SLP internships are required clinical placements during CAA-accredited master’s programs where you gain hands-on patient experience under supervision. These typically last 3-12 months and help you meet ASHA’s 400 clinical hour requirement across diverse settings. While some internships offer stipends, many are unpaid training positions arranged through your graduate program.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
One of the most rewarding parts of your journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist is participating in clinical internships. These hands-on placements transform classroom theory into real-world practice, giving you the chance to work directly with patients who need your emerging skills.
During an internship, you’re placed in an actual clinical setting—whether that’s a hospital, school, rehabilitation facility, or private practice—handling the daily challenges of speech therapy assessment and treatment. Those case studies from your textbooks suddenly walk through the door as real people with unique communication needs. You’ll experience the intensity of patient interaction while receiving essential guidance from experienced clinicians who’ve walked this path before you.
Make no mistake: becoming a speech-language pathologist requires dedication, and internships are demanding. You’ll need to absorb everything you observe, model your practices on seasoned professionals, and constantly think critically about how you’ll approach similar cases once you’re independently licensed. It’s an intensive learning period, but it’s an essential experience you must master on your path to becoming an SLP.
Last Updated: November 2025
Why SLP Internships Are Essential Training
Speech-language pathology is fundamentally a clinical profession, which means your education follows the same path as other medical and therapeutic fields: extensive classroom learning combined with supervised, hands-on patient care. You can’t truly learn how to conduct a swallowing assessment or deliver articulation therapy by reading about it alone. You need to practice these skills with real patients in real clinical environments.
Every accredited SLP graduate program includes clinical internship requirements. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) mandates that programs provide supervised clinical experience of sufficient depth and breadth to meet professional standards. According to ASHA’s certification standards, you must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, with at least 325 hours at the graduate level.
These clinical hours aren’t just a box to check. They’re designed to expose you to diverse patient populations, various communication disorders, and different practice settings. Most programs require multiple internship rotations, giving you the chance to sample specialization areas and work environments. This variety helps you discover which patient populations resonate with you and which clinical setting best matches your professional goals.
Your internships also serve another critical purpose: they help you build the professional confidence and clinical judgment that can’t be taught in a classroom. You’ll learn how to handle unexpected patient reactions, adapt treatment plans on the fly, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and manage the emotional aspects of working with people facing communication challenges.
Types of Clinical Experiences
As you progress through your SLP training, you’ll encounter several types of clinical placements. Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions about which experiences to pursue and when.
Internships
A true internship is an immersive clinical placement where you take on significant patient care responsibilities under supervision. You’ll conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, deliver therapy sessions, document progress, and participate in team meetings. Internships typically last from a few months up to a full academic year, giving you enough time to develop genuine competence and confidence in your clinical skills. These placements are usually arranged through your graduate program and count directly toward your required 400 clinical hours.
Externships
Externships typically offer shorter, more observational experiences compared to full internships. These placements might last just days or weeks, and your role is often primarily observational, though some programs and sites may include supervised direct patient care depending on your training level. Externships are valuable for exploring different specialization areas or practice settings without the time commitment of a full internship. They’re particularly useful during your undergraduate years or early in your graduate program when you’re still determining your career direction.
Clinical Fellowships
An SLP clinical fellowship (CFY) is different from both internships and externships. The Clinical Fellowship Year is a post-graduation requirement where you work as a provisionally licensed SLP under the mentorship of an experienced, ASHA-certified clinician. The CFY lasts a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (or the part-time equivalent). You’re paid as an SLP during this time, but you’re not yet fully independent. This fellowship bridges the gap between your graduate training and independent practice, providing advanced mentorship in a specific clinical area.
Comparison of Clinical Experiences
| Experience Type | Duration | Responsibility Level | Compensation | When It Occurs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internship | 3-12 months | High – Direct patient care under supervision | Sometimes paid, often unpaid | During graduate program |
| Externship | Days to weeks | Low – Primarily observation | Typically unpaid | Undergraduate or early graduate |
| Clinical Fellowship | 36+ weeks full-time | Very high – Professional practice with mentorship | Paid (SLP salary) | Post-graduation requirement |
Internship Logistics: Duration, Pay, and Requirements
How Long Do SLP Internships Last?
The length of your internship depends on your program’s structure and the specific placement. Most SLP internships run between three months and one full academic year. The placement needs to be long enough for you to move beyond initial observation into competent, supervised practice. You should expect to spend enough time in each setting to feel comfortable conducting assessments, delivering various therapy approaches, and handling the administrative aspects of clinical work.
Some programs structure internships as full-time immersive experiences during summer terms or final semesters, while others integrate part-time clinical placements throughout your coursework. Either approach can effectively help you accumulate the required clinical hours and develop essential skills.
Are SLP Internships Paid?
Compensation for SLP internships varies significantly. There’s no universal standard, and whether you’ll receive payment depends on the specific internship arrangement, the host organization’s policies, and your program’s agreements with clinical sites.
Many academic internships arranged through your graduate program are unpaid, as they’re considered part of your educational training rather than employment. However, some clinical sites, particularly larger hospital systems and rehabilitation facilities, do offer stipends or hourly compensation to graduate student interns. These paid opportunities are often limited and may be competitive, frequently going to students in their final year of training who can provide more independent patient care.
Don’t let the lack of payment in some internships deter you from pursuing the best learning experiences. The clinical skills and professional connections you gain are invaluable investments in your future career. That said, if you find a paid internship that also offers excellent training, that’s certainly a bonus worth pursuing.
Medical SLP Internships
According to 2022 ASHA data, over 40% of practicing SLPs work in educational settings (though this percentage may fluctuate slightly year to year), and a substantial number work in medical environments such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and acute care centers. A medical SLP internship takes place in one of these healthcare settings rather than in schools or private practices.
While the certification requirements for medical SLPs are identical to those for school-based therapists, the work environment presents distinct challenges and opportunities. In medical settings, you’ll work with different patient populations (stroke survivors, traumatic brain injury patients, individuals with swallowing disorders), collaborate with physicians and nurses, navigate complex insurance and billing systems, and often deal with more acute and medically fragile cases. If you’re considering a hospital or healthcare career, completing at least one medical internship during your graduate program is essential.
Can Undergraduates Do SLP Internships?
True clinical internships involving direct patient care aren’t typically available to undergraduate students, even those majoring in communication sciences and disorders. The knowledge base and skill set required for supervised clinical work really demand graduate-level training.
That doesn’t mean you can’t gain valuable exposure to the field as an undergraduate. Many students find volunteer opportunities, shadow practicing SLPs, or work in non-clinical roles (office assistant, therapy aide, caregiver) at organizations that offer speech therapy services. These experiences won’t count toward your 400 required clinical hours, but they’re excellent for confirming your career choice, strengthening your graduate school applications, and building professional networks in the field.
Finding the Right SLP Internship
Your career in speech-language pathology benefits enormously from securing high-quality internship placements. Start researching options and building connections as early as possible in your graduate program.
Working With Your Graduate Program
Your first and best resource for internship placement is your graduate program’s clinical coordinator. Since internships are a required component of every accredited program, your school has established relationships with local hospitals, schools, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. They’ve negotiated agreements, trained supervisors, and successfully placed students in these settings for years.
Most programs assign internships based on your progress through the curriculum, your expressed interests, and available openings at partner sites. You’ll typically have some input into your preferences, though you may not get your first choice for every rotation. Trust that your program wants you to have diverse, high-quality experiences that prepare you for certification and licensure.
Pursuing Independent Opportunities
Sometimes you might want to intern in a setting your program hasn’t worked with before, or you might want to complete a placement in a different geographic area. Your professors and clinical coordinators are usually supportive of these goals, but you’ll need to do more legwork to make them happen.
Many clinical facilities welcome student interns. They value the extra support and enjoy contributing to the next generation of SLPs. However, smaller organizations might not be familiar with the requirements for supervising graduate students, so you may need to educate them about the process and help facilitate the necessary agreements between the site and your university.
Check job listings on the ASHA website or general employment boards. While these listings might not specifically advertise internships, look for organizations hiring entry-level SLPs. These employers are in the market for less experienced clinicians and might be open to discussing internship arrangements. Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to clinics or hospitals in areas where you’d like to work, even if they haven’t posted internship opportunities.
Making the Most of Your Internship Experience
Internships are time-limited opportunities. You need to approach each placement with intention and a commitment to learning as much as possible. Your attitude and professional behavior significantly influence how much you’ll gain from the experience.
The Right Mindset
Think of yourself as a low-maintenance, high-value team member from day one. Be the person who arrives early, stays late when needed, and never complains about assignments. Nobody at your internship site owes you anything. They’re taking time away from their regular responsibilities to mentor you. Your goal is to make them want to include you in interesting cases, share their hard-won wisdom over lunch, and serve as a reference when you’re job hunting.
Practical Success Strategies
Here are concrete ways to maximize your internship experience:
- Learn everyone’s name immediately – From the receptionist to the department director, knowing names shows respect and helps you integrate into the team quickly.
- Show genuine enthusiasm – Your supervisors can tell when you’re truly interested. Ask questions, take notes, and express appreciation for learning opportunities.
- Respect professional boundaries – Don’t overstep your role as a student. Always defer to your supervisor’s clinical judgment and follow facility policies.
- Set daily learning goals – Before each shift, identify one or two specific skills or knowledge areas you want to develop that day.
- Be flexible – Accept any task willingly, whether it’s organizing materials, sitting in on assessments, or helping with documentation.
- Prepare thoroughly – Review patient files before sessions, research unfamiliar disorders, and practice explaining concepts clearly.
- Seek feedback actively – Don’t wait for formal evaluations. Regularly ask your supervisor for specific feedback on your clinical skills and professional development.
- Reflect on experiences – Keep a journal documenting interesting cases, challenging situations, and lessons learned. This reflection deepens your learning.
Remember that everyone at your site went through the same training process. They understand the challenges you’re facing and want to help you succeed. Most experienced clinicians genuinely enjoy mentoring students and will invest in your development if you demonstrate commitment and professionalism.
What Comes After Your Internship
Completing your internships doesn’t mark the end of your training journey. After your final internship and master’s degree, you’ll still need to complete your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) before achieving full ASHA certification.
During your CFY, you’ll work under the mentorship of an ASHA-certified SLP for at least 36 weeks. This is paid, professional work, but your supervising clinician will guide your development and evaluate your readiness for independent practice. Think of the CFY as an extended internship at a higher level of responsibility.
Even after completing your CFY and earning full certification, your first few years as an independently practicing SLP will continue your learning. Most employers understand that newly certified clinicians need ongoing mentorship and will structure your caseload accordingly, starting you with more straightforward cases as you continue to build confidence and competence.
The experiences you gain during your graduate internships form the foundation for everything that follows. Whether you’re handling a challenging patient interaction or adapting a treatment approach, you’ll draw on the real-world lessons learned during these clinical placements. Treat each internship as the valuable dress rehearsal it is for your future career in speech-language pathology.
Ready to start your first professional position? Learn how to prepare for an SLP interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many clinical hours do I need for SLP certification?
ASHA requires a minimum of 400 supervised clinical clock hours for certification, with at least 325 hours completed at the graduate level. These hours must include experience with diverse populations across the lifespan and various disorder types. Your graduate program will track your hours and ensure you meet all requirements before graduation.
Can I choose where I complete my SLP internships?
Most programs let you express preferences for internship placements, but assignments depend on available openings, your progression through the program, and the need for diverse clinical experiences. Your program will work to accommodate your interests while ensuring you gain experience across required settings and populations. You can sometimes arrange independent placements with program approval.
What’s the difference between an SLP internship and clinical fellowship?
An internship occurs during your graduate program and is part of your educational training, while a clinical fellowship (CFY) is a post-graduation requirement lasting at least 36 weeks. During internships, you’re a student under close supervision. During your CFY, you’re employed as a provisionally licensed SLP with more independence but still receiving mentorship from a certified clinician.
Are SLP internships typically paid or unpaid?
Compensation varies by placement. Many academic internships arranged through graduate programs are unpaid since they’re considered educational experiences. However, some hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and larger healthcare systems offer stipends or hourly pay to student interns, especially those in their final year of training. Paid internships are competitive, but they are available if you search actively.
When should I start looking for SLP internship opportunities?
Start researching internship options early in your graduate program, but most programs handle placement coordination for you. If you want to pursue an independent or out-of-area internship, begin conversations with your clinical coordinator at least 6-9 months before your desired start date to allow time for necessary agreements and approvals.
Do I need a medical SLP internship if I want to work in schools?
While not mandatory, gaining experience in both medical and educational settings during your graduate program is highly valuable. ASHA requires diverse clinical experiences across settings and populations. Even if you plan a school-based career, a medical internship experience strengthens your skills and keeps your career options flexible. Some SLPs change settings throughout their careers.
What should I look for in a quality SLP internship?
Look for placements with experienced ASHA-certified supervisors who enjoy teaching, diverse patient populations that challenge you to grow, opportunities for hands-on practice (not just observation), regular feedback and mentorship, and exposure to the setting or specialization you’re interested in pursuing. The quality of supervision matters more than the prestige of the facility.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Key Takeaways
- SLP internships are mandatory clinical placements during your master’s program, where you complete at least 325 of your required 400 supervised clinical hours at the graduate level.
- Internships typically last 3-12 months and involve hands-on patient care under supervision, while externships are shorter observational experience,s and clinical fellowships occur post-graduation.
- Your graduate program arranges most internship placements through established partnerships with local hospitals, schools, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.
- Compensation varies—some internships offer stipends or hourly pay while others are unpaid educational experiences, but the clinical skills gained are invaluable for your career.
- Success in internships requires professionalism, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a commitment to learning from experienced clinicians who are investing their time in your development.
- After completing internships and graduating, you’ll still need to finish a 36-week Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) before achieving full ASHA certification and independent practice.
Ready to Start Your SLP Journey?
Explore accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs that offer diverse internship opportunities and prepare you for a rewarding clinical career.