Ready or Not, Here Comes Your Clinical Fellowship

You’ve spent the last six years preparing for your clinical fellowship (CF), but the final phase to becoming a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist can still rack your nerves a little. Most approach the post-graduate experience with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. With plenty of preparation and a few tips, these 36 weeks of your life can also be incredibly exciting. How can you maximize this final phase on your journey to becoming a full-fledged SLP? Choose your adventure   Most SLPs are planners, so you likely entered grad school with a clear vision of the direction you wanted to take your career. But plans change. Perhaps you found your passion in a different practice setting or patient population. Your CF allows you time to reflect on your clinical interests and preferred work environments. In addition, you can thoughtfully consider what kind of work inspires you. Do you want to treat language disorders in schools, provide rehabilitation in healthcare facilities, offering transgender voice modification in a private clinic or one of many other choices? You don’t have to make a career-long commitment to a specific setting with your fellowship, but openings are competitive. SLPs demonstrating passion for particular positions often have an edge when applying and interviewing. Also keep in mind that employers know fellows make great permanent staff members—they understand the culture, have developed client relationships and know the routine. Vet y...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech Therapy Authors: Tags: Speech-Language Pathology clinical fellowship Health Care Schools Source Type: blogs