About the Speech-Language Pathology Program

The Speech-Language Pathology Program envisions a transformative educational experience that cultivates skilled, compassionate and innovative clinicians dedicated to enhancing communication and swallowing abilities across diverse populations. Our program aspires to lead in the integration of applied research, clinical excellence and evidence-based practice to address the evolving needs of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

We aim to foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, cultural competence and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our graduates will emerge as leaders in the field, equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to deliver personalized, client-centered care. Through robust academic instruction, hands-on clinical training and community engagement, we seek to empower our students to make meaningful contributions to the field of speech-language pathology and advocate for individuals’ needs at both local and global levels.

Our vision is to be at the forefront of shaping the future of speech-language pathology education and practice, driving advancements in therapeutic techniques, technology integration and policy development. By nurturing a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, we prepare our graduates to excel in diverse settings, promote accessibility and drive positive change in the lives of those they serve.

The Speech-Language Pathology Program will effectively realize its vision of producing highly competent and forward-thinking clinicians who are prepared to lead and make a meaningful impact in the field of speech-language pathology by implementing the following strategies:

Curriculum Development and Enhancement

• Integrate Advanced Content: Continuously update the curriculum to include the latest research, technologies and methodologies in speech-language pathology. Ensure coursework reflects contemporary issues and evidence-based practices.
• Foster Critical Thinking: Incorporate problem-based learning, case studies and clinical simulations that encourage critical analysis and innovative problem-solving.
• Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Develop courses and projects that involve collaboration with other healthcare disciplines, such as audiology, dietetics and occupational therapy to provide a holistic understanding of patient care.

Clinical Training and Practice

• Expand Clinical Partnerships: Strengthen and diversify partnerships with clinics, hospitals, schools and community organizations to provide a wide range of clinical experiences.
• Implement Simulation Labs: Utilization of simulation labs where students can practice diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in a controlled, supportive environment.
• Emphasize Cultural Competence: Ensure clinical placements offer exposure to diverse populations and incorporate cultural competence training into the clinical curriculum.

Research and Innovation

• Encourage Faculty and Student Research: Support and fund research initiatives that address current challenges in speech-language pathology and contribute to the body of knowledge.
• Integrate Research Findings: Ensure that recent research findings are incorporated into coursework and clinical practice to keep the program aligned with cutting-edge developments.

Community and Professional Engagement

• Develop Community Outreach Programs: Create opportunities for students to engage with the community through screenings, partnerships and recruitment initiatives.
• Foster Professional Development: Provide access to continuing education, professional conferences and networking opportunities to support lifelong learning and career advancement.
• Promote Advocacy: Encourage students and alumni to participate in advocacy efforts to influence policy changes and improve access to speech-language pathology services.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Implement Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly collect feedback from students, faculty and clinical partners to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct Program Evaluations: Perform comprehensive evaluations of curriculum, clinical training and faculty performance to ensure alignment with program goals and industry standards.
• Adopt Best Practices: Stay informed about accreditation standards and best practices to maintain high program quality and meet or exceed industry expectations.

Technology Integration

• Leverage Telepractice: Incorporate telepractice into the curriculum and clinical training to prepare students for remote service delivery and expand access to care.
• Utilize Advanced Tools: Integrate innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools into the training program to ensure students are proficient with the latest technologies.

• The UAMS Speech-Language Pathology Program was the first graduate program for speech-language pathology in the state of Arkansas.
• The program is a full-time five semester program consisting of two fall, two spring, and one summer semester.
• The program provides highly supported clinical supervision to students beginning in the first semester through our in-house clinic.
• Our in-house clinic provides a wide array of clinical opportunities across diverse populations (e.g., aphasia, child language, cognition, social communication, spoken sound disorders, literacy, accent management and voice).
• Our program provides diverse experiences by utilizing the clinical resources of a major medical sciences campus and a large range of clinical sites located in the central Arkansas area.
• The curriculum is designed to emphasize the science of speech, language and swallowing; the acquisition of knowledge about human communication disorders; and the study and practice of methods for evaluation and treatment.
• Our clinical labs support acquisition of skills and application of knowledge in a structured

We have active affiliations with over 70 offsite facilities and are always working to expand new opportunities for our students. All our clinical affiliates provide graduate clinicians with evaluation and treatment experience under the direct supervision of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-certified preceptors with a one-to-one student to preceptor ratio.

1: Some of the sites that are further from the program’s location may be used due to the proximity of the site to student’s home and/or because they provide the opportunity to meet a student’s specific needs.

Our program follows a rigorous schedule with expectations of classes and/or clinic every weekday. The typical schedule for a speech-language pathology student includes classes on three days and clinic on three to four days.

During the first year, students have most courses during the day and gain clinical experience at our university clinic. During the second year, student complete clinical rotations at offsite facilities during the day on Monday through Thursday and attend classes in the evenings and on Fridays.

Students are engaged in didactic learning and clinical practicum every semester to facilitate integration across the scope of knowledge and skills. The curriculum in considered “lockstep” for the most part as every student takes the same courses in the same order with a few exceptions.

Offsite rotations are individualized to each students needs and interests.

The entire curriculum takes five semesters to complete.

The Speech-Language Pathology Program admits a cohort of 24 students each August. Student can choose to complete a formal master’s thesis or an applied research experience.