By: Tammy Rosales, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHA Member

Can a Clinical Fellow (CF) or speech-language pathologist (SLP) secure a job in the medical field without experience? The short answer is yes, it's possible. However, landing a medical SLP position can be challenging. Due to liability concerns and limited training resources, hiring a clinician with minimal medical SLP qualifications can make it less likely for your resume to reach the hiring manager's desk.

I attended an online graduate program during the COVID-19 pandemic. It disrupted our education, and securing an on-site medical placement became arduous. The in-person medical placement was substituted with simulated cases. The missed opportunity was disheartening and a significant setback to obtaining valuable competencies. Before graduate school, I aimed to work with adults in a medical setting. However, I felt I was disadvantaged from other applicants without a hands-on medical placement, being a new graduate in my Clinical Fellow Year (CFY) and learning using simulated cases.

Despite the obstacles, I took proactive steps to enhance my chances. I applied for jobs, including PRN (as needed). My resume listed my simulated clinical background and any certifications we obtained as students that applied to adults. To reach more prospective employers, I submitted my resume for non-medical SLP offers to become a versatile candidate and expand my knowledge across settings. I joined numerous medical SLP social media groups and signed up for the TSHA Medical Committee.

Networking is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that can open doors you never knew existed. My connection with my mentor and current manager through social media is a testament to this. She provided critical strategies for revitalizing my resume to highlight my clinical and graduate student experiences, certifications, and licenses. I was transparent about my capabilities and immediate employment availability during our conversations. We addressed my long-term objectives to grow my skills and come in on my days off, holidays, or after-hours to observe instrumental exams in the radiology suites. I was offered a weekend PRN position, and initially it felt daunting. The position involved familiarizing myself with extensive medical terminology, understanding the implications of medical conditions, seeing patients in the emergency room, intensive care unit, and medical-surgical units, and learning the layout of a multiple-tower hospital. Nonetheless, I soon realized it was ideal for my ability level when I was hired, and being forthcoming with my manager helped us facilitate adequate training before supervision was no longer required.

To ease some apprehension, the Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) was scheduled only during the weekdays, which meant my role would expect to focus on evaluations and inpatient interventions. Moreover, this setting did not utilize the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). This reduced pressure on my feelings of being underqualified and allowed me to harness my skill and attention to other duties like the Bedside Swallow Evaluation (BSE). We must recall the hierarchy of evaluations and the foundational importance of the BSE. The BSE is more intricate than just observing eating and drinking. The assessment involves but is not limited to a cranial nerve exam, monitoring voice changes, respiratory status, administering PO (by mouth) trials, and the Yale Swallow Protocol. Therefore, to the readers, I would not have reservations about a position that promotes the precedence of solid knowledge for the BSE before jumping into a position in which expertise with the MBSS or FEES is required at the time of hire. Based on the assessment findings, not all patients will need a recommendation for an instrumental exam.

I interviewed my mentor and manager, Lindsey Wise, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss strategies for increasing the likelihood of securing a medical SLP position. She has been a medical SLP in an acute care hospital for 13 years. Lindsey works primarily on the inpatient side but assists the outpatient department as needed. She serves as the acute rehabilitation department manager and performs her SLP responsibilities. One of her duties includes overseeing the productivity of SLPs, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Lindsey is actively involved in the hiring process of SLPs, giving her unique insights into the selection criteria. During the interview, she offered guidance on structuring a resume, boosting proficiencies, connecting with SLPs in the desired setting, and focusing on integral areas related to the BSE and MBSS based on her clinical and employment history. Lindsey concluded the interview with suggestions to help clinicians gain confidence when applying for medical SLP positions that may require qualifications they have not yet obtained. The overarching goal of this interview was to support future SLPs, CFs, or current SLPs with limited or no medical experience or SLPs who have had extended time away from the field to gain knowledge, learn how to revamp their resume, and elevate confidence when applying for jobs.