Positions 

The Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship in Acute Care admits one fellow each year on a competitive basis.

Admission requirements

Prerequisites

To be eligible for this Fellowship, you must:

• Complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited graduate program prior to the fellowship start date.
• Possess foundational knowledge of adult neurogenic communication, cognitive-communication, motor speech, and swallowing disorders, including impairments associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurologic disease, neurosurgical conditions, and other medically complex diagnoses.
• Demonstrate interest and experience in the evaluation and treatment of adults with neurologic and medically complex conditions through graduate coursework, clinical practicum or externship experiences, research, and/or continuing education.
• Possess foundational knowledge of dysphagia assessment and management, including clinical swallowing evaluation, aspiration risk, diet and swallowing recommendations, and principles of instrumental swallowing assessment.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, and cognitive-communication disorders and their impact on functional communication, participation, and transitions of care.
• Demonstrate an interest in working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary acute care environment and in developing clinical decision-making skills for patients with complex and rapidly changing medical and neurologic needs.

It is beneficial to have additional training or clinical experience in:

• Acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, or other medically based adult settings.
• Evaluation and treatment of patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, neurosurgical conditions, progressive neurologic disease, encephalopathy, and other neurologic diagnoses.
• Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS/modified barium swallow studies) and/or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).
• Assessment and treatment of aphasia, motor speech disorders, and cognitive-communication disorders.
• Management of dysphagia in medically complex patients, including patients with respiratory compromise, tracheostomy, or other complex airway needs.
• Interprofessional collaboration, patient and caregiver education, discharge planning, and communication of SLP recommendations across the continuum of care.

Beneficial courses and training

The following courses or equivalent educational experiences are beneficial:

• Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP)
• Introductory training in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
• Training related to tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, and communication and swallowing considerations for medically complex patients

Admission policies

See further Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences admissions policy information.

Disability accommodations

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application experience for applicants with disabilities. If you anticipate or experience disability-related barriers when accessing or completing this application, please contact Disability Compliance Advisors at rfaccommodations@mayo.edu.

Application timeline

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission. 
• Select - Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
• Select - Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship in Acute Care
2. Complete each section of the application and submit.
3. After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
• Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
• Complete the Recommendation Request section

Additional required items

• CV/resume
• Three letters of recommendation are required and must be completed in the Recommendation Request section. Each recommender will receive an email with a link to complete a rating form and upload a letter. Letters of recommendation from professors and clinical supervisors are preferred.
• Personal statement
• Unofficial college transcripts may be uploaded in the Supplemental Items area for application purposes. If admitted, official copies of all transcripts will be required prior to the start of the program. They must be sent directly from the institution by email to mcamshs@mayo.edu.

Interview process

The selection committee carefully reviews each application. Individuals considered for an appointment are invited for a virtual or in-person interview.

Acceptance 

Candidates selected for the fellowship will be contacted by phone, followed by an acceptance letter. If you receive an acceptance letter, your reply is expected within 10 days.