by Mariah Sparacio, Senior Recruiter at Epic Special Education Staffing
At Epic Special Education Staffing, we believe that every career journey is as unique as the individual embarking upon it. For those forging a path in the field of Speech Language Pathology (SLP), your Clinical Fellowship is an important stepping stone towards the next stage of your professional adventure. With many different settings available, it can be challenging to select the one that resonates with your passion and aligns with your career aspirations. We’re here to help you navigate this decision by highlighting the benefits of choosing a school setting for your clinical fellowship.
As a trusted employer of dozens of school-based speech therapists across the nation, including clinical fellows, Epic appreciates the enormous value of providing speech therapy to students. Our clinicians have the privilege of assisting students with diverse language disorders, fostering their communication skills to succeed both academically and socially.
So, why should you consider a school setting for your clinical fellowship? Here are some of the key benefits.
SLP Clinical Fellowship: Benefits of a School Setting
1. Diverse Experience and Skill Development
Choosing a school setting provides Clinical Fellows (CFs) the unique opportunity to become multi-skilled and cater to a wide array of age groups and populations. As a school-based CF, you will work with children from preschool through high school, each with their unique developmental milestones and challenges. You will gain exposure to a variety of language disorders such as speech sound disorders, fluency disorders, language delays/disorders, feeding/swallowing disorders, and more. This invaluable experience will refine your professional expertise and contribute to your growth as an empathetic, effective speech therapist.
2. Predictable Schedule
In the dynamic world of healthcare, a predictable work schedule is a luxury. A school-based clinical fellowship offers this rarity. Once the school year kicks off, your work schedule settles into a stable rhythm that aligns with the length of your contract. Most schools across the nation operate from Monday to Friday, leaving your nights and weekends free. This not only provides stability but also allows you to manage your personal life effectively. You can plan vacations, family visits, or simply enjoy your peaceful nights at home without the stress of sudden shift changes common in hospitals and clinics.
3. Job Security and Nationwide Opportunities
In an ever-changing job market, the demand for school-based speech language pathology therapists continues to soar. Pursuing a clinical fellowship in education equips you with a high-demand skill set that offers both job security and endless opportunities nationwide. Regardless of where you decide to build your career, your skills as a school-based SLP will always be in demand, paving the way for a successful, fulfilling professional journey.
Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Even as we unpack the benefits of school-based clinical fellowships, we also acknowledge that every path is unique. That said, the school environment offers some unparalleled advantages for budding Speech Language Pathologists. Your interests might lead you to consider diverse work settings, yet we believe that a school setting, especially during your Clinical Fellowship, could serve as the springboard for a meaningful and rewarding SLP career. Here at Epic, we are committed to providing the support you need at every step of your journey. Ultimately, success is not only about choosing an environment, but also about aligning your passion with the impact you wish to create. And in a school setting, this impact reverberates through the lives of countless students, shaping their future and yours alike.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Interested in exploring the school-based SLP opportunities at Epic Special Education Staffing? We have a multitude of roles available across the country, designed to suit various career goals and lifestyles. Browse through the current job openings on our website or download our mobile app to find jobs and set up job alerts.
