Speech-Language Pathology MEd
Program Description
The Masters of Education (MEd) in Speech Pathology trains students to become certified and licensed Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) who can provide clinical services in hospitals, clinics, and schools. All students will receive supervised practicum experiences with client/patient populations across the lifespan and from culturally/linguistically diverse backgrounds, and who have various types and severities of communication and/or related disorders, differences, and disabilities.
The full-time track is a 5-term plan, with 2 terms of full-time coursework in a day program, a summer with some coursework and transition into off-campus externship, with final 2 terms in full-time externships.
The part-time track is a 9-term plan, based on the rationale to provide new master’s level training to individuals who work in Nevada School districts with a Nevada endorsement for Speech and Language Impairments. A part time track would enable the student to continue working during the school year, but take courses in the evening. Some clinical training will be completed in late afternoon/evening and in school settings, and full-time externship opportunities will occur in the summers.
The full-time cohorts begin every fall while the part-time cohorts begin every odd year (fall). The full-time and part-time programs are aligned in curriculum flow, credit hours, and practicum training. Part-time students take 2 of the same courses offered to full-time students, but in a hybrid format. The hybrid format will be evaluated after year one.
Mission Statement
To equip and empower effective speech-language pathologists to serve as practitioners and researchers to meet the needs of individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. (www.asha.org/policy/sp2016-00343)
Program Goals
- To provide student-centered learning experiences culminating in a MEd in Speech-Language Pathology.
- To prepare students for successful completion (100%) of the Praxis examination (administered by ETS), as is required for application to for Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- To prepare students for licensure required by the state of Nevada to work at any school or facility in Nevada, with over 90% employment rate.
In addition, content-specific goals include the development of the following in all MEd students:
- Knowledge of human communication disorders (speech, language, hearing and swallowing) across the lifespan
- An understanding of different linguistic and cultural communication norms, disorders, and the ability to assimilate academic material into evidence-based practice
- The ability to think critically and evaluate research relevant to the field of speech-language pathology
- Knowledge of current standards of practice in the speech-language pathology profession including policies and standards of ASHA and state licensing procedures
- Behavior in accordance with ethical standards of the profession in academic research and clinical environments
- The ability to work with other professionals to benefit the care of individuals with communication disorders
- Knowledge of regulations and record keeping in a variety of clinical settings
Nevada State College will follow the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) 2020 certification standards https://www.asha.org/Certification/2020-SLP-Certification-Standards/#2
Requirements to Apply for the Program
Applicants must:
- be a lifelong learner, able to think critically, attend to ethical issues, be prepared for high academic and clinical integrity during your education, and be concerned with client welfare.
- have completed a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Students with bachelor’s degrees from other fields should contact the program director regarding premasters prerequisite coursework.
- have completed or plan to complete the GRE and request that your scores be sent to Nevada State College prior to application deadline.
- be able to pass a background check to work in clinical settings.
Additional course requirements: If the student does not have evidence of the following, the course(s) may need to be added to the graduate program or taken prior to the start of the masters. - biological science, chemistry or physics, statistics, psychology or sociology, a course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement (for Nevada Department of Education Endorsement for Speech Language Impairment), a course of study on special education (for Nevada Department of Education Endorsement for Speech Language Impairment), diagnostics in speech-language pathology or related field. If not completed, contact program director.
Clinic Hours Requirement
ASHA requires at least 400 hours of clinical experience to satisfy professional certification standards. Typically, each graduate student clinician will accrue at least 375 hours of clinical experience throughout their graduate program. Student must meet the minimum hours, but also meet the ASHA Standards IV-A through IV-G and Standards V-A through V-C: “sufficient in depth and breadth to achieve the specified knowledge and skills outcomes.”
Prior Clinical Practicum Hours
Students may provide evidence of prior clinical practicum hours obtained under a licensed and ASHA certified clinician while in a speech pathology program. The student may be given credit for 25 hours of observation, and up to 50 hours of direct diagnostic or treatment hours, under the discretion of the Program Director and Clinic Director. Prior clinical hours must show evidence of a minimum of 25% supervision by a licensed and ASHA certified clinician, and indicate distinction of diagnostics vs. treatment, type of disorder, and age of client.
Practicum Sequences
NOTE: A criminal background check and a drug screen may be required for placement at practicum sites. Placement at any practicum site is expressly the decision of the site, and is based on the recommendation from the Clinical Director.
Completion of program
- Coursework completed at satisfactory level, overall GPA minimum 3.0, and any C grades resulted in successful remediation.
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All practicum assignments completed, with satisfactory grades and any clinical remediation plan resolved with competencies demonstrated.
- All supervisor paperwork received and verified completed by Clinic director.
- Academic and practicum materials include completion of ASHA KASA as outlined in CALIPSO that meets https://www.asha.org/Certification/2020-SLP-Certification-Standards/
- Verbal exit presentation of case or research topic at final symposium. A written abstract is required. The presentation must pass satisfactory criteria determined by exit committee.
- Taking of Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology with scores sent to NSC. The exam is recommended during the last term of practicum Refer to https://www.asha.org/Certification/Certification-Standards-for-SLP--Summative-Assessment/
Accreditation
The MEd in Speech-Language Pathology at NSC is an Applicant for Candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. See website https://nsc.edu/academics/school-of-education/speech-language-pathology/ for updates on candidacy status.
Full Time Track Curriculum
Required Classes (27 credits)
Practicum (16 credits)
| SPA 790A | Practicum Externship I-Beginning | 4.00 |
| SPA 790B | Practicum Externship II-Intermediate | 4.00 |
| SPA 790C | Practicum Externship III-Advanced | 8.00 |
Special Topics in Speech Language Pathology (4-8 credits)
| SPA 690A | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology -Communication with alaryngeal speech, Oral Cancer, Trach & Vent | 1.00 |
| SPA 690B | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology- Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies | 1.00 |
| SPA 690C | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology- Aural Rehab and Issues in Hearing | 1.00 |
| SPA 690D | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology- Multicultural Issues | 1.00 |
Optional Courses:
| SPA 690E | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology - To be specified | 1.00 |
| SPA 690 | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology | 3.00 |
Seminar Classes (7 credits)
| SPA 759A | Seminar I in Clinical Procedures | 2.00 |
| SPA 759B | Seminar II in Clinical Procedures | 2.00 |
| SPA 759C | Seminar III in Clinical Procedures | 3.00 |
Summary of credit requirements
| Required Classes |
27 |
| Special Topics |
4-8 |
| Seminar Classes |
7 |
| Advanced Practicum |
16 |
| Total credits |
54-58 |
Part Time Track Curriculum
Required Classes (27 credits)
Special Topics in Speech Language Pathology (4-8 credits)
| SPA 690A | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology -Communication with alaryngeal speech, Oral Cancer, Trach & Vent | 1.00 |
| SPA 690B | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology- Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies | 1.00 |
| SPA 690C | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology- Aural Rehab and Issues in Hearing | 1.00 |
| SPA 690D | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology- Multicultural Issues | 1.00 |
Optional Courses:
| SPA 690E | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology - To be specified | 1.00 |
| SPA 690 | Topics in Speech-Language Pathology | 3.00 |
Seminar Classes (7 credits)
| SPA 759A | Seminar I in Clinical Procedures | 2.00 |
| SPA 759B | Seminar II in Clinical Procedures | 2.00 |
| SPA 759C | Seminar III in Clinical Procedures | 3.00 |
Practicum (8-12 credits)
| SPA 790A | Practicum Externship I-Beginning | 4.00 |
| SPA 790B | Practicum Externship II-Intermediate | 4.00 |
Optional Course (if needed):
| SPA 790D | Practicum Externship IV-Advanced | 4.00 |
Additional Practicum (2-4 credits)
| SPA 760A | Advanced Practicum I in Schools | 1.00 |
| SPA 760B | Advanced Practicum II in Schools | 1.00 |
Optional Courses:
| SPA 760C | Advanced Practicum III in Schools | 1.00 |
| SPA 760D | Advanced Practicum IV in Schools | 1.00 |
Summary of credit requirements
| Required Classes |
27 |
| Special Topics |
4-8 |
| Seminar Classes |
7 |
| Advanced Practicum |
8-12 |
| Advanced Practicum in Schools |
2-4 |
| Total Credits |
48-58 |