We spoke with Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP Interim Department Chair/Program Director, about the recent changes in the Speech-Language Pathology department.
Q: What’s new in the SLP department?
A: We’re very excited to finally be wrapping up our fall and busy getting prepared for spring semester. Spring is when we do a lot of our missions, meetings and that’s really why I wanted to talk to you today, to let you know about some changes that have gone on, good changes for the program.
Q: Is the SLP program fully accredited?
A: Yes, we are a fully accredited program now. We transitioned from candidacy to full accreditation. We got great marks from the accreditors that came to visit us last year because they really felt we had a strong classroom and clinical experience for graduate students.
Q: Are there any new standards in the program?
A: After careful consideration of the new standards that are to be applied to speech pathology in 2020 – in addition to reviewing a ton of undergraduate courses and our own curriculum – we’ve decided to reduce the number of prerequisite courses required from our applicants. Those will be posted on our website if they aren’t already.
Q: What are the details of the new undergraduate clinical observation experience?
A: After a successful pilot program last summer, we are fully implementing an undergraduate clinical observation experience in the Speech Language Institute, that’s our on-campus clinic here at Salus. So juniors and seniors that are CDS majors can apply and come to Salus for an afternoon or morning experience. So you’ll get to see a variety of clients we see in our clinic in addition to seeing how Salus works for our graduates students once they arrive. The only caveat is that you can’t be an applicant for that program.
Q: How can we contact you?
A: As always, if there is a question that you have, please feel free to email me directly at rserianni@salus.edu. Thanks, and we hope to hear from you soon.
