Western Kentucky University

[mrs_walker]

I also heard from Dr. Neils-Strunjas today. She also confirmed that as long as you have your pre-requisites completed by the time classes start in the fall, it doesn't matter if your paperwork is received later than July 31.

I specifically asked if they have had students in the past from my area (Michigan -- Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor), because I'm nervous about finding externships. Geographically, there should be a lot of opportunity in this area, but thought if they could give me reassurance that someone before me has done it, I would feel more confident. Her response: "We have had students complete externships in Michigan in the past. We never know for sure what we will have available in any one area; however, the externship coordinator works with you at the start of your program to begin to identify appropriate placements, which our team follows up on."

Does that sound like they take more responsibility for finding them with/for you than what you expected? I don't know if I'm reading into it, but from stories I've heard before it sounded like the students were largely responsible for finding their own externships. This sounds like they may provide more assistance than I anticipated?

[SouthernDrawl]

3 hours ago, mrs_walker said:

I also heard from Dr. Neils-Strunjas today. She also confirmed that as long as you have your pre-requisites completed by the time classes start in the fall, it doesn't matter if your paperwork is received later than July 31.

I specifically asked if they have had students in the past from my area (Michigan -- Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor), because I'm nervous about finding externships. Geographically, there should be a lot of opportunity in this area, but thought if they could give me reassurance that someone before me has done it, I would feel more confident. Her response: "We have had students complete externships in Michigan in the past. We never know for sure what we will have available in any one area; however, the externship coordinator works with you at the start of your program to begin to identify appropriate placements, which our team follows up on."

Does that sound like they take more responsibility for finding them with/for you than what you expected? I don't know if I'm reading into it, but from stories I've heard before it sounded like the students were largely responsible for finding their own externships. This sounds like they may provide more assistance than I anticipated?

I am encouraged by this response. The website made the process seem very independent, but this seems quite collaborative! Do you think it is too soon to start putting feelers out about possible placements? Since she said they start helping at the start of the program, I am wondering if I should start reaching out to folks. If it makes you feel any better, I am from a rural area of Tennessee, light years smaller and more sparsely populated than your area. I still remain fairly confident I will be able to wrangle placements within a reasonable driving distance! I have already applied to WKU as a UG non degree seeking student to finish up all the classes through WKU that I can. In hindsight, I wish I had done them all here. They're so reasonably priced.

[mrs_walker]

Just now, SouthernDrawl said:

I am encouraged by this response. The website made the process seem very independent, but this seems quite collaborative! Do you think it is too soon to start putting feelers out about possible placements? Since she said they start helping at the start of the program, I am wondering if I should start reaching out to folks. If it makes you feel any better, I am from a rural area of Tennessee, light years smaller and more sparsely populated than your area. I still remain fairly confident I will be able to wrangle placements within a reasonable driving distance!

I was encouraged by that response, too! Perhaps they got feedback from past students?

I don't think it's too early to start reaching out. I had a contact at the University of Michigan hospital that I had spoken to for an assignment at USU and I already reached out to her and then she put me in touch with the person in charge of that area. I'm basically just asking if it's something they would do or even consider, but that it's a ways off for now.

[amc91]

 

4 hours ago, mrs_walker said:

I also heard from Dr. Neils-Strunjas today. She also confirmed that as long as you have your pre-requisites completed by the time classes start in the fall, it doesn't matter if your paperwork is received later than July 31.

I specifically asked if they have had students in the past from my area (Michigan -- Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor), because I'm nervous about finding externships. Geographically, there should be a lot of opportunity in this area, but thought if they could give me reassurance that someone before me has done it, I would feel more confident. Her response: "We have had students complete externships in Michigan in the past. We never know for sure what we will have available in any one area; however, the externship coordinator works with you at the start of your program to begin to identify appropriate placements, which our team follows up on."

Does that sound like they take more responsibility for finding them with/for you than what you expected? I don't know if I'm reading into it, but from stories I've heard before it sounded like the students were largely responsible for finding their own externships. This sounds like they may provide more assistance than I anticipated?

That's so encouraging! Thanks for sharing.

Catherine Martin reminded me that I needed to respond soon, and when I told her I needed some questions answered first she apologized and said she's remind Dr. Neil-Strudjas to get back to me today. 

Does anybody have information about working while in the program or general course load info? I anticipate it being challenging but I want to know if working part time or full time is feasible. Or if it's so crazy intense there is no way to work at all! 

[SouthernDrawl]

I mean, I guess I can't provide any insight that isn't available on the website, but the course sequence I attached might help.

Also, this is from a blog post Infound from a student in 2012: "

Did you work while you were in the program? How did you fit it in?

I did stay employed throughout graduate school. This only worked because my job was as an SLP Assistant. In the first year, many of my classmates stayed employed in other careers. However, in order to complete the externships, one must either be an Assistant in a district with enough flexibility to provide for 2 placements, or work part-time outside of the hours when the externship will be completed.

Even though it was possible, it wasn’t easy! I worked until 4pm most days, came home and cooked dinner, spent time with the family, and managed bedtime for the younger two most days. Starting at 8pm, I turned on “student mode”, and spent the next 3-5 hours in class and completing reading, assignments, and projects. Depending on the workload and the time in the semester, I went to bed between 11pm-1am.  On the weekends, I would spend at least 5 hours a day on work, up to 8 or even 10 when there were several projects due or right before finals." 

I remember the website advised that working full time wouldn't be feasible, but I don't remember it advising against part time. One last thing might be to consider time zone differences: if classes stream live in the evenings, what time might that be for you, etc.? Sorry if this isn't all that helpful!

[amc91]

1 hour ago, SouthernDrawl said:

I mean, I guess I can't provide any insight that isn't available on the website, but the course sequence I attached might help.

Also, this is from a blog post Infound from a student in 2012: "

Did you work while you were in the program? How did you fit it in?

I did stay employed throughout graduate school. This only worked because my job was as an SLP Assistant. In the first year, many of my classmates stayed employed in other careers. However, in order to complete the externships, one must either be an Assistant in a district with enough flexibility to provide for 2 placements, or work part-time outside of the hours when the externship will be completed.

Even though it was possible, it wasn’t easy! I worked until 4pm most days, came home and cooked dinner, spent time with the family, and managed bedtime for the younger two most days. Starting at 8pm, I turned on “student mode”, and spent the next 3-5 hours in class and completing reading, assignments, and projects. Depending on the workload and the time in the semester, I went to bed between 11pm-1am.  On the weekends, I would spend at least 5 hours a day on work, up to 8 or even 10 when there were several projects due or right before finals." 

I remember the website advised that working full time wouldn't be feasible, but I don't remember it advising against part time. One last thing might be to consider time zone differences: if classes stream live in the evenings, what time might that be for you, etc.? Sorry if this isn't all that helpful!

 

I actually read this months ago but seeing it again is SO helpful. Thanks for doing the legwork for me, I should have referred back to this!

 

Also, has anyone made a Facebook group yet? I can set it up with someone if not!

Edited April 5, 2016 by amc91

[SouthernDrawl]

Facebook for WKU students admitted to the online program: https://m.facebook.com/groups/927288110722923?ref=bookmarks

[GMT]

1 hour ago, SouthernDrawl said:

Facebook for WKU students admitted to the online program: https://m.facebook.com/groups/927288110722923?ref=bookmarks

Is this for the full time students only?

[clmogel]

4 hours ago, SouthernDrawl said:

I mean, I guess I can't provide any insight that isn't available on the website, but the course sequence I attached might help.

Also, this is from a blog post Infound from a student in 2012: "

Did you work while you were in the program? How did you fit it in?

I did stay employed throughout graduate school. This only worked because my job was as an SLP Assistant. In the first year, many of my classmates stayed employed in other careers. However, in order to complete the externships, one must either be an Assistant in a district with enough flexibility to provide for 2 placements, or work part-time outside of the hours when the externship will be completed.

Even though it was possible, it wasn’t easy! I worked until 4pm most days, came home and cooked dinner, spent time with the family, and managed bedtime for the younger two most days. Starting at 8pm, I turned on “student mode”, and spent the next 3-5 hours in class and completing reading, assignments, and projects. Depending on the workload and the time in the semester, I went to bed between 11pm-1am.  On the weekends, I would spend at least 5 hours a day on work, up to 8 or even 10 when there were several projects due or right before finals." 

I remember the website advised that working full time wouldn't be feasible, but I don't remember it advising against part time. One last thing might be to consider time zone differences: if classes stream live in the evenings, what time might that be for you, etc.? Sorry if this isn't all that helpful!

I confirmed it is feasible to work full time the 1st year of part-time program and it is only feasible to work part-time the last two years, due to the 20 hour a week clinical externship requirement....however, sounds like if you are an SLP-A Assistant all three years, it is feasible to work full-time and count your work as clinical externship/s?

 

Can anyone tell me if WKU helps students find externship placements out-of-state, if so to what extent? I keep hearing mixed things on this one.

 

 

[SLPPPPP]

Have you guys gotten any confirmation that the cost of the program is around $40,000. I know ISU had hidden fees so I wanted to see if anyone has verified this! Thanks!

[SouthernDrawl]

6 hours ago, GMT said:

Is this for the full time students only?

Yes, this would be the class of 2018. I thought since we will be doing different things at different times, the part time folks might want their own group?

[GMT]

26 minutes ago, SouthernDrawl said:

Yes, this would be the class of 2018. I thought since we will be doing different things at different times, the part time folks might want their own group?

Oh that's fine. I was just confirming. Haven't found anyone else from the part-time cohort yet.

[SouthernDrawl]

9 minutes ago, GMT said:

Oh that's fine. I was just confirming. Haven't found anyone else from the part-time cohort yet.

Yea, I feel like more people will start cropping up as the deadline draws nigh! Feel free to join up until the part-time group is established if you find it will be at all helpful!

[SouthernDrawl]

11 hours ago, SLPPPPP said:

Have you guys gotten any confirmation that the cost of the program is around $40,000. I know ISU had hidden fees so I wanted to see if anyone has verified this! Thanks!

I have a spreadsheet I made a long time ago, and it shows the cost at 45,000. It isn't itemized, and I may have included the cost of my prerequisites, but still good to know we were in the same ball park!

[SLPPPPP]

36 minutes ago, SouthernDrawl said:

I have a spreadsheet I made a long time ago, and it shows the cost at 45,000. It isn't itemized, and I may have included the cost of my prerequisites, but still good to know we were in the same ball park!

Awesome, thank you!!