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Speech-Language Pathology
When Jenna Nurick ‘26SLP was in high school, she wasn’t sure whether she wanted to be a teacher or go into medicine.
“My grandma said, ‘I know a field that would be good for you. Let me show you what it is,’” said Jenna.
Etta Lee Nurick, PhD, was then what was labeled a “speech teacher” rather than a speech-language pathologist, which better defines the profession. So, she guided her granddaughter in the direction of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP).
And, it stuck. Jenna Nurick is in the first year of the Master of Science SLP program at Salus at Drexel University, and she loves it.
“When I got to Salus for my interview, the entire faculty and students were happy and excited to meet potential new students, and the way they interacted felt so supportive. The faculty wanted the students to succeed. That felt like home to me,” said Jenna.
Her grandmother is pleased her granddaughter is following her footsteps into the SLP profession.
“I was thrilled when she decided on this profession, but I tried to hide it until she was really certain about what she wanted to do,” said Dr. Nurick.
Originally from Philadelphia, Dr. Nurick eventually moved to Lower Merion Township. She earned a degree in elementary education from Temple University, followed by a master’s from Temple, getting certified in Special Education from Penn State along the way. She then received her doctorate in Educational Administration from Temple. For years, Dr. Nurick worked for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in Norristown, Pennsylvania, before retiring.
Jenna, originally from Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State. While she has only been in the Salus/Drexel SLP program for a short time, she has already picked up a wealth of knowledge about the profession, according to her grandmother.
“The courses at Salus have really impressed me,” said Dr. Nurick. “I supervised for a number of years and then I was a program administrator. In observing speech, I think I can tell what constitutes quality therapy, and I believe that Jenna is getting a diverse education from the Salus program in such a short period of time.”
Jenna shared that when she was growing up, she didn’t fully understand what her grandmother did professionally. Despite the changes and evolution in the SLP profession over the years, the two can “speak the same language,” and Jenna can always turn to her grandmother for advice when necessary.
“We talk about how things have changed and if I’m looking for evidence-based practice on something, she’s always there to help me,” said Jenna.
Although she has a lot of schooling left to go, Jenna would eventually like to work in an outpatient setting with adults who have had traumatic brain injuries or strokes.
“I didn’t think initially that I wanted to work with adults,” said Jenna. “But a great thing about the Salus program is that it allows you to see it all. I’ve been exposed to treating pediatrics, adults, feeding, swallowing . . . a lot of different things. And, I’ve always been someone who worked with kids. That’s what I thought I was going to end up doing.”
According to Dr. Nurick, Speech-Language Pathology is a great profession and communities need SLPs to work with both pediatrics and adults. She has a tremendous amount of pride and satisfaction that her granddaughter is going to be one of those SLPs helping those in need.
“I love it. Jenna really has helped the family to understand the scope of my knowledge within the profession,” said Dr. Nurick.
