Pediatric Dysphagia Speech Pathology Fellowship

Pediatric Dysphagia Speech Pathology Fellowship

The one-year pediatric dysphagia Speech Pathology Fellowship Program is a full-time, 12 month experience (approximately August to August) consisting of clinical and research training in the assessment and treatment of:

  • Pediatric dysphagia
  • Pediatric neurogenic cognitive and language disorders
  • Pediatric developmental speech and language disorders

What You Need to Know

Training
Additional Learning Opportunities
Schedule
Qualifications
Application
Contact

Training

Fellows will be trained in the rationale and use of the following:

  • Pediatric dysphagia evaluation
  • Pediatric speech and language evaluation
  • Interpretation of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies
  • Development and implementation of an evidence based dysphagia treatment plan
  • Development and implementation of an evidence based speech/language and cognitive treatment plan
  • Passy Muir Valve readiness assessments

Additional Learning Opportunities

  • Weekly multidisciplinary team conference on the inpatient rehab unit
  • Attend educational meetings and lectures
  • Inpatient rounding dependent on caseload
  • Involvement in an evidence based practice department initiative related to caseload
  • Involvement in patient care conferences and school re-entry meetings
  • Observation of FEES
  • Observation in dysphagia focused clinics
  • Observation with NICU SLP

Schedule

The fellow will spend approximately 20 hours per week on inpatient units focused on training in neurogenic cognitive and language disorders as well as dysphagia evaluation and treatment. The fellow will spend approximately 20 hours per week with the outpatient department focused on training in developmental speech and language evaluation and treatment, as well as dysphagia evaluation and treatment.

The fellowship is designed to include completion of all required clinical hours and training to meet ASHA CF requirements for the certificate of clinical competence.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Completion of Master’s or Doctoral degree in Speech Pathology/Communication Disorders by hire date
  • Completion of coursework in dysphagia
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective communication of information and positive interpersonal skills
  • Ability to function in an interdisciplinary environment
  • Completion of a student externship/practicum in an inpatient setting (adult or pediatric)
  • Completion of a student externship/practicum with dysphagia experience (adult or pediatric)
  • In addition, the fellow will provide:
    • Proof of valid provisional Ohio licensure in Speech Pathology or proof of eligibility for Ohio licensure (with proof of application), by hire date
    • Clinical Fellow registration with the American Speech Language Hearing Association in Speech Language Pathology, or documentation of current ASHA CCC, by hire date

Application

Please send the following application requirements via email or mail to the contact listed below by March 1st:

  • Cover letter with contact information
  • Summary of your career goals (1 page)
  • Curriculum Vita (include anticipated graduation date)
  • 2-3 Reference Letters (at least one from a clinical supervisor, at least one from an academic mentor/professor preferred)
  • Current transcript (scanned/unofficial copy is acceptable)

Melanie Stevens, MS/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Department of Speech Pathology
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
700 Children’s Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
Melanie.Stevens@nationwidechildrens.org
(614) 722-3982

Any questions in regards to the fellowship can be sent to Melanie Stevens, MS/CCC-SLP, BCS-S at Melanie.Stevens@nationwidechildrens.org.

Contact

Fellowship Program Director:
Melanie Stevens, MS/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Email Melanie
(614) 722-3982

Fellowship Program Associate Directors:
Colleen Vincent, MS/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Email Colleen
(614) 722-8688

Jenny Haney, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Email Jenny
(614) 722-3981