Observation Hours

Observation hours are not required as part of the OSU undergraduate major in Speech and Hearing Science. 

Many MA-SLP programs require clinical observation before entry into their programs; however, the OSU program does not and instead provide this experience in the first term of the MA-SLP program. There are currently no clinical service observation requirements for audiology.

Observation or shadowing hours offer a great experiential learning opportunity. While we don’t require our undergraduate students to have these hours to graduate, we do encourage students to observe or shadow clinicians in a variety of evaluation and treatment services across the lifespan and practice settings. Exposure to the field can help strengthen educational goals and make connections from SHS course content. 

How to obtain Observation/Shadowing hours:

• SPHHRNG 3360, Clinical Observation in SLP and AUD 
  • We offer a virtual observation opportunity through SPHHRNG 3360, a 3-credit hour course. This course is offered autumn, spring, and summer semesters and will result in 25 hours of guided observation.
    • graded S/U
    • can be used to fulfill free elective hours, but is not part of the UG major
• Observing/Shadowing a Clinician on your own time
  • Many students will contact local clinicians or those they may know personally and make arrangements to observe and track their hours
  • Students can use the following forms to stay organized:

• Regardless of the mechanism used for tracking, students should be sure to document the following:
  • observation date
  • site name and location of observation
  • amount of time observed in minutes
  • type of service observed (i.e., treatment or evaluation)
  • type of client observed (adult/adolescent/child)
  • type of disorders observed (i.e., speech, language, swallowing, etc.)
  • printed name and signature of the supervising SLP
  • SLP’s ASHA number