Academic
The program takes three years to complete. It is a cohort program and all students take courses at the same time and in the same sequence.
Courses have both synchronous and asynchronous components depending on the instructor and content requirements. All course meetings are hosted via WebEx on Canvas. Students are encouraged to engage in class times through asking questions, engaging in discussions, and participating in small group breakout sessions.
The program will take care of the registration process for you every semester. Upon registration you will receive a notice through email, and subsequently a bill, from the University Business Office (UBO).
The information will be posted on Canvas prior to the start of each semester.
Graduation requirements include completion of required coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of a minimum of 375 clinical hours obtained through simulation, practica, and externships. In addition, all students are required to take the Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and to complete a Cumulative Digital Portfolio. Satisfactory completion of the Cumulative Digital Portfolio includes the development of a professional resume and artifacts demonstrating knowledge and skills in prevention/screening, cultural/linguistic competency, pediatric and adult assessment, pediatric and adult intervention, interprofessional education and practice, and supervision. We invite you to carefully consider our student outcome data.
Clinical
There will be a mandatory on-campus orientation for new students immediately prior to the start of summer courses. All students must participate in their first clinical practicum on campus, supervised by a JMU clinical educator. This clinical placement occurs during the summer following the first year of academic coursework. The summer practicum is typically full-time for six consecutive weeks and successful completion is mandatory in order to progress in the program. All other clinical placements are arranged near your geographical location.
Students will participate in experiences which may include simulation, telepractice, and in-person clinical practica to develop clinical knowledge and skills. Students are required to complete a minimum of 375 clinical hours under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who is ASHA certified and holds licensure in the state in which they practice.
Current clinical placement requirements include:
- One 6-week clinical placement on the JMU campus in Harrisonburg, VA during summer semester
- 4 additional clinical placements under the supervision of a qualified SLP in a student’s home community. Clinical placements require a minimum of 3-4 days per week commitment for each semester-long placement.
Clinical placement opportunities are available across a variety of pediatric and adult settings including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, pediatric and adult private practice, early intervention agencies, and school districts.
General information regarding housing will be posted on Canvas, and additional information is typically shared on discussion boards.
Clinical placements are arranged and scheduled by the program. An Off-Campus Field Placement Coordinator works with each student to identify sites and secures the necessary contracts. It is each student’s responsibility to plan for the clinical requirements, including; (but not limited to) adjusting work schedules, making arrangements for childcare, modifying other schedules or commitments in order to successfully complete the required clinical practica.
Students must commit to a minimum of 3 full days per week for placements in educational settings and a minimum of 4 full days per week for medical settings.
MSC 4304
235 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
