How many clinical hours are required to graduate?
You must complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical clock hours, including at least 25 observation hours and 375 direct client contact hours, in alignment with ASHA requirements.
When do clinical placements begin?
On-campus clinical practicum begins in your 2nd semester, followed by two full-time externships—typically one in the summer and one in your final semester.
Who supervises my clinical work?
All student clinicians are supervised by ASHA-certified (CCC SLP) professionals, both on-campus and at externship sites. Supervisors must have at least 9 months of experience post-CCC and 2 hours of supervision training.
Are telepractice hours accepted?
Yes! You may accrue clinical hours through ASHA-approved telehealth sessions, provided they meet supervision and documentation standards used in on-site settings.
Can I request specific externship locations?
Absolutely. Students may express preferences for externship sites. Placement is coordinated by the Clinical Education Director in collaboration with partner sites, contingent on placement availability and affiliation agreements.
Do placements occur outside Pennsylvania?
Yes. Some out-of-state placements may require authorization, and Penn State manages that process. In your final semester, you’ll take one online course, which means you can complete your clinical placement closer to home, with prior program approval.
Are practicum hours counted the same as externship hours?
Yes. All supervised hours, whether earned in the on-campus practicum or externship placements, count toward the 400-hour requirement, provided they meet ASHA’s supervision criteria.
What types of clinical settings do externships include?
Externships are available in both pediatric and adult settings, spanning medical (e.g., hospitals, rehabilitation centers) and educational environments (e.g., schools, early intervention) to ensure broad clinical exposure.
How is supervision provided during placements?
Supervision includes direct observation, ongoing feedback, and structured mentoring. It must comprise at least 25% of student-client contact time to ensure safe, effective clinical practice.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates take the national praxis exam, then progress into the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), a supervised post-master’s experience required for ASHA certification, and apply for state licensure.