Online program vs. In person program

[slpsalaz]

Hello! I am trying to decide between a private two year, full-time program in a major city, and a part time, 3 year online program in the state where I reside. Both programs are tied in ranking. At this point (waiting on scholarship information) there is a SIGNIFICANT cost difference between the two programs. Are online students generally afforded the same opportunities for clinical placements, CFY, and networking?  I am particularly interested in voice disorders and dysphagia, and am wondering if online programs have the same sort of connections with hospitals and outpatient rehab centers. I have heard everything from "it doesn't matter where you go to school, as long as it is accredited" to "go to the program that gives you the most variety of exposure to different settings." Does the name of a private school hold more weight nationally than a state school? If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. If you have thoughts, I'd love to hear them! 

[Toya]

I work as an SLPA in a private practice in CA and was told by my supervisor ( and directors) that it doesn't matter what school you graduate from as long as you end up getting your CCC's. With this information, I will be attending the school that's more feasible with my life...part -time online.

[slpsalaz]

41 minutes ago, Toya said:

I work as an SLPA in a private practice in CA and was told by my supervisor ( and directors) that it doesn't matter what school you graduate from as long as you end up getting your CCC's. With this information, I will be attending the school that's more feasible with my life...part -time online.

Thanks for the info! That's good feedback to have from supervisors and directors, and I appreciate you sharing! Good luck in your program! 

[bibliophile222]

One of the reasons I ended up going with an in-person program over online is because I had no prior experience in the field and really needed the support of the on-campus clinic before going to placements. A couple long weekends wasn't going to cut it! If you've been an SLP-A, teacher, etc then that kind of support might not be necessary and online would be fine.

From what I've heard, many online programs make you find your own placements, which can be tough, but others take more of an active role so it might not be too difficult.

If the biggest factor is cost, then ABSOLUTELY go with the cheaper program unless, like me, you really feel you need the extra support. Rankings mean absolutely nothing as long as the program is accredited.

[slpsalaz]

Thank you so much for your input! The program I am considering takes care of placements for their online students, and they require 4. Now I just need to find out what types, and if they align with my interests. They also require a 6 week, full time on campus practicum after a year of coursework, which I like.  It is also a fraction of the cost of my other option so far. I have been a private music instructor/ performer for years, which feels a lot like speech therapy in many ways:)  Another fun fact:  my husband and I would like to start a family, and an online program seems to provide more possibilities to do this concurrently with graduate studies. So many things to consider, and thanks so much for sharing your experiences with me!

[slpsalaz]

55 minutes ago, bibliophile222 said:

One of the reasons I ended up going with an in-person program over online is because I had no prior experience in the field and really needed the support of the on-campus clinic before going to placements. A couple long weekends wasn't going to cut it! If you've been an SLP-A, teacher, etc then that kind of support might not be necessary and online would be fine.

From what I've heard, many online programs make you find your own placements, which can be tough, but others take more of an active role so it might not be too difficult.

If the biggest factor is cost, then ABSOLUTELY go with the cheaper program unless, like me, you really feel you need the extra support. Rankings mean absolutely nothing as long as the program is accredited.

Thank you so much for your input! The program I am considering takes care of placements for their online students, and they require 4. Now I just need to find out what types, and if they align with my interests. They also require a 6 week, full time on campus practicum after a year of coursework, which I like.  It is also a fraction of the cost of my other option so far. I have been a private music instructor/ performer for years, which feels a lot like speech therapy in many ways:)  Another fun fact:  my husband and I would like to start a family, and an online program seems to provide more possibilities to do this concurrently with graduate studies. So many things to consider, and thanks so much for sharing your experiences with me!