What is a Clinical Externship?
A Clinical Externship is an opportunity to learn and apply clinical skills. Under the supervision of a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist, students will provide clinical service to clients with communication and swallowing disorders. As students progress through their externships, they gradually assume greater responsibility for clients. Our program provides students with broad clinical experience to gain an understanding of a variety of aspects of practice in Speech-Language Pathology.
When do externships take place?
There will be four clinical externships during a student’s graduate program. Past externship schedules for both Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology can be viewed on our website. Exact dates and formats are subject to change. Please be aware that the MSc program is a full-time program for its duration. Therefore, students are expected to be enrolled full time, including for the spring-summer term when externships may have a variety of schedules.
Where do externships take place?
More information about externship locations will be provided as the program progresses. Students are expected to complete at least two externships outside of the Greater Vancouver/Victoria Area, and occasionally out of province.
Externship locations span a range of settings, including the public sector (e.g., acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, health units, child development centers, schools) and private practice. All students should expect to be assigned to any of these settings during their program.
Expenses to cover travel, accommodation, living and externship-related costs are the sole responsibility of the student and students are strongly encouraged to plan for these costs proactively. Access to a car while on externship significantly increases available placement options. Please also note that employers commonly require a driver’s licence. With the support of community donors, the School has a modest amount of externship funding that is assigned at the discretion of the School to students experiencing financial hardship.
What if I have more questions about externships?
Students who are accepted into the graduate program will have an orientation that includes opportunities to ask specific questions. At the orientation, students will be given detailed information about clinical externships,, immunizations and criminal record checks, which will be arranged through UBC.