Speech Language Pathology

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The graduate program in speech-language pathology is designed to develop students into empathetic and reflective practitioners who use evidenced-based practice to provide meaningful intervention to clients. A competency-based curriculum, capped with externships assists in the development of soon-to-be professionals. Goals for the graduate program are based upon expected student competencies as set forth by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Council on Academic Accreditation for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). 

The curriculum is offered on a full-time basis and typically requires two full years (including the summer between those academic years) to complete. The program incorporates clinical competencies and academic knowledge, and allows students the opportunity to choose from several electives to tailor their program to meet their career goals. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to participate in research under the guidance of faculty. 

Students who complete the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology are prepared for entry into this profession as clinical fellows and may choose to work in settings such as schools, hospitals, private practice or long-term care facilities.

Health and Other Special Requirements

• The following requirements must be met prior to participating in clinicals:
• Physical Examination
• Documentation of Immunization or Titer Immunity
  • Measles/Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Polio series completed
  • Varicella titer or Varicella vaccinations
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine Series or Declination
    (Students may not be able to go to certain fieldwork sites if they do not receive the vaccine)
  • Annual Flu Vaccine
• TB-Tuberculin PPD Test (documented 2-step initially, then annual)
• Health Insurance (copy of card required annually)
• CPR Certification-American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider required
• Urine Drug Screen (from the Maryville authorized lab)
• Criminal Record Background checks from Maryville University’s authorized agency and signed release to clinical sites (possible checks include:  state criminal checks, disqualification lists, sex offender lists, social security number, address, and alias).
• Any additional requirements that may arise
• Fitting for a respiratory isolation device (i.e. N95 Mask) may be required by some clinical sites

A few hospitals in Missouri now require nicotine screenings for all new employees.  Therefore it is anticipated that students may be excluded from some clinical sites based upon their use of nicotine

Programs

• Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Return to: Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions