School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the SLP Program at NYMC Require an Undergraduate Degree in SLP?
   No. The curriculum accommodates students who do not have an undergraduate degree in SLP. There are two sets of prerequisite requirements that must be completed prior to beginning the program.
   ASHA Requirements

   Biological Sciences – at least 1 course – Acceptable courses in biological sciences should emphasize a content area related to human or animal sciences (e.g., biology, human anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, human genetics, veterinary science)
   Physical Sciences – at least 1 course – Acceptable courses in physics or chemistry. Course in biological and physical sciences specifically related to communication sciences and disorders (CSD) may not be applied
   Social Sciences – at least 2 courses – Acceptable courses in social/behavioral sciences should include psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health.
   Statistics Course – at least 1 course – Research methodology courses in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

   Department of Speech-Language Pathology Requirements
   • A course in phonetics with phonetic transcription component.
   • A course in anatomy and physiology of speech or speech/hearing.
   • A course in child development/language development.
   Prerequisite courses do not need to be completed in order to apply to the program; however, all prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to starting the program.

2. What makes the SLP Program at NYMC Medically Oriented?
   Located in an academic health center environment, the program draws on unique academic and clinical resources to teach the skills required of speech-language pathologists as they fill an expanding role in such clinical settings as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities. Our medically oriented education and training are enriched by the integration of resources from NYMC's three schools: the School of Health Sciences and Practice, the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, and the School of Medicine. Faculty and students use state-of-the-art clinical and technological resources to advance the field of communication science through research and clinical care. Gross anatomy is taught during the first year by the same faculty who teach our medical students. Coursework emphasizes diagnosis and treatment of medically involved patients from pediatrics through geriatrics. Clinical rotations include tertiary care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, public and specialized school settings. A unique feature of our clinical training is that one external clinical rotation involves specialized modules to develop medical SLP competencies. This rotation consists of a combination of inpatient and outpatient medically based experiences designed to provide students with a wide variety of foundational skills in medically based speech-language pathology.
3. What Clinical Experiences Can I Expect as Part of My Training?
   The clinical practicum sequence occurs across all semesters of the program. The first two semesters of clinical work occur in the department’s on-site clinic, Boston Children’s Health Physicians Division of Speech-Language Pathology. The program offers three external rotation opportunities that occur during semesters three, four, and five. Students are provided with experiences that cover the lifespan across a variety of clinical settings to include at least one healthcare setting (e.g., acute care hospital, acute, subacute, or long-term rehabilitation facility, pediatric inpatient facility, outpatient medical setting, etc.). Other clinical environments include public and private schools, preschools, Early Intervention, private practices, and pediatric and adult outpatient centers. One external clinical rotation (Modules for Medical Competencies) is designed for students to achieve a variety of medically based SLP competencies through a series of modular rotations in healthcare settings. These include: inpatient and outpatient instrumental swallow studies (adult and pediatric); inpatient and outpatient evaluations (adult and pediatric); experience in Critical Care unit, to include trach/vent (adult); AAC in medical settings; audiology; inpatient behavioral health; inpatient and outpatient language groups (adult and pediatric); as well as outpatient therapy at the on-campus clinic.
4. What Else Does the Program Offer That Will Enhance My Education?
   The program offers an Overseas Elective. This 1 credit elective course focuses on the ongoing development of clinical skills in measurement and evaluation procedures for adults with speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders in a variety of locations outside the continental United States. This includes approved international and territorial sites. Students engage in collaborative projects with other students at the site, as well as explore the delivery of speech-language pathology, and other healthcare services to adult and pediatric populations in a variety of settings.
   The program offers Research Experience. This 1 credit elective course provides interested students with an option to complete a research project in an area identified by a faculty mentor. Individuals or work groups may participate in components of clinical research, interprofessional education opportunities, or community-based initiatives.
   The program offers Interprofessional Education (IPE) Activities. The program has a number of ongoing IPE activities with our colleagues in the Department of Physical Therapy. You will find information about these activities under Student Experiences.
   Students complete the LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Therapy) certification training as part of the Voice Disorders course.
   Students complete a one-day training on FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
   
   
5. Are There Specializations Offered in the Program?
   The Specialization Track in Pediatric Dysphagia and Early Intervention will allow SLP students to enroll in a comprehensive curriculum focused on the evaluation and treatment of feeding/swallowing and complex communication disorders within the framework of best practices in early intervention for medically complex young children. Upon graduation in two years, students who complete this track will receive an M.S. in SLP with a concentration in the two areas. This unique opportunity, already building on a medically oriented SLP program, will give students an advanced and marketable degree tailored to their field. 
6. When Does the Program begin?
   The program begins in middle of August with a Clinical Readiness Series. This is a series of courses and experiential activities to prepare students to begin clinical activities in September. The courses Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Processes and Diagnostic Lab are taught 4-5 days/week accompanied by other clinical readiness activities to include phonetic transcription practice.
7. Is it Possible to Complete the Degree on a Part-Time Basis?
   No. It is a full-time program designed to be completed in five to six consecutive semesters starting with the fall term.
8. How Long Does the Program Take?
   Students typically complete the program in 5 consecutive semesters. A sixth semester is available for students who require additional time to complete clinical requirements.
9. What Credentials Will I Be Eligible for with a Degree from the SLP Program?
   ASHA Certification Successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements of the program prepares graduates for entry-level practice. Upon completion of the clinical fellowship (after graduation) graduates are eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. New York State Licensure Students who complete the program will also have completed the academic and clinical requirements for licensure in Speech-Language Pathology from the New York State Office of the Professions Division of Professional Licensing Service. Students who plan to seek licensure from another state should consult the licensing agency in that state for further information. Teacher Certification The academic and clinical requirements of the speech-language pathology program meet the requirements for the Initial Certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) in New York.