I Chose Series
Speech-Language Pathology
Here's a typical a day in my life!
My fall externship is at Reading Hospital in acute inpatient care. This placement is primarily dysphagia focused with a mix of neuro-related diagnosis (strokes, spinal cord injury, brain injury, etc.). A typical day consists of bedside swallow evaluations, instrumental studies, Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), and evaluating/treating communication and language disorders. I have also had the opportunity to see patients with head and neck cancer, voice disorders, and tracheostomies using speaking valves.
Academically, the professors at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus, prepared us with not only the foundational knowledge, but they also given us the training through labs, cadavers, case studies, guest lectures, and experience at Moss Rehab. They have prepared us with the resources to be successful at our externships. Clinically, the first-year clinical educators prepared us to find Evidence-Based Practive (EBP) to support treatment approaches, think critically, and use our clinical judgment. The clinical educators taught us to ensure therapy was client-centered, tasks were functional, and how to document accordingly. Overall, Drexel University fosters a learning environment to help grow as a future clinician and prepares you to step out into externships with confidence.
Learn More About the University's Speech-Language Pathology Program
