Date

Fall 2021

ESRP 9000 Professor

Gina L. Peyton

ESRP 9001 Professor

Gina L. Peyton

Executive Summary

In late March 2020 higher education institutions across the United States closed its campus doors and moved to a virtual format. The COVID-19 pandemic preceded to impact all sectors of higher education, including graduate programs in speech-language pathology. Graduate schools in speech-language pathology rely greatly on their ability to deliver relevant, focused, evidence-based clinical education experiences for their students. The research indicates that clinical education pre-COVID-19 pandemic is no longer viable, while a need for skilled speech language pathology services is substantially increasing. This strategic research project was designed to propose effective solutions for a graduate speech language pathology clinical education program to move forward productively in a post-COVID-19 environment.

This study provides a detailed analysis of the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on clinical education and future healthcare providers. More specifically, analysis conducted determine effective solutions and strategies for a clinical education program grow meaningfully to prepare the next generations. A solution of expanding the telepractice clinical model is presented including the rationales for selecting this based on an analysis of the pros and cons of each solution. An in-depth analysis of stakeholder engagement is proposed as a key strategy to achieve the recommended solution. An action and evaluation plan are provided to assist clinical education programs with implementation. It is recommended that clinical education programs select solutions with minimal barriers due to the compounding effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on students, faculty, and community members.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Language

English

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