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

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 or planned completion of a student externship/practicum with pediatric feeding/swallowing experience
  • 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

Research

Research education and training are vital to the mission of Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. As a top-ten free-standing pediatric research center and an academic affiliate of The Ohio State University, The Research Institute has an outstanding faculty, dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of scientists in pediatric research.

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Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Advocacy

Advocacy training fosters and encourages interest in child advocacy by early involvement and exposure to its many aspects such as addressing social determinants of health, community collaboration, health finance, health policy and legislative advocacy.

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Explore Our Passion for Advocacy

Application

To apply, please send the following via one email or mail to the contact listed below by March 1:

  • 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.