Practicum Orientation and Guidelines

Introduction to Practicum Experience

  • Presented by Laura Bucknell, Clinical Director for CDIS

  • Location: Schrock Speech Clinic, Lee Hall, 2nd Floor

  • Involvement in practicum placements

Support for Practicum Experience

  • Key individuals involved:

    • Durans (Practicum Placement Team):

    • Sharon Durant

    • Sierra Durant

    • Other Faculty and Supervisors:

    • Christina Dudsworth (Calypso and Castle Branch requirements)

    • Dr. Shalat, Dr. Eutapa, Dr. Evelyn, Ms. DeBrie, Laura Bucknell, Ms. Sherman (Standifer)

    • Dr. Lignow (Audiologist)

Logistics of the Clinic Facility

  • Location Details:

    • Clinic located on the 2nd Floor of Lee Hall

    • Ample parking available:

    • Street parking in front

    • Parking lot in front of the CUB (typically not overcrowded)

  • Access to the Clinic:

    • Elevator and stairs near the parking lot entrance

  • Clinic Layout:

    • Waiting Room where clinicians meet their clients

    • Health screening protocols before therapy:

    • Temperature checks

    • Questions about illness exposure

Therapy Room Details

  • Structure of Therapy Rooms:

    • Windows for visibility

    • Independent thermostat for personal comfort

    • Shades for moderating temperature and light

  • Observation Rooms:

    • Separate small rooms for parent observation

    • Requires pre-approval for students to use these spaces

  • Client confidentiality maintained (door must remain closed during sessions)

Storage and Material Access

  • Lockers available for personal belongings (require personal locks)

  • Materials Library:

    • Managed by Graduate Assistants (GAs)

    • Variety of assessments and therapy materials available

    • ID required for entry and material checkout

    • Students advised to bring ENMU ID (can be created through the portal if not received)

  • Checkout Procedures:

    • Encourage same-day checkout and return for commonly used materials

    • Materials must be cleaned and disinfected before returning

Clinical Documentation and Requirements

  • Importance of Client Records:

    • Use of binders for client work samples and data collection

    • Binders are secured and must not leave the building

  • Clinical Education Goals:

    • Focus on developing skills for quality service delivery

    • Emphasis on professional conduct and appearance

Dependability Expectations for Students

  • Punctuality required for all clinical activities and appointments

  • Timely completion of clinical assignments:

    • SOAP notes, progress reports, evaluations

  • Personal business must be conducted outside of clinical times

Personal Appearance Standards

  • Restrictions on strong scents (perfumes, hairsprays)

  • Clothing guidelines:

    • Clinic uniform (EMU Polo)

    • Black/tan pants and closed-toe shoes

    • Name tag provided by the clinic

  • Donations accepted for uniform sizes through the coordinator

Spring Semester Clinical Requirements

  • Important Dates for Spring Semester:

    • Semester starts: January 12; Ends: May 8

    • Orientation dates: January 7, 8, 9

    • Martin Luther King Day (January 19) and President's Day (February) Observed

    • Midterms and Spring Break: Scheduled

  • Requirements to prepare before orientation:

    • Complete Castle Branch requirements

    • Fingerprinting procedure required for student placement

  • Fingerprinting Information:

    • Supports background checks for clinical practice

    • Requires Social Security card, driver’s license, and New Mexico address for clearance

Information for Clinical Activities Planning

  • Time Allocation for Clinical Activities:

    • Therapy planning (2-3 hours/week in the beginning)

    • Clinical documentation (1-2 hours/week)

    • Supervisor meetings (1-2 hours/week)

  • Practicum Packet Importance:

    • Documents clinical education consistency with knowledge and skill levels

    • Requirements for ASHA standards for supervisors

  • Acknowledgment of assessment practices and preparation for evaluations

ASHA Supervisor Verification Requirements

  • Eligibility criteria for supervisors include:

    • Minimum of nine months post-certification practice experience

    • Coursework requirements for supervision

  • Importance of checking supervisor eligibility in future external placements

Additional Resources Available on Campus

  • Library resources and longer checkout periods for materials

  • Facilities in Lee Hall for relaxation and studying

  • Locations for group work and use of study space available in the lounge

  • Free student accounts for developing therapy materials using lesson picks

Closing and Questions

  • Invitation for questions about practicum experiences and requirements

  • Emphasis on securing necessary materials and documents before the semester starts