As an undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student, you have the opportunity to engage in a range of clinical experiences that include guided observation, directed clinical assistantships, and both clinical practicums and volunteer opportunities at summer camps.
Guided Clinical Observations
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) requires that students complete a minimum of 25 hours of supervised clinical observation (observation log). It is strongly recommended that these hours are completed before starting a graduate program in speech-language pathology or audiology. These may be on- or off-campus observations, but must be with an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist. It is up to each student to keep track of their own observations hours. The hours accrued are for the actual time observing clients. These hours must be completed while students are enrolled at a university. Many students complete the majority of these hours while enrolled in the Guided Observation course (SPHR 394).
Students who are currently enrolled in the undergrad or postbaccalaureate program may observe in the on-campus PSU Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. If you are interested in observing our on-campus clinics at the observation center in UCB 425S, please contact the SPHR Office Clinic Coordinator, Toni Loveland at toni3@pdx.edu to receive the necessary forms and guidelines documents.
Students may also observe off-campus. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule off-campus observations and follow the guidelines for off campus observations. Students should take the observation form with them and obtain the signature and ASHA number of the clinician they observed. The hours accrued are for the actual time observing clients.
Abiding by the procedures regarding protected health information is expected of all students in our program. Please review information regarding protected health information at the following sites:
Guided Observation Class – SPHR 394
This online course is designed to acquaint students with the clinical process in speech, language, and audiology cases. Students will observe phases of clinical operation, including: diagnostics, management, parent or family conferencing, and materials preparation.
Audiology Observation Opportunities
Students interested in observing audiology services can find more information on the AuD Observations website and by contacting Dr. Curtis Hartling, CCC-AuD at hartling@pdx.edu.
Clinical Opportunities
Directed Clinical Assistantship - SPHR 395
This course is designed to acquaint undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students with the direct management of speech and language assessment and treatment in cooperation with graduate student clinicians. Students enrolled in this course will observe and participate in all phases of clinical operation, including: diagnostics, management, parent or family conferencing, report writing, material preparation, etc.
This course is by instructor approval only and requires an application to enroll. Application announcements are sent via the undergraduate and postbaccalaureate Google Group. Please contact Claudia Meyer (meyerc@pdx.edu) for more information.
Social Communication Clinic at Camp Yakety Yak
Students can either volunteer or work as clinical staff with children with Autism on social communication skills and facilitating the skills needed for positive, successful interactions in a fun, recreational camp environment. For more information, contact meyerc@pdx.edu or visit Camp Yakety Yak website.
Volunteer at Camp Odakoda
Students volunteer to work at a 4 night sleep away experience for Autistic boys and girls ages 10-18 years old. The program is centered around promoting social skill development in a fun and exciting way. Each counselor works with 2 campers. Visit Camp Odakoa's website for more information.
Kiwanis Camp Capstone
The Kiwanis Camp Capstone (or elective) is a two week supervised and supportive summer experience that serves campers with a variety of abilities/disabilities. In a small team of professionals and fellow students, help those with disabilities have fun fishing, hiking, rock-climbing, canoeing, horseback riding and camping. Learn more about Kiwanis Camp by visit the Kiwanis Camp website.