[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Jaime Hannan
Date: 19 Oct 2010
Time: 06:47:43 -0500
Remote Name: 74.83.213.115
Jennifer, thanks so much for writing. To follow up on the caseload question just a little bit...I totally agree with Scott! What I also found is that it really depends on the setting and what you want to do and how you feel you do the best therapy. I realized quickly in my schooling that I was really liked to be able to see my clients for a longer period of time. That is quite difficult to do in many schools; however, you can find schools that have more SLPs and smaller caseloads...you just have to look closely (and also realize that these schools may specialize in students with autism, students with learning disabilities, etc.). I have many friends who are SLPs in the school and they do amazing work. Clinical settings may allow you to see smaller caseloads because you see your clients for a longer period of time each time you see them. That is the type of setting that I am in now - I work 40 hours per week, and see about 33 clients each week for an hour each. Hospitals are also different, especially if you are in a more acute setting, where everything changes day-to-day. I think one of the most beneficial aspects of my schooling was that I had placements in areas that I did not think I would like/or were not what I thought I was eventually do as an SLP. At first, it was really stressful, but looking back I learned so much...and most importantly I found other areas of the field that I learned to love and enjoy...it's all about the experiences. You may not know what population you want to work with until you are actually out in the field. Enjoy the journey and feel free to contact me and Scott with any more questions! Jaime.