Lead Future Speech-Language Pathologists as a Clinical Educator
Cleveland State University’s online Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program prepares the next generation of SLP professionals to positively impact their communities and beyond.
Guided by experienced and supportive faculty, our CSD students transform their compassion for helping others find their voice into the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong foundation for their future as speech-language pathologists.
The online CSD program is designed to prepare students through fully online coursework, an immersive residency, virtual simulations, and hands-on learning opportunities guided by clinical educators during practicum experiences.
If you're passionate about mentorship and shaping the future of speech-language pathology, becoming a clinical educator with us is a rewarding way to give back to the profession.
What is the role of a Clinical Educator?
A clinical educator is a licensed, certified, and experienced speech-language pathologist who supervises, mentors, and evaluates students during their clinical practicum. They provide support and direction, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world application with ongoing assessment of knowledge and skills.
A key responsibility of a clinical educator is fostering confidence in graduate students, particularly those who may feel uncertain as they begin their clinical training and first fieldwork experience. Clinical educators are instrumental in guiding the educational growth of future SLP and communication professionals.
Requirements to Become a Clinical Educator
Clinical Educators for Cleveland State University's Masters in CSD program will provide supervision for courses where students are expected to earn approximately either 25 or 150 hours per course.
Clinical Educators are expected to provide direct supervision. For new clinicians, supervision may be up to 100% of the student’s hours. For experienced clinicians, less supervision may be needed. In all circumstances 25% direct supervision is required.
To become a clinical educator for Cleveland State’s CSD program, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- ASHA certified
- Licensed SLP or audiologist
- 3+ years' experience as a practicing clinician
- 2+ hours of professional development in supervision and/or clinical instruction post-certification
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Clinical Educator?
If you want to make a lasting impact on future SLPs, becoming a clinical educator is a rewarding way to give back.
- Enhance Your Expertise: Grow your professional skills through structured teaching and mentorship.
- Shape Future SLPs: Play a key role in developing the next generation of speech-language pathologists by strengthening their clinical competencies.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with faculty, peers, and aspiring SLPs, building valuable professional relationships.
- Give Back to the Field: Many clinical educators find deep satisfaction in contributing to the profession and guiding emerging talent.
- Stay Informed: Engaging with students keeps you connected to the latest research, techniques, and advancements in speech-language pathology.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in supporting our students! If you, or someone you know, would like to become a clinical educator, please contact placement@onlinelearning.csuohio.edu.
Online M.A. CSD Curriculum
Prerequisite: CSD 335. Must be admitted in the MA Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This course provides supervised clinical practicum experiences in a variety of settings. Strategies and methodologies for assessment, treatment, intervention, counseling, professional practices and ethics are discussed. Maximum of six credits allowable for certification. (4 Credits)
This course provides supervised clinical practicum experiences in a variety of settings. Strategies and methodologies for assessment, treatment, intervention, counseling, professional practices and ethics are discussed. Maximum of six credits allowable for certification. (4 Credits)
This course provides supervised clinical practicum experiences in a variety of settings. Strategies and methodologies for assessment, treatment, intervention, counseling, professional practices and ethics are discussed. Maximum of six credits allowable for certification. (4 Credits)
This course is a supervised clinical practicum in a medical setting. Medical aspects of communication sciences and disorders involving assessment, treatment, counseling, billing, and coding, and other activities required in a medical setting are emphasized. (8 Credits)
Five days a week for one semester observing and teaching under the direction of a cooperating teacher and college supervisor; weekly seminar required. (8 Credits)
Frequently Asked Questions
A clinical educator is a licensed speech-language pathologist who offers professional instruction and supervision in an appropriate practice setting, playing a vital role in the students’ educational development.
- ASHA certified
- Certified SLP or audiologist
- 3+ years' experience
- 2+ hours of professional development post-certification
Clinical educators evaluate students through a combination of real-time feedback and formal evaluations, offering valuable input and guidance throughout their practicum.
Students in 539B and 539C are required to obtain 25 hours of direct client services (about 2-3 hours per week). Students in these courses require additional supervision, at least 50%, up to 100%.
Students in EST 575 or CSD 548 will obtain 150 hours of direct client services per term with at least 25% supervision.
As a clinical educator in Cleveland State’s online CSD program, you’ll receive resources before you begin and ongoing support from our team throughout your experience.
To continue your journey and learn more, you can explore e-learning courses at the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) website.
About the Program
The online Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Cleveland State University is designed to address the growing demand for SLP professionals nationwide, with a curriculum that emphasizes a community-centric approach.
Our online CSD program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver personalized care while preparing them for SLP certification and licensure. Additionally, Cleveland State offers an optional teacher licensure pathway, providing CSD students with the opportunity to expand future career opportunities.
