SpeechGal1234

My best piece of advice is to just get through your CF. I always tried to think of the CF as an extension of graduate school rather than a real "first job". You may not get the CF you are wanting, especially if you are interested in the medical field, BUT once you have your CCCs, many opportunities open up. If you are moving to Boston, make sure to research the lack of CF provisional licensure. It is one of the few states that does not grant provisional licenses, which means you are very very unlikely to get a medical CF. Stay outside of Massachusetts if you can for your CF.

Working at the school is the best because they are aware of your schedule & the difficulties of graduate school. You can also look for nanny or tutoring jobs! Reading tutors get paid surprisingly well and you can often work with the family to make a good schedule.

I wrote a nice card, gave an Amazon gift card, and/or gave them a nice bag of chocolates. Honestly, supervisors just want a nice card/letter saying thank you! They know grad students don't have a lot of money. Also, I find that Amazon gift cards are the easiest to use, especially with the pandemic! Another idea is to think of a material that they might use frequently (artic cards from Super Duper, Pop of Pirate, Legos, teachers pay teachers material that you laminate & velcro for them so it is prepared and ready to be used). But that depends on how much stuff you supervisor already has!! Sometimes SLPs really don't want more stuff unless it is guaranteed to be used.

Yes, they are very pricey. I know NOVA has a strong AAC focus. Janice Light is also a big name in the AAC field, and she is at FSU.

One of the best placements is at Boston Children's Hospital at the AAC center. All of the Boston schools offer placements there. It is a fantastic placement, 6 months (which is long for a placement!), and all AAC. I know MGH IHP offers an autism concentration, which is related to AAC but not exactly AAC. BU offers multiple AAC electives that could be good on a resume, as well.

Some other favorites: letstalkspeechtherapy speechymusing speechlanguagepirates thespeechbubbleslp speechtimefun (for older clients) Also, if you sign up on some of their newsletters, you get monthly free worksheets and other activities!

Sure, it was Sofia Villila-Rohter.

No! You definitely don't need to do your CF in MA!! It is very very easy to do your CF in any other state. I have heard specifically that moving to North Carolina is difficult after IHP because NC requires certain hours in each category, which IHP does not require. Also, if you want to move to NY & work at a school, you have to take some minor extra online "courses" (I wouldn't even call them courses, more like professional development), but it is easy to do as long as you plan in advanced. Many of the students at IHP get CF's around the country without a problem!

Yes and no. It is really hard to predict whether you will be affected by that summer semester. I don't think it makes it more difficult for most people to find a CF, but it may limit your options. The last semester of the IHP is usually a very light load of classes. You may only be taking 4 credits of class. If you are done with classes early, you can easily start a job early (July or August) because you don't have your diploma, but you have finished all classes and you can get a letter from the institute stating that you have completed coursework and will receive your diploma in September. But it is possible that you cannot apply to some specific CF positions that may start July 1, as some "dedicated" CF positions will start early because most programs end in May. Also, there's no guarantee that you will be done with classes & outplacement by July, so you may have obligations well into August. If you want to move and work in a school system outside of New England, that could be a problem. In the end, everyone does find a CF, but that extra summer can limit your options.

It is so hard to weigh the costs when deciding on a school. I remember being in the same position! A lot of people will argue that the university doesn't matter as much as just getting the degree. My experience is that MGH IHP is a lesser known school around the country, but when speaking to those in Boston, I do get a look of "wow you are a strong candidate" when I say I went to Mass General Hospital. All of my supervisors have made comments that MGH IHP students are very well prepared for future careers and are more professional that other students. Consider where you want to end up after graduate school because I would consider IHP a smaller school outside of New England. Here are some other things to think about: - I can't stress enough the benefit of MGH IHP electives. Look at the curriculums for the various schools you are considering. I know IHP has a required voice class & then a Voice II elective, where the students were able to observe vocal fold surgery on a cadaver! SO COOL! IHP also offers 2 different medical SLP electives, and other electives that are beneficial for students interested in medical/voice (e.g., alaryngeal speech elective). Speak to other programs and see what they offer. You won't learn everything, and during your CFY year you learn so much, but those electives look really good on a resume and make you stand out. Lot's of Boston graduates will be competing for the job in the medical field and you have to stand out. - IHP also offers concentrations. If you are accepted into a concentration, you are guaranteed a placement in that field. There are concentrations in medical field and voice. Now, that being said, I think other programs try very hard to also get you those placements. Most of my IHP placements also have students from other schools. The opportunities are available in all the schools. I think medical placements are available in all programs, so this shouldn't be a deciding factor. - I was surprised to find out that the reason for the "MGH" in the name of the program is JUST because MGH funded the school when it first opened. There aren't necessarily more ties to Partners hospitals compared to other Boston programs. Again, placements have a variety of students from all programs. It all depends on the faculty in the program, really. IHP does have a strong relationship with the MGH Voice Center, and a placement there is common if you are interested in voice. Our voice professor practices there. They are amazing! I don't know if other programs have that specific connection. I would call other programs and ask. - Cakcak, if you are looking at other states, I would consider looking at the Massachusetts CFY law. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get a CFY in MA working in certain settings. MA is one of few states that currently does not grant provisional licensure to CFs. Insurance companies, like Medicaid and Medicare, require that SLPs have licensure in order to bill for services. As a result, CFs can't work with any patients who are billing under Medicaid & Medicare, which means employers aren't hiring CFs. Without provisional licensure, CFs require up to 100% supervision to bill for services and some insurances do not allow unlicensed CFs to bill at all. You can read more at Massachusetts Speech Language Hearing Association (MSHA) and/or research S137: An Act Providing for Provisional Licensure for Speech-Language Pathologists. Most CFs in MA are working in schools or have found a way to work with private pay or different insurance clients, but most are in schools because of the lack of a provisional licensure bill, even though they want a medical setting. This may change in the 2 years before you graduate, but many classmates wish they knew this before choosing IHP. Boston isn't the best location to be if you want a medical placement straight out of grad school. I can't really say it if is worth the extra money. It really depends how much extra you are considering paying. Ultimately, I think the "extras" that IHP has to offer will help in the short term getting first jobs because they look good on a resume, but once you get through 1-2 years experience, I don't think it really matters anymore. Is it worth paying 3x as much for that first year? Not in my opinion, because year 1 & 2 you get what you get and you gain experience to get the dream job. But that's a personal opinion!

I can't really speak for BU, but went to open house. It felt very similar to IHP with a bigger focus on research. It is so hard to tell the differences without talking to students! I am an IHP students and I can tell you about the program: - Program: You graduate with more hours than most programs (69-72 hours), which can give you leverage in future jobs. I really like all the electives that are offered, which other schools don't have. I also like the concentration options, which give you a guaranteed placement in your area of interest, a group of students who are interested in a specific area, and great connections with a faculty member. IHP does have a big literacy focus during year 1, as well as a pediatric focus. I know other programs have adult & peds in the in-house clinic, but IHP has almost exclusively peds. You always have 1 client with a reading problem (usually dyslexia) and one with something lang/speech. The focus on literacy can be good or bad, depending on your interests. If you are interested in working with adults, working with pediatric population for a whole year can be beneficial because you certainly learn a lot, but is is also frustrating. Another difference is size of the program. IHP has 60 students in the cohort, which can also be seen as good (more opportunity for friends, more professors to connect with) and bad (large classes, must reach out to make connections with professors). If you are interested in aphasia specifically, IHP has an Aphasia Center, but I think BU also has an aphasia clinic so that might be the same. - Research: From what I hear, BU has more opportunities. However, there is DEFINITELY plenty of opportunities at IHP. I would look at professors in your specific area of interest and see if their research matches with your interests. Private message me for more specific guidance on this. - Location: BU is more centrally located and easier to get to, although both are really close to downtown. BU is more "college campus" feeling- closer to bars, cheap apartments, etc. IHP is completely different. Charlestown is a nice, quiet neighborhood and IHP is a very small campus (only about 1500 students total). IHP isn't near many restaurants, which is annoying if you want to hang out with friends, but only a 15 minute walk to the best Italian food ever. Also, IHP is a 15 minute walk or shuttle ride to the T (at North Station). BU has it's own stop on the T. - Student Life: I would say this just depends. You have to find your "people" in your cohort. You will find those who go out every night, or stay in, or those who like to explore the city. There are all types of people! I feel like IHP accepts a wide range of ages and people from a wide range of backgrounds, which I really liked. Let me know if you have any more specific questions!

If you want a roommate, I would suggest posting on your class facebook page. Also, IHP has a housing forum that you will have access to! There are apartments in Charlestown but they can be expensive. I would say the majority of current IHP students live in Charlestown, the North End, or Cambridge. But some live in Jamaica Plain, Allston, and other cheaper neighborhoods outside of the city. North station is on the commuter rail, so there are students living near Porter Square (in Cambridge, but farther north), and even Waltham. There is a shuttle that runs from North Station to campus, usually runs every 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, campus is a 15 minute walk from North Station. You definitely don't need a car for your first year. I would highly suggest using the T to get around. If you have a car, and you can get cheap parking at your house, there is a garage on IHP campus that is $7 per day and free if you enter after 4:30 pm for students. That is cheap, especially when you consider that the T costs about $5 round trip. Parking in neighborhoods will vary- North End is impossible, other neighborhoods (e.g., Cambridge) have permit parking so it is easy but you have to register your car in MA which can be expensive! At IHP, they do recommend having a car for the 2nd year. They cannot guarantee an externship that is accessible on the T, no matter what your circumstances are. You never know if you will need a car, but some did get a car by their summer semester. Let me know if you have any questions about IHP or Boston!

I took it at MGH Institute of Health Professions with Sofia Vallila Rhoter. It was more expensive than other online classes, but a very easy class. You can definitely get an A easily. Most of it is self taught through readings with minimal to no "lectures" to watch. Just read the professors ppts (no lecture) and do the readings in the book and you get an A. The professor wants everyone to get a good grade and is quick to respond to any questions. The TA even holds office hours before every test and she basically tells you the exact answers for more than 50% of the test. They truly want you to do well.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get a CF in Massachusetts working in certain settings. MA is one of few states that does not grant provisional licensure to CFs. Insurance companies, like Medicaid and Medicare, require that SLPs have licensure in order to bill for services. As a result, CFs can't work with any patients who are billing under Medicaid & Medicare, which means employers aren't hiring CFs. Without provisional licensure, CFs require up to 100% supervision to bill for services and some insurances do not allow unlicensed CFs to bill at all. You can read more at Massachusetts Speech Language Hearing Association (MSHA) and/or research S137: An Act Providing for Provisional Licensure for Speech-Language Pathologists. Most CFs in MA are in schools or have found a way to work with private pay or different insurance clients, but most are in schools because of the lack of a provisional licensure bill!

You may want to wait and see about this one. Some professors will already record their classes and post them. Some will specifically request that it is not recorded due to confidentiality. I used my phone to record some lectures and it worked well, but I often didn't use the recordings because I just didn't have time to listen to lectures again. Maybe you can use your phone for the first semester or the first few weeks and then decide if you want to pay for a recorder?

Great question! Here are some of my "must have's" - A large, sturdy backpack, especially if you are commuting. You need a good bag to hold all your notes, computer, meals, water, etc - Containers for carrying meals to school & a good water bottle. Sometimes I spend 12 hours at school so that means I have to bring food, snacks, and water for the day - If you are seeing clients, a clipboard with storage is super helpful! -A watch. Some of your placements may not have clocks everywhere, and you can't use your phone, so you need a watch to check the time. - Comfortable professional shoes (maybe flats?) - Flashcards & pens for studying (if you used flashcards in undergrad, they will be helpful now. If they didn't help in undergrad, you probably won't use them in grad school) - A planner? I prefer google calendar & using a word doc to keep track of homework that is due, but many people prefer a planner!

MGH Institute of Health Professions has a HUGE focus on literacy. They have a literacy concentration and you can get a reading specialist certification in addition to your master's in SLP within the 2 year program. Seriously, they are obsessed with literacy so I would highly recommend applying there. Your entire first year revolves around literacy (and speech/language). You have two clients at the in house clinic: 1 is working on Orton Gillingham (research based reading instruction), and the other gets speech/language therapy (articulation or language- it just depends on the client). Your whole language class is really focused on literacy & first words (heavy focus on autism). There is also a writing clinic you can be part of in the summer. If you decide to go the autism route, they also have lots of autism electives and opportunities to get outplacements with children with autism.

I would send the supplemental information! It certainly can't hurt and it can help jumpstart their writing. I agree that it will also help them focus on the things you focused on in your letter of intent, which is helpful! They can certainly choose not to use it, but I would recommend that you should provide them with all the resources to help them.

I would recommend looking at some of the Boston schools for AAC. The Boston Children's Hospital AAC Center is amazing and almost all the Boston schools have a placement there, so definitely look into those programs! I think your background gave you a lot of experience that will be so helpful in a future career as an SLP. There are a lot of people in my graduate program who do not have a background in SLP. I think that your background will actually make you a stand out candidate! You could try to find some volunteer opportunities to work with children with disabilities, but in my opinion, as someone who had little experience in SLP and still got into top schools, I don't think actual volunteering with an SLP matters. If the rest of your application is strong, it doesn't matter what your background is. Definitely focus on GRE scores!!! And use that personal statement to talk about those students you worked with who were nonverbal and how that applies to your dream for an SLP career. I came from a different background and I did not do post bacc. I took the required undergrad classes online and it wasn't too hard to "catch up". I did well in the courses and they accepted them just fine. Getting an academic reference was a challenge. You can certainly get to know your professors for the pre-requisite courses and see if they can write you a reference. My references from undergrad were about 3-4 years old, and my professors were still happy to send them. I think they have done this many times before. It's part of their job! However, I did worry that they weren't as personalized because it was so long ago. The professors had meetings/phone calls with me to ask what I had been doing and I gave them my transcript from undergrad, resume, samples of grades I got in their classes, etc. I got into most of the programs I applied to, so I would guess the academic references weren't a problem. I would highly recommend that you get strong references from your boss or someone who has seen you working with children with nonverbal autism. I felt like my academic references were ok, but my boss wrote me a fantastic reference that showed my work ethic and was more recent. I think programs know that someone in their 30s hasn't been in undergrad for a long time so their academic references may not be as strong, and they take that into consideration. But I am obviously not on the admissions committee so this is all speculation based on my experiences!

North Face bags are reasonably priced and very sturdy! Lots of people in my grad program have them. I would highly recommend either of these. https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-backpacks-womens-backpacks/womens-jester-nf0a3kv8?variationId=EJK#hero=0 https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-backpacks-womens-backpacks/womens-borealis-nf0a3kv4?variationId=6VG#hero=0

Not curved at my program. Grad students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and they make sure you maintain that GPA. They aren't trying to trick you, they are truly testing your knowledge.

MGH IHP has an autism concentration. Almost all of the schools in Boston offer a placement here: http://www.childrenshospital.org/centers-and-services/programs/a-_-e/augmentative-communication-program If you are interested in AAC & autism, its an amazing opportunity to get a placement there!!!

I am glad it helped! The class sizes are also very different. MGH has 60 students and BU has 30 (I think). There are pros and cons to these. Pros of 60 students: lots of opportunities to make friends, many professors to connect with, more practicum placement opportunities just because they place more student so they automatically have more relationships, professors teaching a class are TRULY experts in their field b/c there is more money to hire specialized professors. Cons: all your core classes are 60 students, classes are taught on a microphone b/c its such a large room, you have to seek out the professor to form a relationship b/c they aren't going to learn about you from one class (but at MGH they are open and want these relationships!!) Also, since I was pretty confident in the population I wanted to work with, the concentrations at MGH were a huge draw for me. Others don't like it because they want to work with a broader population. Concentrations are optional and most won't concentrate, but this can also be a deciding factor! If you have any other questions, let me know!

I also got into both of these schools and I chose MGH. They are similar. What are you interested in? I had very little interest in research, and BU has a big focus on research, which is why I chose MGH. I also mapped out electives to see which school offered more electives in things I am interested in. The in house clinics are also a little different. At MGH you will most likely only work with children, while you may work with adults at BU. Also, at MGH your first two semesters you get two clients: one will have a written disability (most likely dyslexia) & the other will have a speech and/or language problem. If you have no interest in literacy and/or children, this can be frustrating.

I am at MGH now. Both courses are structured in a similar way. Once a week you have readings, a lecture or powerpoint to review, and a discussion board in which you answer a question related to that weeks topic. The discussion board involved posting, reading other peoples posts, and responding to peers. Anatomy and Physiology was tough because the content is tough (in my opinion, from someone who has never taken an anatomy class) BUT the professor is fantastic, the tests are very straightforward, and the course is very good. I think this class would have been hard anywhere because the content was tough. MGH's class was fantastic and I would highly recommend it! Audiology was a course I didn't love, but I got a good grade. Other peers in my program now still complain about the course! The main parts of the course were simple, but the professors tests were really difficult. His test questions were super specific details or they weren't covered in class at all and were specifics from the readings, which lowered my test grades. I did fine on all other assignments, which boosted my grade, and I ended up with a good grade despite bad grades on the tests. There was also a partner project that I didn't particularly like because you had to present online with a partner and working with someone like that was hard. This was two semesters ago so maybe the course has changed based on student feedback, but it was a hard course for me in summer 2017. They are both courses in which I did learn and get A's in. Both prepared me well for grad school. I have hard that the audiology class now has a TA, and that may help! Maybe you can find someone who has taken the class more recently and can speak to that. Anatomy also had a TA and she was great, offering office hours before tests that gave us major clues on what would be on the test, and was just generally available for help! Let me know if you have any more specific questions!