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Undergraduate Program

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Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology

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On-Campus Clinic

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We are hiring

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The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University is seeking to expand and develop new areas of clinical research to enhance our programs. We invite applications and nominations for two full-time tenure-track positions at the rank of Instructor/Assistant Professor.

The required areas of clinical research expertise are adult language disorders, motor speech disorders, voice and resonance disorders, and/or swallowing disorders. The selected candidates will pioneer the creation of a new clinical research practice in their area of expertise with collaborating partners. These practices will serve as a catalyst for the new emphasis on advanced clinical practice and research. These are nine-month appointments beginning August 2023 with possible summer funding available.

Learn more about these open positions!
View the job posting and apply!

 

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Hands-On Experiences. Expert Faculty. Clinical Opportunities.

In support of Radford University’s commitment to providing students a transformative educational experience within a community of inclusivity and empowerment, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is committed to cultivating excellence in student-centered learning and engagement. We foster innovative faculty-student collaborations and a supportive environment to inspire student success through a shared vision of inclusiveness and service within the campus community and beyond. Learn more about the Department of Communication and Sciences and Disorders.

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Preparing Students for Academic and Career Success

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100% Exam Pass Rate

The 3 year average for the pass rate of the Praxis Examination is 100%.

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Program Completion

The 3 year average program completion rate is 96%.

Top 10 Reasons

Why Radford University?

Check out the top 10 reasons why studying in the COSD program is a great choice for your future!

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Employment

The 3 year average for employment rate for graduates is 100%.

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COSD News and Announcements

  1. Waldron College hosts eighth annual Interprofessional Symposium »

    4/17/2023

    Virtual sessions added a new opportunity for distance-learning students to participate in the eighth annual Interprofessional Symposium on April 13 organized by Waldron College of Health and Human Services. Students and faculty gathered in Heth Hall for the in-person sessions and to view the virtual presentations.

  2. Radford University alum named Healthcare Hero by Carilion Clinic »

    3/9/2023

    As part of her duties as a speech-language pathologist at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Jessica Cartwright Wisman ’08, M.A. ’10, consults with other healthcare professionals caring for hospitalized adults. Recently, her actions helped save a life which resulted in her being named a Carilion Clinic Healthcare Hero.

  3. The Radford University Brain Injury Center (RUBI) organizes monthly community outings »

    3/1/2023

    The Radford University Brain Injury Center (RUBI) recently visited the Glencoe Museum in Radford, Virginia. Each month speech language pathology graduate clinicians plan and organize an outing with supervision and support from the RUBI directors. The outings aim to increase socialization and interaction of the group members with our community. 

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Student Spotlight

COSD seniors assisting in speech-language therapy sessions

Four seniors, Kelsey Patton, Madison Davis, Kalianna Brooks, and Hadrian Reeves were offered and accepted therapy assistant positions in the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic this semester. They were offered the position because of their hard work and excellence in the undergraduate COSD courses. As a therapy assistant, they collaborate with a clinical supervisor and a graduate clinician during weekly therapy sessions.

Kelsey is from Fort Chiswell, VA and states that she helps prepare materials with a graduate clinician and model social behaviors for the client that she sees. She plans to attend graduate school in SLP at Radford in the fall. Madison is from Honaker, VA and wishes to continue her education at Radford to receive her Master’s degree in SLP and return to her hometown to work with adults in the medical setting. She says, “Being in the clinic room has been so rewarding. My understanding of the material that I have learned is so much deeper, and I really enjoy seeing things that I have learned about first-hand.” Kalianna is from Clintwood, VA and plans to begin graduate school in the fall and is open to working with both children and adults after graduate school. She states, “I learned that sometimes a session may not always go as planned and it is important to have other ideas in mind and be able to think on the spot when needed.” Hadrian participates in the clinical process by helping prepare for the session, being involved in session activities, and collecting data. Hadrian is from Tazewell, VA and enjoys birdwatching and painting in her free time. 

COSD Students Anna French and Brianna Collins

Kelsey Patton, Madison Davis, Kalianna Brooks, and Hadrian Reeves '23

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Alumni Spotlight

Alumna returns to Radford University as Clinical Instructor this summer!

Shelby Sowers attended Radford University for her undergraduate and graduate coursework. She graduated with her master's of science in communication sciences and disorders in 2020 and has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for three years. Since graduation, Shelby has worked in the public-school setting, serving ages 2.5-22 years old with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to, expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, metabolic encephalopathy, and Rett’s syndrome. Currently, she works in elementary schools. She states, “I really enjoy working in the school setting because it allows me, as the therapist, to develop a working relationship with each student I serve, as well as their families, and other professionals in their immediate environment. I believe that building strong rapport with the students that you work with is a key part of productive therapy.”

Shelby serves as externship supervisor, serving two graduate students this past academic year and reports it being a phenomenal experience. She has a passion for passing knowledge between professionals and this includes graduate students. “It has been wonderful to see the graduate students grow from week one to their last week of externship. Giving them experiences and information to increase their confidence in the work they do has been extremely rewarding.” Shelby will supervise graduate students in the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic this summer. She is looking forward to a summer of growth and success, not only for the client’s attending, but the graduate students serving the clients.

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Shelby Sowers '20

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Explore More

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Student Funding Opportunities

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Faculty and Student Research Opportunities

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Frequently Asked Questions