Which of the following best describes the requirement for clinical experience for a SLP intern?

The requirement for clinical experience for a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) intern is accurately captured by the need to accumulate at least 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience. This figure is essential as it ensures that interns have practical experience in delivering speech-language pathology services under the guidance of qualified professionals. Accumulating these hours helps interns develop their skills, apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, and gain the necessary competencies to provide effective client care.

The 400 clock hours are typically divided among various areas, including direct client contact and observation, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the field. This requirement is mandated by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) and is foundational for certification purposes.

Other options outline aspects that might enhance an intern’s training or experience but do not meet the specific requirement for clinical hours. For instance, having prior experience in SLP or completing a course on clinical methods would certainly benefit an intern but does not replace the necessity of hands-on clinical experience. Similarly, being mentored by an SLP for a year is not a standard requirement for internship placement but rather a possible aspect of professional development after obtaining licensure.