Shadow & Volunteer
Embedded Files
Why shadow?
Why shadow?
Shadowing professionals is an excellent way to gain insight into their daily routines and responsibilities and a requirement to obtain a Bachelor's in Communication Disorders and Sciences.
Furthermore, shadowing professionals is a requirement to be accepted into graduate schools for both speech-language pathology and audiology. For SJSU you need:
10 hours of observation prior to starting your first year as a graduate student
25 hours of observation including a minimum of 10 in-person or synchronous telehealth hours prior to starting your second year as a graduate student
Keep in mind not all graduate programs have the same requirements so make sure to check the program beforehand!
If you are shadowing to receive (speech/AUD) hours, use the ASHA Certification Verification website to make sure they meet ASHA’s certification standards for supervision! Hours will not be valid if requirements are unmet.
Individuals who are certified will have this on their profile:
To keep track of your hours, consider using our department's student forms!
Why volunteer?
Engaging in relevant experiences helps develop a sense of purpose while providing valuable skills that strengthen your resume and graduate school applications. It also enriches your academic journey through service learning and allows you to explore different areas within the field, helping you to discover where your true passion lies.
Tips
Follow our guide on networking to get to know professionals in our field!
Reach out to local private practices and school districts if you are interested in gaining observation hours and pediatric experience.
Opportunities to volunteer and observe at KACCD are also available! (These are first come first serve, so make sure to sign up as soon as you can).
Joining NSSLHA and/or keeping up with department emails will introduce opportunities to engage in the department's outreach with local communities.
Local health systems and hospitals (Valley Medical Center, Kaiser, Stanford, etc.) will provide opportunities to gain healthcare experience.
Resources
Page updated
Report abuse