Where should you go to complete your graduate SLP externship?

Speech-language pathologists work in so many different settings, including schools, hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation facilities, and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Some graduate programs only require one externship to be completed, while other programs may require two.

My program requires the completion of two externships, which are completed over two full semesters. A few weeks ago, I began my first externship at an elementary school. I personally have always planned to work with adults (and still may), but I have had a great experience thus far. There are several SLPs at the school where I am working. A couple of the SLPs have been assigned to work with the general population, while the others work primarily with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (InD). The case loads at my school range between 60 and about 80 students, but I have heard of many SLPs having a 100 student case load.

Every Externship is Different

You will have a different supervisor, externship site, and overall learning experience than the other students in your cohort. Some of my classmates chose to work in hospitals this semester, while others are at private practices. These classmates are typically working longer hours than I am, because the schools close early in the day. Another perk of the schools is that I get major holidays off and I have spring break! For my second externship, I have chosen to work in a rehabilitation/skilled nursing facility. This is a setting that greatly interests me, as I would like to work with patients with aphasia due to TBI and stroke.

I have spoken with some of my classmates working in middle and high schools and their experiences are very different from my own. In my externship, my supervisor and I travel from class to class to see the students on her case load. However, some SLPs in high schools may stay in one classroom and actually teach a speech and language class. Other SLPs may pull a few students out of class and take them back to a private room for therapy.

Choose Something That Interests You

It's okay if you are not 100% sure where you want to work after graduation. I am still thinking of working with adults, but because there are so many SLP jobs available in schools, I thought it would be important for me to gain some experience in this setting. However, if you already know that you would hate working in the schools and you are certain you would like to work in a more medical setting (hospital, skilled nursing facility, etc.) then I would recommend choosing an externship site where you feel you will learn as much as you can for your future career as an SLP. 

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