Over the course of the program, students will participate in five full-time (35-40 hours per week) clinical placements in addition to half-to-full day audiology placements. The particular days and times of day worked will vary according to each individual site and may include evenings and weekends. The typical schedule of SLP placements is as follows:
• Year 1, December: 2 weeks, observation only
• Year 1, March-May: ~6 weeks
• Year 2, September-October: ~6 weeks
• Year 2, January-March: ~6 weeks
• Year 2, May-June: ~8-9 weeks
Over the course of the program, students will gain clinical experience across a wide variety of organizations, including but not limited to hospitals, schools, preschool programs, children’s treatment centres, home care programs, day programs, and private practices. Placement sites have been specifically reviewed and chosen by the program. Interested sites should contact the Director of Clinical Education, Ashley Waito, at waitoa1@mcmaster.ca or 905-525-9140 ext. 27857 to request to be added to the approved list.
Students may express interest in particular, approved placement sites and they may end up getting a placement in a preferred site, but they may not. Placements are assigned using a complex algorithm that primarily balances the need to ensure that all students obtain the full range of hours required in order to be licensed to practice in Ontario.
All students sign a confidentiality agreement at the beginning of the program and must adhere to these requirements at all times, including when on placement.
Supervising a student on placement is a highly rewarding experience! All SLPs benefited from other SLPs taking them on placement when they were students and so of course want to do the same to pay it forward for the next generation. Clinicians sometimes forget how vast their knowledge is and having the opportunity to share that experience with students is a nice reminder of the immense value every SLP brings to their clients and organizations. Students also have access to state-of-the-art evidence-based information to help their supervisors continue to grow their knowledge and skills. Clinical education is a true win-win situation! For SLPs who are new to supervising, the Director of Clinical Education is happy to provide as much support as needed to help build this important new dimension to your career.
Expandable List
All evaluations are completed online through the InPlace software program, but content and instructions are as follows:
All evaluations are completed online through the InPlace software program, but content and instructions are as follows:
Students will be prepared to supply confirmation of meeting the Health Screen, Vulnerable Sector Screen, CPR Training, Mask Fit, and Health & Safety Training requirements either prior to or on the first day of each placement. Some placement sites have additional requirements (e.g., site-specific health and safety training, more frequent police checks, additional paperwork, etc.) and these should be identified in the in the initial placement offer. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about additional requirements and then ensure they have met the additional requirements prior to the start of placement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, students are adhering to the following infection control and reporting procedures:
- McMaster Vaccination Requirements
- McMaster SLP – Documentation of Infection Prevention and Control Training – July 2022 (PDF)
Below are forms relating to clinical placements:
Information Box Group
Clinical Education Handbook Download Handbook (PDF)
Provides detailed information on all aspects of clinical placements.
How Problem-Based Learning Works Learn More About PBL (PDF)
How our problem-based learning program is organized and what to expect from our students on placement.
Course Content Learn More About Course Content (PDF)
Specific details about content covered in each unit and course.