Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Program
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How to Become a Licensed SLP
A Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Program (SLP CFY) is a vital step in the journey to becoming a licensed and practicing speech-language pathologist. It is an opportunity for recent graduates to gain practical, hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed SLP mentor.
During their clinical fellowship year, SLPs may work in a variety of settings, including schools, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. They work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, from infants with feeding disorders to seniors recovering from strokes. We will explore the ins and outs of SLP CFY programs, including what they entail, how to apply, and what to expect during this critical stage of professional development.
Apply for Sunbelt Staffing’s SLP CFY Program Today
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About the SLP Clinical Fellowship Program
At Sunbelt, we provide mentorship and guidance for speech-language pathologists in their CFY who are ready to get hands-on experience in the field. We strive to give each CFY the opportunity to work with a diverse range of students while ensuring they receive continued support from licensed SLP mentors.
As part of Sunbelt’s Clinical Fellowship Program, you will have access to our advisory team of experienced speech-language pathologists who are eager to help and provide ongoing training. It is their goal to ensure you come out of the fellowship program feeling confident and ready to get your CCCs.
What Is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Year (SLP CFY)?
The Clinical Fellowship Year is a 36-week period providing new graduates with the opportunity to apply and expand on the skills they learned in their graduate programs under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist CCC. SLP CFYs also gain the practical experience necessary to work independently as licensed SLPs.
The SLP CFY is an essential step in the process of becoming a licensed SLP, as it provides hands-on experience that cannot be replicated during classroom settings in a graduate program. During their CFY, SLPs work directly with clients, assess their needs, develop treatment plans, and implement interventions under the guidance of a licensed SLP mentor. This experience is critical for developing clinical skills, building confidence, and preparing SLPs to work effectively on their own in a variety of settings.
Benefits of Sunbelt’s SLP CFY Program
Our team at Sunbelt wants you to see work in a whole new light as you begin your career as a speech-language pathologist. To do so, our SLP CFY program provides you with all the resources and opportunities you need to shine:
Clinical Advisory Team
CFY Placement
License Reimbursement
Health Benefits
Matching 401(k)
Travel Opportunities
Supportive Team
SLP CF Requirements
Before beginning the SLP CFY program, it is important to understand the requirements and prerequisites necessary for participation. This program is designed for individuals who have completed a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and are looking to fulfill the clinical fellowship requirement for licensure. To participate, individuals must have completed their academic coursework and be eligible for state licensure
Once you have finished your schooling and entered a SLP CFY program, there are certain requirements you will have to meet to successfully complete the program:
- Work with a mentor for 36 weeks (or 1,260 hours). During this time, the mentor will provide supervision and guidance while the SLP CFY performs evaluations and other SLP duties.
- Spend at least 80% of your CFY in direct patient care. This could include IEPs, assessments, evaluations, treatments, and other duties that fit within the practice of speech-language pathology. Apply To The Program
Responsibilities of a SLP Clinical Fellow
Supervised Clinical Practice
As a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow, it is your responsibility to fulfill the requirements of the program and work towards becoming a licensed SLP. This entails completing a minimum of 1,260 hours of supervised clinical practice over a period of 36 weeks. During this time, participants are responsible for assessing clients, developing and implementing treatment plans, monitoring progress, and communicating with families and other professionals involved in the client's care.
Required Actions
To complete the CFY program, participants must meet the Required Actions for a Valid CF Experience as outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). These actions include having a qualified and licensed SLP supervisor who provides ongoing supervision and feedback, maintaining accurate records of clinical hours and activities, submitting regular progress reports, participating in periodic evaluations, and completing the required number of hours within the designated timeframe.
How to Calculate Hours for Your SLP CF
To calculate the number of hours worked during your SLP CFY, it is important to accurately document each of your clinical activities, including direct and indirect client contact, treatment planning, documentation, and supervision time. Not all activities count towards the required hours, so participants should consult with their supervisors and review the ASHA guidelines carefully to ensure they are meeting the requirements.
By keeping accurate records and monitoring their progress, participants can ensure they are on track to completing their SLP CF and becoming licensed SLPs.
Finding a Mentor for Your SLP Clinical Fellowship
A mentor should provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback, as well as have experience and expertise in the specific areas you want to develop as an SLP. To assist in choosing a mentor, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has outlined a list of required qualifications that mentors should meet in order to participate in the SLP CFY program.
The following list outlines the key qualifications that a mentor must possess to provide supervision during the SLP CFY program. These qualifications include:
- Hold a current CCC-SLP license.
- Have 9 months of experience working as a full-time speech-language pathologist.
- Have experience in the area in which the CFY wants to develop their skills.
Tips for Choosing a SLP CF Mentor
There is more to selecting a CF mentor than ensuring they meet the minimum qualifications. You will also want to ensure that you find someone who you work well with and will be comfortable seeking advice and mentorship from.
There are various discussion points you can have with potential SLP CF mentors to see if they will be a good fit for you:
Ask about their past mentorship experiences and if possible, speak with other CFs that have been mentored by this individual.
Find out whether they will be mentoring other Clinical Fellows and see if this will affect the times that they are available to meet with you.
Discuss what the CF mentorship experience means to them and why they are looking to be a mentor.
Communicate your preferred supervision and communication styles.
Frequently Asked Questions About SLP CFYs
The duration of the SLP CFY is typically 36 weeks or 9 months of full-time work. If the SLP is only working part-time, the program will take additional time to complete.
The average salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow in the United States is $88,052 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as location, years of experience, and type of employer.
It is also important to note that salaries can vary within a state based on factors such as cost of living and demand for SLP services in a particular area.
The main difference between a SLP CFY and CCC-SLP is that the SLP CFY is a temporary period of post-graduate clinical training, while the CCC-SLP is a professional certification obtained by meeting specific requirements.
During the SLP CFY, participants work under the supervision of an SLP-CCC. Upon successful completion of the SLP CFY, they will become eligible for ASHA certification and may pursue state licensure to practice as a speech-language pathologist.
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