University of New Hampshire
Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Observation Hours Requirement
All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 15 observation hours
to satisfy the department’s observation hour requirement. Students are responsible for
locating potential observation sites and maintaining documentation of completed observation
hours.
Observation hours may be accrued as part of a course and/or by observing at the UNH
Speech-Language-Hearing Center (SLHC) or at any number of off-campus settings
(e.g.: schools, hospitals, private practice). Students may acquire observation hours at any
location, provided you observe an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist
(CCC-SLP or CCC-A). If you have questions about the appropriateness of a potential
observation site, you should speak with your advisor.
Regardless of the setting, the Department expects students to respect client/patient
confidentiality, be flexible in accommodating unexpected changes in plans, and dress
appropriately.
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain documentation, including signatures, for any and all
observations completed during his/her undergraduate studies. The original Observation Log
must be placed in your academic file. Without this documents your advisor will not have the
required evidence to verify that you have satisfied the 15-hour observation requirement.
Please see below for additional information about the observation requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need to accrue observation hours?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requires applicants for
certification in speech-language pathology to complete a minimum of 25 observation hours.
While observation hours generally precede direct clinical interactions, ASHA no longer requires
students to accrue all 25 hours prior to beginning supervised clinical experiences. However, as
you explore potential graduate programs, you should take note of how many observation hours
are required prior to the start of your clinical training.
How many hours do I need for graduation from UNH?
The Department requirement is completion of a minimum of 15 hours.
Where can I observe?
You can observe at any number of settings/sites, including the UNH Speech-Language-Hearing
Center. Other settings include medical, educational, private practice, or early intervention.
Regardless of the setting, you must observe an ASHA certified SLP/Audiologist for the
observation hour/s to count. It is your responsibility to confirm that the professional you observe
holds ASAH Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
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How do I locate potential observation sites?
To assist students with identifying local sites, the department will make every effort to keep an
up-to-date list of possible speech-language pathologists/settings to contact. This list is by no
means intended to be exhaustive or to limit options as to settings or speech-language
pathologists to observe.
Do observations completed for courses count towards the 15 hours?
Yes, as long as you are observing an ASHA certified SLP or audiologist or a graduate student
clinician under the direct supervision of an ASHA certified SLP/audiologist.
May I complete all of my observation hours from a single course?
Yes. If you take an independent study and/or participate in the clinical assistantship program
(COMM 736), all of your observation hours may be applied to the 15-hour requirement.
How do I document my observation hours?
Complete an entry on the Observation Log (see the Undergraduate Handbook or web site for a
copy of this document). The SLP or Audiologist you observe must sign the log and include
his/her ASHA number.
If you complete observations for an academic course, there might be an additional requirement
(to document your observation time) beyond the standard Observation Log. Regardless, you
should include an entry on the Observation Log.
What if I watch multiple sessions on any given day at the same setting?
If you were to observe multiple sessions you may make a single entry on your Observation Log.
Depending on the setting, you would likely enter “varied” for either age and/or case type.
University of New Hampshire
Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Observation Log
Student: Mary Senior
Date
Course
Site
(if applicable)
Case Type/
Disorder
Adult
(16 yrs. > )
Length of
Observation/s
or
Pediatric
10/16/10
COMM 635
Prof. Issues
UNH
SLHC
Articulation
Pedi
1 hr.
2/23/10
n/a
North
Elementary
varied
pedi
4 hours
3/10/10
n/a
Hampton
Rehab.
dysphagia
aphasia
adult
1.5 hrs.
Instructor
and/or
SLP/A's
signature and
ASHA #
Amy S. Plante,
MS/CCC-SLP
# 1234567
School
SLP/CCC-SLP
Betty SLP,
CCC-SLP
# 987654
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Who signs the Observation Log if I observe a graduate student at the UNH SLHC?
When observing at the UNH SLHC you should complete an Observation Report form and have
the graduate student sign at the bottom. You may then have the supervisor or your academic
advisor sign the Observation Log. The Observation Report provides documentation that you did
in fact observe the session.
What do I do with my Observation Log?
Once you have satisfied the observation hour requirement (minimum 15 hours), present your
Observation Log to your advisor for his/her signature. Submit the original document to Maria
Russell (181 HH) for inclusion in your academic file. We strongly suggest that you retain a copy
of the signed Observation Log for your own personal file.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Protocol for Student Observers
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) requires that student clinicians
accrue 25 observation hours as a component of certification requirements. You must complete
15 observation hours to meet the requirements for the BS degree in Communication Sciences &
Disorders at UNH. Hours may be collected by direct observation and/or viewing videotapes.
You are encouraged to view a variety of therapy and/or diagnostic sessions to complete this
requirement.
Observing at the UNH Speech-Language-Hearing Center
Observing clients is a department requirement as well as a privilege. We
appreciate our clients’ willingness to allow student observers as part of our
training mission. Please remember that UNH is a small community and there
could be occasions when you may see a client you have observed in a class, in
the dining halls, or in the dorms. We have a responsibility to protect the privacy
and respect the confidentiality of any information shared during a therapy
session. With this in mind, please read and follow these observation guidelines.
1.
The clients you are observing have a communication disorder/difference. The
information they share may be sensitive. Do not betray any confidences by discussing
the clients, their problems or their lives with outsiders. Do not discuss them in public
places.
2.
If you have signed up to observe a session and learn that the client is someone you
know, you should not observe that session.
3.
Names are to be kept confidential. If you complete an Observation Report form indicate
the client by initial or first name only. You should use an alias for any write up of the
session you submit for class.
4.
Parents and relatives are often in the room. While some parents are comfortable
discussing their child’s program, others are not. Please do not discuss the client or ask
questions unless the family initiates the discussion.
5.
Most therapy sessions begin on the hour. Schedule observations when you can be
punctual. If you are early, the student clinician may have a few moments to discuss the
case before the session begins. After the session, please wait until the clinician is
finished speaking with the client/family to approach her/him for signature. The signature
of either the graduate student clinician or supervisor is acceptable for the Observation
Report; for the Observation Log, the signature of the person holding ASHA CCC
(supervisor) is required.
6.
Appropriate dress is required when observing at the UNH SLHC. For example, short
skirts, athletic shorts, cut off shorts, tank tops or other unprofessional attire are not
permitted sentence. Often you will be sitting in the observation room with parents,
relatives, personal care attendants, or other community members. Since you represent
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the University, your dress and communication skills should be appropriate to this
professional setting. If a supervisor feels your attire is not acceptable, you will not be
permitted to observe.
7.
Food or beverages are not permitted in the observation rooms or video viewing room.
8.
Even though the clients cannot see you, they may hear you through the glass. Avoid
laughter, loud talking, etc. and whisper when possible.
9.
No more than 2 student observers should be in an observation room. If there are more
than 2 people in the observation room, you should ask/may be asked to observe the
session via our closed circuit system (Hewitt Hall 156).
10.
The Clinic Master Schedule and observation sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin
board outside of Hewitt Hall, room 148.
Observing Off-Campus
1.
When you observe off campus, you represent UNH, the Department of Communication
Sciences and Disorders, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Please dress appropriately for the observation setting.
2.
When contacting potential sites, identify yourself, your affiliation with the university, and
the reason for your call.
3.
Be punctual for all appointments.
4.
Confidentiality requirements noted above remain relevant.
5.
Be prepared for the unexpected. It is not uncommon for a speech-language pathologist's
schedule to change due to clients/patients cancellations, required attendance at a last
minute meeting, family emergencies, etc.
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