by Susan Onuma on 2015-04-07
Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions recently announced that it is now accepting applications for a 2.25 year (9 quarter) Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD).
One of only six such programs in the nation, this is the first Clinical Doctorate program in Speech-Language Pathology being offered in the state of California.
The program will be offered online, meaning residents of states other than California can apply (with some restrictions). In addition to an on-campus orientation, students will need to come to campus for an on-campus intensive each year of the program.
This degree program is being offered for Masters-level clinicians who want to increase their depth of knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology, and want to acquire clinical research experience.
Graduates of the program will be trained for positions such as master clinicians, clinical researchers, or university faculty. Advanced knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology, with specialized training in evidence based practice, critical thinking and leadership, legal and ethical issues and clinical problem solving will be provided to current practitioners.
As a Doctoral student, skills such as analyzing and synthesizing existing research literature as they conduct their own research in their own area of interest will be gained.
The director of the new program, Dr. Darin Woolpert, is excited about the opportunity it presents for speech-language pathologists: “Current clinicians are extremely limited in their ability to upgrade their credentials, especially if they are not interested in becoming full-time students again. The SLPD program at Loma Linda University is designed to have a flexible course load so students can work at their own pace. While this is the only program of its kind in the western United States, we are hoping to enroll students from coast-to-coast.”
More information is available at the program website: http://www.llu.edu/slpd/
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does an SLDP degree compare with a PhD degree?
The SLDP is not as rigorous as a PhD degree. Our program provides all the training and skills needed to conduct clinical Research but does not have the scope of a PhD. This means that it is much more manageable with regard to time commitment (most PhD Degrees take 5+ years as a full-time student to complete.)
What is the course load like? How long does it take to complete the program?
The SLPD program is designed to be 2 courses per academic quarter, for 9 quarters (2.25 years) with a total of 53 Graduate Units. We can, however, accommodate students who wish to take courses at a more measured pace.
What is the program like? Is there a dissertation required?
The first year is primarily made up of core content courses. In the second year, the Capstone sequence begins. The Capstone Project (sometimes referred to as a Applied Dissertation) is a written manuscript in publishable form, documenting a research project designed and carried out by the student. It is comparable to a dissertation, but less ambitious in scope (dissertations typically consist of multiple studies).
How many students do you accept each year?
This varies depending on the strength of the applications we receive, as well as the availability of faculty to mentor in a given area of interest. In order to ensure the quality of the program, we will be restricting the number of students we admit (at most, 8 per cohort).
When is the application due for Fall 2015 acceptance?
The deadline for applications is June 1, 2015.
Is admission rolling?
No. Screening of applications will not begin until after the deadline; the best applicants will be contacted to set up an interview, sometime in late June.
Is the program traditional (face-to-face), online, or hybrid/blended?
Aside from orientation and a few onsite intensives, it is 100% online.
Are there residency restrictions regarding who can apply?
Due to legal restrictions created by some state governments, only students from certain states are eligible for the program. For the current list of allowed states, please see http://www.llu.edu/central/assessment/distance-education.page?
How much does the program cost? Will there be funding available?
The program is projected to cost approximately $20,000. per year ($40,000. total). We hope to have funding available to students in their second year to assist with conducting research, but there is no definite internal funding.
Is this program accredited by ASHA?
No. ASHA does not currently accredit SLDP programs.
Why should I pursue an SLDP degree?
The SLDP is beneficial to individuals who wish to take on a role as master clinicians, clinical educators, clinical administrators, or who wish to conduct their own independent research. For more information, see the results of ASHA’s report on Clinical Doctorates in SLP: www.asha.org/uploadedfiles/2012-Repoort-SLP-Clinical-Doctorate.pdf
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