SLP/Communication Disorders Masters Applicants

[katiekg]

Did anyone attend the University of Memphis Open House? Or have any information on the program? I've heard all great things and am leaning towards accepting, but have never seen the campus or met professors or students. Any feedback would be so helpful !

I attended it last weekend! We started out with a lunch where different professors and current students mingled and introduced themselves to us. We then had a brief introduction about the program where the faculty were sure to address the issue of safety in the city of Memphis since it was a pretty hot topic. The Downtown Clinic is located in a medical center, next to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, a few blocks from St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Lebonheur Children's hospital and others. We got to meet with academic and clinical faculty and discuss our interests and career goals. While I thought the amount of clinical opportunities were great and the professor seemed nice, but challenging, I got the impression that UM was very heavy on research; professors doing research and almost all students involved in some sort of research. This is not really my thing so I was a little turned off by that. I just really wanna be a clinician. The professors were all great though and it seemed like most of them talked about how they have good relationships with the students in and out of class. I did though overhear a student saying that you could never get in touch with a professor outside of class because he was so enthralled in his research. That being said, Memphis seemed like a great program!! It was really cool to be surrounded by students, faculty, and prospective students who were so passionate about the field. There's a lot of clinical facilities available on and off campus that were really appealing. I will say however, that if you take a wrong turn in the city you could end up in a really bad area so it would seem like you'd really have to learn your way around. I'm not trying to diss it at all, I'm just giving the opinion that I received from it. Hope this helps!

[speechiela]

On that note,

Does anyone know anything about the program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center? Is the program good for a medical-focus? (I know they have a medical tract for students interested in pursuing that route instead of the school setting). Does anyone know about the clinical placements?

[seyeau]

Declined admission to U Wisconsin Madison and Penn State today. Good luck on decisions, everyone! I'm finding it pretty difficult to make the final decision.

[katy b]

Only a few people from our undergraduate programs have clinical experience as undergrads so there is no need to worry about that. They provide adequate supervision regardless of your experience level. I can ask around about people looking for roommates. I know of a couple of people who are looking for apartments, but I am not sure if they are looking for roommates as well. The professors here are extremely friendly. The program is small and very tight-knit. Every professor I've had knows my (and many others) name and are always willing to meet with you to discuss any issues you have or just to chat. There is a graduate work room with tables, materials, a couch, and lots of outlets for the students (and they are getting a microwave very soon too). We have the sweetest new secretary for the on-campus clinic who is very helpful. We have a very active NSSLHA chapter, however most of the graduate students are not involved I think mainly due to their busy schedules. I love Plattsburgh, but it is not the right fit for everyone. It is a nice town, but fairly small. There is a tiny mall but lots of nice coffee shops and some cute restaurants (but like I said it is fairly small overall). I know that a lot of people enjoy the outdoor activites in the area since we are right by lake champlain and whiteface mountain and lake goerge and lake placid are also nearby. There are places to hike, ski, etc. Burlington is very close and we are only an hour from Montreal so you can always shop or visit there. That is all I can think of right now, but if you have any specific questions let me know. I am fairly certain that I will be attending MGHIHP for graduate school. Good luck!

Awesome! Thanks for all your help! I appreciate it!

[katy b]

Awesome! Thanks for all your help! I appreciate it!

Goodluck to you as well!

[mscongeniality1]

I'm finding it pretty difficult to make the final decision.

Me too! I have it down to 2 now but it's so hard.

[mg19]

I was wondering if anyone who attended the MGH Info Session for Accepted Students could provide some information about it? Thanks!

[elizalou]

I was wondering if anyone who attended the MGH Info Session for Accepted Students could provide some information about it? Thanks!

Hi, yeah I did and was meaning to reply to fibi about it too. OK here are just some random bullet points that I got from visiting and might not have known before going...

-tons of course offerings and electives (all seem to be organized around the type of disorder as opposed to the age group)

-emphasis not only on spoken language and speech disorders but also on reading and writing disorders (everyone will teach someone how to read)

-start work in the in house clinic your very first semester (starting in October after a clinic training "boot camp" in September) you first 2 semesters then there are 3 outplacement clinical practicums

-option to have a concentration (requires 72 credits) and to get reading specialist certification or early intervention certification

-graduate with 69 credits (more than normal which makes you eligible for Masters + 15 status aka slightly higher starting salary)

-professors are experts in their fields and currently practicing therapists in hospitals and other settings (good but also seemed like they might not have as much time or energy to devote to students?)

-for first year you work in a dyad partnership with another SLP student in the clinic (the 2 of you are in there with a patient, you have 2 clients each semester)

-huge emphasis on clinical training and excellence, they really want to prepare you to be a truly competent, experienced and confident practitioner

-equal exposure and excellence of training in medical and educational settings

-amazing clinical connections, especially to hospitals

So those were all of the great things that I learned about the program this weekend, basically that they are a very rigorous (more courses and more time, 4 full time semesters and 2 full time summers for everyone) program that prepares you very well. And now for some of the things that kind of turned me off a little bit...

-large student body, 55-60 students in admitted class (less personalized attention, less connection with professors, your advisor/supervising professor has not only you to worry and care about but also 5-10 other students)

-I personally didn't like that you start in the clinic one month after starting in. Maybe because I don't have an SLP background so it seems really rushed to me and I don't think I would be comfortable having my own client or be capable of really helping someone

-the general feeling I got from students, faculty and the facility was one of competition and stress. I know that students said they were very supportive of each other but it just didn't seem genuine I guess

-the course schedule is pretty much set in stone, there is no negotiation about the order of things and it seemed very much like you get in and are set into a "track" just to prepare you and spit you back out as a competent and practiced SLP. I didn't get the feeling that faculty were going to care about you, look after you, help you or get to know you as much as I did at BU (the other school I visited for open house). It felt more like an extension of the Mass General Hospital and not like a nurturing, personalized school environment

-the Charlestown Navy Yard where the Institute is located is quite inaccessible from the main parts of Boston. There are no T stops (the subway) there and no bus connections, you have to take the MGH shuttle from either MGH/Charles station or North Station which takes 15-20 minutes depending on where you start from. It is free which is great but even if you started your commute there (which is unlikely since living in the North End and Beacon Hill area is wicked expensive) it would be a minimum of 20 mins. There isn't anything else up there either, just the school and other grad programs (nursing and PT)

Those are the points which really struck me from the open house. I went into the weekend really loving MGH and thinking I would absolutely go there but I think it just isn't a good match for me. It is really a great program and prepares you so well to be an experienced and thorough SLP but it felt too impersonal, removed, large and stressful to me. And sometimes I doubt myself for thinking that because honestly everyone I met there was really nice, personable and friendly (faculty and students) but for some reason I still just felt uncomfortable and like I needed to be impressing them or something. Ah I don't know, all I can say is that I guess it just isn't the perfect fit for me! But like Professor Loff said, it can't be for everyone or else they would have a class of 200 kids each year! Good news though is that I also saw BU and absolutely fell in love with everything about the program, student body, faculty, facilities, BU community and location, so that is where I will be in the fall!!

PS: I think this is the longest post I have ever done and my hands are so tired haha. What did other people think about BU, does anyone think they might be going too?

[messybrownhair]

How did you send in your decline to Emerson? I am trying to figure it out on eCommons but can't find anything. Do I have to email them?

Yup I just sent an email to gradapp@...... they never responded.. oh well

Edited April 5, 2011 by messybrownhair

[messybrownhair]

Just curious, how does one become an SLPA?

each state has different requirements so you'd have to check, but mostly you need to be an slp undergrad with complete transcripts and some clinical observation hours (the number of which depends per state). then you should apply for a license and you'd need the employer's supervisory statements. some states like texas require some exams but really it wasn't too difficult. you can check out slpa jobs and inquire through places like sunbelt staffing and soliant health

[elizalou]

Yup I just sent an email to gradapp@...... they never responded.. oh well

Thanks, just send in my decline. Now I just have to send in MGH's, that will definitely be the hardest, and then accept BU's offer!

[dogfishing]

Thanks, just send in my decline. Now I just have to send in MGH's, that will definitely be the hardest, and then accept BU's offer!

Yay! Super exciting.

[gretel]

Thanks, just send in my decline. Now I just have to send in MGH's, that will definitely be the hardest, and then accept BU's offer!

Congratulations! I think you're making the right decision by going with your gut. This will be at least 2 years of each of our lives, so it's essential to be somewhere you feel comfortable.

Boston's a great place to be a student, too!

[elizalou]

Congratulations! I think you're making the right decision by going with your gut. This will be at least 2 years of each of our lives, so it's essential to be somewhere you feel comfortable.

Boston's a great place to be a student, too!

Thanks! It feels really good to finally make a decision and really know that it is right for me. And I am so excited about living in Boston!

[fibi]

MGH

Thank you SO MUCH, elizalou! I feel as though I just attended a condensed version of the open house, that was BRILLIANT. It's too bad we won't get to meet as classmates at MGH =(

I'm a little worried about the early start in clinical practice myself since I don't have a SLP background, but I'm hoping their dyad system will pay off. I really like their emphasis on helping students become capable practitioners.

Thank you again!

[lauraspeech]

Has anyone heard from New York Medical College? I know they said mid-April (15) but just wondering if anyone has received a notification from them yet...

[jayness54]

The amount of $ I will have to borrow for 2.5 years at NYU (living expenses not included) will be more than my FIVE years at Pitt, tuition and living expenses included.

HahahacfgvddhmkitsGSHHAHAHAgjhaaHa!

[gradstudent84]

The amount of $ I will have to borrow for 2.5 years at NYU (living expenses not included) will be more than my FIVE years at Pitt, tuition and living expenses included.

HahahacfgvddhmkitsGSHHAHAHAgjhaaHa!

This post made me laugh. Almost sounds like you're losing it and I totally understand where you're coming from.

[gretel]

The amount of $ I will have to borrow for 2.5 years at NYU (living expenses not included) will be more than my FIVE years at Pitt, tuition and living expenses included.

HahahacfgvddhmkitsGSHHAHAHAgjhaaHa!

Well, at least living expenses in NYC aren't high.

Oh, wait.

$#&*#$@j43jkl3kl43*($#@)*$#@

[tayfray]

The amount of $ I will have to borrow for 2.5 years at NYU (living expenses not included) will be more than my FIVE years at Pitt, tuition and living expenses included.

HahahacfgvddhmkitsGSHHAHAHAgjhaaHa!

I know, right?? We must be crazy!

[erinma]

stephpop, on 05 April 2011 - 09:48 AM, said:

Just curious, how does one become an SLPA?

each state has different requirements so you'd have to check, but mostly you need to be an slp undergrad with complete transcripts and some clinical observation hours (the number of which depends per state). then you should apply for a license and you'd need the employer's supervisory statements. some states like texas require some exams but really it wasn't too difficult. you can check out slpa jobs and inquire through places like sunbelt staffing and soliant health

I looked into this in MA. Apparently MA has some of the most stringent requirements for being certified as an SLPA. However, I talked to someone who is an SLPA here - she was a communications disorders undergrad and I had the impression she had trouble getting into grad school the first time she applied so she went the SLPA route and is reapplying later. Anyway, she said the job market here for SLPAs is very limited, with the tight economy most employers just want to spend money on the SLPs. Mass. law is pretty strict about how SLPAs have to be supervised and what they can and cannot do so you can't hire just an SLPA without an SLP to work closely with them. I could find almost no job listings in MA for SLPAs and I even saw some ads for SLPs that specifically said "Please no SLPAs".

I was disappointed. If you look at Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapy Assistants, those are official jobs that are certified by the national governing body, but ASHA seems to have very little interest in SLPAs. Maybe other states that don't have as strict regulations on what SLPAs can do have better job markets, but here it seems to be very little. I would have to take one more CSD class and do 25 observation hours to get certified (I don't have a CSD undergrad, but I have been taking the pre-reqs to apply to grad school), but I'm wondering if it's even worth it. I am probably not getting into grad school this cycle, so if I want some related experience I think I am going to have to try to get into some sort of ABA tech/aide position.

[messybrownhair]

Not sure if this is a totally ridiculous thing to be worrying about....

I've decided to attend UW Madison, sent in the accept card & everything, but I still haven't been officially accepted by the Graduate School, only the SLP program....is this just a formality? I'm scared to apply for an apartment without being 100% sure I'm in....I called the grad school yesterday and they basically told me to leave them alone. Has anyone's status on MyUW changed to accepted?

You're good.. As long as you got accepted and you mailed your forms then you should be all set. I did the same for bloom and until now I am freaking out like what if they decide they don't want me and I already declined my other school. sigh. paranoid much?

[greenbean333]

Has anyone heard from New York Medical College? I know they said mid-April (15) but just wondering if anyone has received a notification from them yet...

I have an interview at NYMC on April 15th, so I don't know when they are planning to start accepting people.

[tpatoatl]

This may be a stupid question, but if a waitlist is unranked how do schools choose who gets in? Pull names out of a hat?

[lauraspeech]

This may be a stupid question, but if a waitlist is unranked how do schools choose who gets in? Pull names out of a hat?

I called a school to ask where I stand on the waitlist. They said the waitlist is unranked, which means after the deadline has passed for Accepted people to respond (usually around April 15, depending on the school), they review all the waitlist applicants again and select from there. I don't know if this applies to all schools who use the "unranked waitlist" system. Hope that helped!