SLP Clinical Practicum Interview Questions

As a clinical supervisor, I compiled a list of questions for SLP clinical practicum interviews. These questions are for students and SLP supervisors to utilize during their externship/internship interviews. I hope the below questions help you prepare as a student or as a supervisor for your externship/internship. Happy interviewing!

Questions Clinical Supervisors Asked During SLP Clinical Practicum Interviews:

1. What assessments are you familiar with? What assessments have you given?
2. Describe your previous experience working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
3. What age ranges have you had experience with? What is your preference?
4. How would you explain the differences between aphasia and apraxia?
5. Pick a board game and explain how you would use it as a therapeutic activity.
6. Describe an oral mechanism exam. Describe a bedside swallow exam.
7. What are some deficits you would expect to see in a patient with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
8. What is your experience evaluating and treating patients with dysphagia? Have you had any hands-on experience in this area?
9. What do you know about the controversies of oral motor exercises?
10. How do you handle negative behaviors with your clients?
11. What are you looking for in a supervisor?
12. What are your strengths/challenges?
13. Why did you choose SLP? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
14. Why are you interested in this population or facility?
15. Which clinical areas do you feel less confident in? How do you plan to address those areas going forward?
16. What class did you enjoy most and how did you incorporate information from the class into clinical work?
17. Have you found a population or therapeutic area that you are passionate about and why?

For more information on clinical supervision, read my blog Clinical Supervision for ASHA-Certified SLPs.

Questions Students Asked During SLP Interviews:

1. What paperwork is required? What is the deadline for paperwork completion?
2. How many direct hours can I expect for diagnostics? Therapy?
3. How many clients are on a typical caseload per clinician?
4. What populations are seen here? How long do patients stay on your caseload?
5. How is the team approach implemented at this site?
6. What amount of therapy will be provided specifically by me vs. other team members?
7. Describe how Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is incorporated? Is there any time worked into the schedule to address EBP or is it expected to complete this outside of hours?
8. What standardized and formal assessments do you typically use/prefer?
9. How are evaluations and therapy sessions structured?
10. What materials will I have access to?
11. Tell me your favorite things about this setting/facility.
12. Are there additional staff meetings or training? Would I be able to sit in on them?
13. What would you like me to research on my own between now and the beginning?
14. What is your supervision style? How do you provide feedback?
15. What do you expect me to be competent in by the end of the semester?
16. Do you hire Clinical Fellows (CFs)?
17. What do you want me to do if I’m struggling with a situation (e.g., difficult client, unfamiliar with the material, etc)?
18. Are there any extra expectations, such as completing a project?

Written by: Kari Lim M.S., CCC-SLP

Wow your supervisors with your report writing skills. Check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store for templates. Also check out my post Write a Great Speech and Langauge Report for more tips. For more information on clinical supervision, check out ASHA’s Supervision Requirements.