Become a Clinical Educator

Support, Shape, and Inspire the Next Generation of SLPs

St. Bonaventure University invites you to join our mission to educate compassionate and highly skilled speech-language pathologists. As a clinical educator in our distance education (online) Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program, you will have a vital role in preparing students through mentorship, supervision, and hands-on learning.

Rooted in Franciscan values, our MS-SLP program prepares students to serve with excellence through a blend of rigorous academic coursework, simulations, mentorship, and in-person clinical experiences. We rely on dedicated clinical educators to help students bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

About the Program

The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program at St. Bonaventure University is designed to reduce barriers to education and respond to the growing national demand for qualified SLP professionals.

Grounded in a Franciscan tradition that values care for the whole person, the program prepares students to deliver accessible, client-centered services, especially in underserved communities. Students are empowered to engage deeply with their education and enter the profession with purpose and compassion.

Through flexible coursework, immersive learning experiences, and a values-based approach, graduates emerge as culturally responsive clinicians equipped to serve, advocate, and make a lasting impact in the field of speech-language pathology.

What is a Clinical Educator?

At SBU, we use the term clinical educator instead of clinical supervisor to reflect the broader scope of this essential role. Clinical educators provide supervision, mentorship, feedback, and professional modeling that shape student clinicians into confident, ethical, and compassionate practitioners.

To serve as a clinical educator, you must meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2020 Certification Standard V-E:

• Hold current ASHA Certification (CCC-SLP)
• Have completed at least 9 months of full-time clinical practice post-certification
• Have completed at least 2 hours of professional development in supervision or clinical instruction after certification

You must also hold an active and unrestricted state license in the state(s) where you practice and maintain both licensure and CCC-SLP status while supervising students.

Check your status here: ASHA Certification Verification

What to Expect

Time Commitment

Students are typically placed for 15-week clinical rotations, with a formal evaluation at midterm and at the conclusion of the semester. During the clinical rotation, students are expected to which they must obtain 25–50 hours of direct client contact (depending on the site). The schedule is developed collaboratively between the student and clinical educator and is flexible to accommodate clinical site needs.

Evaluation Tools

Student progress is monitored through both real-time feedback and formal evaluations submitted through CALIPSO, the program’s clinical education platform.

Support and Resources

Clinical educators are provided with orientation materials, clear expectations, and ongoing access to a dedicated Director of Clinical Education for support throughout the experience.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Clinical Educator?

At St. Bonaventure University, we recognize that serving as a clinical educator is a significant contribution of time, energy, and expertise. Therefore, we are committed to providing meaningful and tangible benefits in return.

✓ Earn Free ASHA-Approved Continuing Education
SBU is an ASHA-approved continuing education provider, and clinical educators are eligible to receive complimentary access to CE courses as they become available. We view this as a way to support your professional growth while recognizing your investment in our students.

✓ Collaborate on Research and Scholarship
Clinical educators will have the opportunity to participate in research partnerships with SBU faculty, including scholarship of teaching and learning, clinical outcomes, and other projects that align with your interests.

✓ Professional Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
By partnering with SBU, you become part of a supportive academic community. You’ll have access to faculty development opportunities, mentorship from experienced educators, and professional networks within higher education and the broader SLP community.

✓ Access to Training and Resources
All clinical educators receive structured onboarding, access to clinical education materials, and support from our Director of Clinical Education throughout the student placement.

✓ Recognition and Documentation for Professional Advancement
We provide official documentation of your supervision experience, which can be used for licensure renewal, professional development records, or promotion/tenure packets if you’re also in academia.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who qualifies as a clinical educator?

A licensed, experienced SLP who meets ASHA’s supervision requirements and is committed to student learning and professional ethics.

Do I need a certain degree?

Yes. A master’s degree or higher in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a closely related field is required. Doctoral degrees in other areas (e.g., EdD or PhD) must be accompanied by a master’s in SLP/CSD.

What if I’m new to supervision?

That’s okay! Many resources are available, including e-learning courses through the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) to help you meet supervision training requirements.

What types of settings are appropriate for student placements?

Student clinicians may be placed in a wide range of settings, including outpatient clinics, private practices, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and telepractice environments. Sites must offer adequate supervision and opportunities aligned with ASHA’s scope of practice and program objectives.

Do I need to work full-time to be a clinical educator?

No. You may supervise students in part-time or PRN roles, as long as your caseload and schedule support the required number of contact hours, and you are available to provide supervision and feedback during student-client interactions.

Can I supervise more than one student at a time?

Yes, depending on your setting and capacity. However, each student’s placement must allow for adequate supervision and opportunities to meet their individual learning goals. Please consult with our Director of Clinical Education to determine appropriateness.

What responsibilities will I have as a clinical educator?

You will guide students’ clinical development by modeling ethical practice, providing supervision and feedback, completing required evaluations, and collaborating with SBU faculty to support student growth and address any concerns.

Do I have to complete paperwork or grading?

You will complete performance evaluations through CALIPSO, our clinical education platform. SBU faculty will provide guidance and support, and the platform is user-friendly with training resources available.

Where can I learn more about supervision and clinical education requirements?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides detailed guidance on supervision standards, best practices, and professional responsibilities. For comprehensive information, visit ASHA’s Practice Portal page on Clinical Education and Supervision.

How do I get started?

Reach out to our Director of Clinical Education at sjones@sbu.edu to express interest. We’ll guide you through the steps, including a brief site assessment and collection of required documentation.