Clinical Practicum (Placements)

Placement Expectations

You will have four community-based clinical practicum experiences over the course of the program. It is encouraged for three of the four clinical practicum experiences to be in different settings. One MUST be in a school-based setting. All students must participate in a school placement as Emerson College is an educator preparation program and during that placement, students must earn a minimum of 75 clock hours.

ASHA requires that students gain experiences across the lifespan (pediatrics through adults). Everyone must engage in some sort of clinical learning with adults either through the Simucase platform or through a placement site. 

Clinical placements are selected to ensure that students have experience with a variety of:

  • Ages
  • Severity levels (mild–severe)
  • Disorders
  • Evaluation and treatment
  • Cultural/linguistic diversity

Interprofessional Practice (i.e., collaborating with OTs, PTs, school psych, etc.)

  • Medical sites are not a requirement, but sufficient clinical opportunity with adult clients is required. If you have an interest in this type of setting, please express that through the Interest Form or with your Student Success Advisor.
  • Students confirmed with a placement will start at their placement during the second week of academic term, unless otherwise instructed by the site.
  • Students are expected to remain at their placement from Week 2 to Week 14 of the term, unless otherwise instructed by the site.
    • Students can request a two-week extension to remain at placement. If an extension is granted, students must be finished at the site prior to the start of the next semester.
  • Students are expected to attend placement at least three full days per week, reflecting whatever a full day looks like at the site.
    • Students should accommodate the supervisor’s schedule.
    • Students understand that sites/supervisors may require students to attend hours or days over and above Emerson College’s minimum.
    • Supervisors and students must engage in the placement using the same modality. In other words, either both the student and supervisor are onsite and in-person or both the student and supervisor are participating in a telepractice session. Supervisors can not supervise students remotely, while the student is onsite and in person. 
  • Students should prepare for their initial meeting with their supervisor.
  • Students should discuss their class schedule with their supervisor.
    • Students cannot miss synchronous sessions for class due to a conflicting placement schedule.
    • Supervisors understand students are completing coursework and placement simultaneously.
    • Students should be proactive in coordinating their placement schedule to accommodate for class times.

Moving during your time in the program? You must notify your Student Success Advisor and complete the Relocation Form at least 15 weeks prior to relocating in order to ensure your placement is near your new location. The Relocation Form is available on the Digital Campus.