M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Program Overview

New York Medical College's two-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program prepares graduates for healthcare settings with a focus on evidence-based practice. The curriculum integrates research and clinical application, including anatomy classes taught by medical school faculty. Students gain practical experience through on-site and external clinical rotations, and can specialize in Pediatric Dysphagia and Early Intervention.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at New York Medical College offers a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare graduates for a career in a health care setting. The program has a commitment to evidence-based and ethical practice in the delivery of speech-language and swallowing services. The curriculum focuses on an integration of research and clinical application across academic and clinical coursework.

Outline:

The program's curriculum includes:

• Clinical Readiness Series: A series of courses and experiential activities to prepare students to begin clinical activities in September.
• Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Processes: Taught 4-5 days/week accompanied by other clinical readiness activities to include phonetic transcription practice.
• Diagnostic Lab: Taught 4-5 days/week accompanied by other clinical readiness activities to include phonetic transcription practice.
• Anatomy classes: Taught by School of Medicine faculty.
• Inter-Professional Education (IPE) Activities: Activities with the Division of Physical Therapy.

Clinical Practicum:

The clinical practicum sequence occurs across all semesters of the program. The first two semesters of clinical work occur in the department’s on-site clinic, Boston Children’s Health Physicians Division of Speech-Language Pathology. The program offers three external rotation opportunities that occur during semesters three, four, and five.

Specialization Track:

The Specialization Track in Pediatric Dysphagia and Early Intervention allows SLP students to enroll in a comprehensive curriculum focused on the evaluation and treatment of feeding/swallowing and complex communication disorders within the framework of best practices in early intervention for medically complex young children. Upon graduation in two years, students who complete this track will receive an M.S.

Teaching:

The program faculty includes medical school faculty who teach anatomy classes. The program also incorporates unique approaches, such as:

• Clinical Readiness Series: A series of courses and experiential activities to prepare students to begin clinical activities in September.
• Overseas Elective: A 1 credit elective course that focuses on the ongoing development of clinical skills in measurement and evaluation procedures for adults with speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders in a variety of locations outside the continental United States.
• Research Experience: A 1 credit elective course that provides interested students with an option to complete a research project in an area identified by a faculty mentor.
• Interprofessional Education (IPE) Activities: Activities with the Division of Physical Therapy.
• LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Therapy) certification training: As part of the Voice Disorders course.
• FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) training: A one-day training.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They will also have completed the academic and clinical requirements for licensure in Speech-Language Pathology from the New York State Office of the Professions Division of Professional Licensing Service. The academic and clinical requirements of the speech-language pathology program meet the requirements for the Initial Certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) in New York.