Clinical Experiences

The undergraduate program requires one semester hour of practicum. A minimum major grade point average of 2.75 is required for enrollment in practicum. The graduate program requires 5+ semester hours of advanced practicum. Advanced practicum is conducted at the EIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, in local public schools, and other area agencies.

In conjunction with the academic training program, we operate the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic to provide clinical experiences for students in training. The Clinic provides diagnostic and treatment services for more than 100 clients per semester. Students work with clients from surrounding communities in a 70-80 mile radius of Charleston. Our students also have an opportunity to work in the public schools through practicums in preschool, K-12, and hearing impaired programs. The students work closely with faculty supervisors to provide appropriate diagnostic evaluations and/or treatment. Each week the student meets for a minimum of 30 minutes with the supervisor to discuss the case, critique clinic skills, and plan additional treatment. In many universities, one-on-one instruction does not occur until students enter advanced degree programs. Such instruction is available at EIU for students when they enroll in clinical practicum as first semester seniors.