in off-campus clinical (CDIS 4600) or school services (CDIS 4650). Through clinical practicum, students earn clock hours to apply toward the total hours required by graduate programs to fulfill national certification standards. The School Speech-Language Teacher license requires completion of CDIS 4650. Clinical materials and equipment are periodically reviewed and updated so that students receive optimal training in diagnostic methods and therapeutic management.

Prior to enrollment in clinical practicum, students must meet academic and professional eligibility criteria established by the faculty and published in the clinic manual. Academic criteria include a minimum overall GPA of 2.6 in 60 credit hours or 3.0 in the last 30 credit hours, a minimal GPA of 2.8 in the major, a minimal grade of C in each prerequisite course, mastery of phonetic features, and competence in speaking and writing. Students who do not receive a grade of B- or higher in both English composition courses (ENGL 1010 and 1020), as well as students who show unacceptable writing skills in academic or clinical course work, will be required to take an additional English writing course.

The University Clinic, located in the Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building, serves children and adults who have hearing, articulation, language, voice, stuttering, and other communication problems. The University Clinic functions within the academic semester calendar.

The clinical services offered by the MTSU Clinic are based on the educational needs of the student clinicians completing the Communication Disorders major. When selecting cases, the Clinical Coordinator considers the client's disability, space availability, sufficient clinical staff, and scheduling policies.

Click here to view a video about the University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

Student Resources

Organizations
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
The Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (TAASLP)

Portfolios
Portfolio Project Descriptions
Portfolio Plan/Grade Sheet

Scholarships
Janice and David Arnold Scholarship Application

Other
Field Exam Review
Pepperfont
Rubric for Abstracts
SSLT Process