Pre-Clinical & Clinical Phases
How Our Programs Work
Undergraduate instruction is split into two phases: Pre-Clinical and Clinical. There are no pre-admission requirements for the department's Pre-Clinical Phase. All entering undergraduate (as well as post-baccalaureate undeclared majors) are regarded as Pre-Clinical Phase students.
Once junior-level or higher academic standing is achieved, Pre-Clinical Phase students must complete Communication Disorders (CD) courses, CD405, 410, 415, and 442 (or the equivalent at another institution), to become eligible to apply for Clinical Privileges at the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center. At the Center, a portion of the Clinical Phase of instruction will take place.
Application for the Clinical Phase is made during the semester in which the Pre-Clinical Phase courses near completion.
Completion, Evaluation, Clinical Privileges
Satisfactory completion of the Pre-Clinical Phase courses includes a grade of "B" or better in each of the four classes.
Enrollment in clinical courses (e.g., CD465, 475, 469A, 469B, or 469O) is not permitted without department approval of Clinical Privileges.
Evaluation for admission to Clinical Privileges includes a faculty assessment of academic and clinical potential, supported by letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and satisfactory completion of the Pre-clinical Phase courses.
Once Clinical Privileges have been granted, the student is regarded as a Clinical Phase student and should consult with an academic advisor to choose the area of major emphasis (Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology), determine proper course sequencing, and select prerequisites for advanced courses.
If Clinical Privileges are denied (or granted then suspended or revoked), it is possible to complete the Baccalaureate degree as a non-clinical major by substitution for all client contact courses, but permission must be granted by the faculty advisor and department chair.
Clinical Privileges may be suspended or revoked at any time should the student fail to attain a grade of "B" or better in all clinical courses. Other causes for revocation include violations of ethical conduct, disregard for conditions of state licensure regarding client care, academic probation beyond one semester or failure to adhere to the regulations and policies of the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center or the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences. (Further information on Pre-Clinical and Clinical Phase components of the department's programs is offered during scheduled monthly student orientation sessions.)
Instructions, due dates, and application forms for Clinical Privileges are available from the Communication Disorders & Sciences' department office.