Master's Theses

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of the off-campus externship program in speech-language pathology at Fort Hays State University. This was done from both student and supervisor perspectives by evaluating student preparation for the externship experience, as well as evaluating the knowledge that students gained during their externships. Questionnaires using a 5-point Likert rating scale were sent to 40 speech-language pathology masters graduates from the classes of 1998, 1999, and 2000 who completed 8-week externships, and to 25 certified speech - language pathologists who supervised FHSU students for 8 weeks during 1998, 1999, or 2000. An overall response rate of66% was obtained. The response rate for students was 80%, and for supervisors was 49%. Responses were computed and compared using SPSS. Overall mean ratings were analyzed, and comparisons between the school and healthcare settings as well as comparisons of student and supervisor ratings were done. Overall ratings showed that students and supervisors were satisfied with the amount of knowledge that students had gained at FHSU and did gain during their externship experiences. Mean ratings fell mainly in the strongly agree or agree categories. Only a few items were rated in the neutral category, but none were rated in the disagree or strongly disagree categories. This study led to the conclusion that the speech-language pathology program at FHSU was effective in preparing students for externships as well as providing quality experiences at externship sites.

Keywords

Speech-Language Pathology

Advisor

Dr. Wilhelm

Date of Award

Fall 2001

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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