Undergraduate Clinical Practicum  

Gain hands-on experience working with real clients as part of your communication disorders degree. Our undergraduate clinical practicum gives you a chance to put what you're learning in the classroom into action while building clinical skills, professional confidence, and experience that helps you stand out.

All communication disorders majors complete one semester of on-campus clinical practicum (CD402) during the fall or spring of their senior year. This course is a required part of the major and gives you structured, supervised clinical experience at SEMO’s Center for Speech and Hearing.

What You'll Do

Undergraduate practicum has three credit hours:

• 1 credit hour: Clinical seminars covering key topics in clinical work and professional practice. These are conducted during the weekly clinic meeting.

• 2 credit hours: 1-2 client therapy assignments providing therapy for two 50-minute sessions per week

During practicum you will:

• Follow treatment plans and lead therapy sessions

• Complete weekly lesson plans and SOAP clinical notes

• Communicate with clients and caregivers

• Apply evidence-based practices in therapy

• Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with standards in the field

You will be supervised by licensed clinical educators certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

Why Practicum Matters

This practicum isn't just a graduation requirement, it's an opportunity to transform your education into real skills many employers and graduate programs value:

Build Confidence & Skills

• Learn how to lead sessions and work directly with clients

• Strengthen your clinical reasoning and communication

• Practice therapy documentation and professional interactions

Stand Out in Your Career & Graduate School Application

• You'll leave with real clinical experience on your résumé

• This practicum prepares you for roles in speech-language pathology support, early intervention, educational settings and more.

• It gives you a solid foundation if you plan to pursue the M.A. in Communication Disorders 

Requirements

Because clinical placement schedules are coordinated with the Center for Speech and Hearing, this course is enrolled for you by the department rather than through normal class registration systems. Your advisor will confirm eligibility for practicum enrollment and submit your enrollment with the department and clinic coordinator.

Before enrolling, you should:

• Complete the required coursework leading up to practicum 

• Have senior standing and department approval

• Work with your advisor to plan your practicum semester and schedule