Every speech-language pathologist (SLP) can point to someone who helped them become the clinician they are today.
Maybe it was a supervisor who offered guidance during an evaluation. Or a mentor who modeled how to connect with a family during a clinical consultation that required thoughtful, client-centered communication. Others may remember a clinical educator who helped transform classroom knowledge into real-world confidence.
All supervisors, mentors and clinical educators matter. Their guidance and mentorship are central to clinical education, helping students translate classroom learning into clinical skills while building confidence, professional judgment and compassionate practice.
As the demand for speech-language pathology (SLP) services continues to grow, clinical partners play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of clinicians. Through the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ (USAHS) hybrid Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program, students build their knowledge through coursework and required supervised clinical placements with partner organizations, preparing them to serve individuals across the lifespan. Your expertise and mentorship during these placements help students become clinical fellow-ready clinicians. Our SLP students complete four on-campus residencies, giving them the hands-on experience and confidence to begin a working partnership with clinical educators to work with clients from the first day of their externships.
Designed to expand access to education, our program allows students across all communities to pursue a speech-language pathology degree without relocating for day-to-day classwork. By preparing students where they live and work, we’re helping strengthen the future SLP workforce nationwide.
Welcoming students into your organization is an opportunity to partner in shaping the future of the profession while making a lasting impact on the shared community you and the students serve.
USAHS Clinical Partner Spotlight
A Community-Based Learning Approach
San Marcos, CA
Students collaborate with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a vibrant community-based adult program located just minutes from campus. Program participants engage in a variety of enriching activities, including gardening, theater, music, ceramics, mosaics, cooking and vocational development. Through these meaningful experiences, students gain valuable opportunities to develop and apply communication skills while building authentic relationships and supporting participant-centered goals and interests.
The Lasting Influence of Mentorship
Guiding aspiring SLPs is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to the future of speech-language pathology.
Graduate students enter clinical experiences, known as externships at USAHS, eager to study and ready to apply what they have learned in the classroom. Under the guidance of certified and licensed clinicians, they begin developing clinical judgment, communication skills and professional confidence.
As the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states, “Externships aim to give participants practical experiences in their fields of study. The goal of an externship is to provide additional insight into a specific field.”
For many clinical educators, supervising a student is an opportunity to reflect on their professional journey, share knowledge, offer feedback and guide a future clinician.
The lessons students gain from strong mentors often stay with them throughout their careers, influencing how they practice and keep the profession moving forward.
Alumni Spotlight
Alexis A. (MS-SLP ’23) regularly participates in student panels and discussions to help future SLPs prepare for practice. Today she serves pediatric and adult clients through Esther Speaks Speech Therapy, specializing in language, fluency, pragmatics and articulation disorders.
“I love being a resource for SLP students and offering perspective about the next chapter of their lives. I am grateful for the support I received early in my career and the encouragement to become a leader. Sharing those skills with students and prospective students, whether through advice or shadowing opportunities, is important to me.” –Alexis A., CCC-SLP
What Clinical Partnerships Look Like
As SLPs serve individuals across the lifespan and in a wide range of environments, we partner with organizations that facilitate diverse learning opportunities and exposure to a variety of populations and clinical needs. This approach helps prepare students for professional practice.
Our clinical partners may include:
- Public and private schools
- Private practices
- Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home health agencies
- Memory care communities
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Early intervention programs
- Specialty clinics and community-based organizations
Each externship offers students a unique perspective while advancing students’ clinical development.
USAHS Clinical Partner Spotlight
Serving Adults with Neurological Disorders
George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc.
Chula Vista, CA
Students apply their knowledge while working with adults living with aphasia, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They contribute to communication goals and activities of daily living (ADLs) while learning alongside practicing clinicians.
A Supported Partnership from Start to Finish
At USAHS, we work closely with clinical partners to create immersive clinical experiences that benefit students, organizations and clients.
Through our dedicated Clinical Education Placement Team (CEPT), we coordinate placements, assist supervisors and help ensure students gain the experiences required for professional certification and career readiness.
Our team serves as a central point of contact throughout the partnership, helping manage the details behind the scenes so clinical educators can focus on mentorship and student development. This includes placement planning and scheduling, as well as ongoing communication and guidance. We work collaboratively to create a positive, engaging environment for students and partner organizations.
As a thank you to clinical supervisors, the University’s Educational Support Plan (ESP) provides eligible clinicians who have supervised a student in any discipline with up to $300 in reimbursement for approved professional expenses, such as therapy materials or national certification dues.
We recognize that supervising a graduate student is a commitment, and we are dedicated to making the process as seamless and rewarding as possible.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce, Today
Hosting a student is not only beneficial for the learner. It can also create value for your team, organization and community.
MS-SLP students bring current academic knowledge, enthusiasm and curiosity. They often spark conversations about evidence-based practice, emerging research and innovative approaches to care.
Clinical placements also help organizations build relationships with future professionals. By placing students in the communities where they live, clinical education strengthens local workforce development and creates opportunities for organizations to mentor and recruit future colleagues. Many graduates choose to practice in the communities where they completed their clinical placements, helping expand access to speech-language pathology services in those areas.
This can be especially meaningful in areas experiencing shortages of speech-language pathologists. By investing in students’ clinical education locally, clinical partners contribute to a stronger future workforce and improved care for the individuals and families who need it most.
Partnering to Advance the Profession
Clinical education is a shared investment in the future of speech-language pathology.
When organizations open their doors to students, they do more than participate in clinical education. They help shape future clinicians, strengthen local communities and advance a profession that continues to evolve and expand. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to education, mentorship and community impact.
Together, we can prepare the next generation of speech-language pathologists while helping ensure high-quality care remains accessible for years to come. Every student needs a mentor. Every profession needs leaders willing to share their expertise. As a clinical partner, you can serve as both—guiding future clinicians and strengthening the profession.
Interested in becoming a clinical partner? Email [email protected].
*The program works to secure externship placements within 75 miles of a student’s home address. If a placement is not available within this distance, students should plan for the possibility of travel or temporary relocation to meet clinical education requirements.
