Clinical Experience

To integrate classroom and clinical learning, our program offers intensive but supportive clinical experiences. Two initial in-house practica, involving work with developmental speech-language and reading problems, take place onsite under close faculty supervision in the MGH Institute Speech, Language and Literacy Center. During these two semesters, students pair-up in dyads sharing primary and secondary roles in planning and conducting evaluations and therapy with clients who have spoken and written language disorders.

These peer-pairings allow students to ease into their first clinical experiences with a greater sense of security, while also enabling them to have more experiences with a wider array of clients. Client casework is reviewed weekly at clinical case discussion groups where students present their cases for the week. Weekly seminars, also held in the Center, offer hands-on learning of clinical procedures and techniques.

A minimum of three offsite practica (some students elect to take a fourth) follow the in-house practica. Each student’s offsite practica include one school setting, one setting in which they work with adults, and one setting of their choosing. Practicum placements are individually determined through consultation with clinical coordinators to best ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

MGH Institute students enjoy priority placements at prestigious health care facilities (including Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Children’s Hospital Boston, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Boston VA Healthcare System) and schools (including Boston Public Schools and Winthrop Public Schools) in the greater Boston area and throughout New England.