As an undergraduate, students will participate in a clinical internship (CD 495) and complete 25 observation hours (CD 290).
As a part of the graduation requirements for the Master's degree, each student will complete two types of clinical experiences, Internship (CD 590) and Externship (CD 591).
Required Documentation for All Internship/Externship Courses
- Criminal Background Check - must be updated yearly
- Proof of recent physical examination - must be updated yearly
- Professional Liability Insurance - must be updated yearly
- Negative TB skin test (must be updated yearly) or chest x-ray (must be updated every 2 years)
CD 290 – CLINICAL OBSERVATION
This course is designed to introduce students to the experience of clinical observation in the field of communication disorders. All aspects of observing clinician and client behaviors will be addressed. Students will obtain the required amount of hours of observation necessary for certification. Exposure to clinic policies and procedures will be highlighted.
CD 495 – CLINICAL INTERNSHIP (Undergraduate) 
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to use the skills they have acquired in pre- and co-requisite courses to provide therapy to individuals with communication disorders. Thereby, the student will experience the connection between theory, and practice, as well as begin to develop effective clinical skills. Students will provide therapy at the Clinical Education Complex and/or other campus locations under the supervision of ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologists employed as WKU Clinical Supervisors.
CD 590 - CLINICAL INTERNSHIP (Graduate)
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to work with clients experiencing more acute or complex communication disorders and prepare to begin the clinical externship experience.
The Clinical Internship (CD 590) is completed under the supervision of WKU faculty. At least 25 hours must be earned during the Internship. Before being given a grade for CD 590, the CD Department must have written documentation that 25 observation hours have been completed at the undergraduate level. If the hours were not completed at the undergraduate level, they can be completed while enrolled in CD 590 or other coursework at WKU.
There is an exception to the enrollment sequence for students who completed their undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders at WKU during the year in which they begin graduate study. These students may be eligible to complete one section of CD 591 prior to CD 590. Campus students in CD 590 will be expected to be available for service delivery at the WKU Communication Disorders Clinic from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. Distance Learning students must successfully complete CD 590 before they will be eligible to enroll in CD 591 - Clinical Externship.
Distance Learning - Web students click here for additional information regarding on-campus completion of CD 590.
Distance Learning - UFT students click here for additional information regarding site information for completion of CD 590.
