Speech language pathology students offer hearing screenings to community

Becoming a speech-language pathologist is a career that requires hands-on experience within the field. Connecting with the local community especially helps speech-language pathology graduate students at Minnesota State University Moorhead refine their skills.

The SLP graduate program and Fargo-Moorhead families come together through community hearing screenings. A visit to one of these screenings includes a quick assessment of one’s hearing using an audiometer.

These screenings are commonly performed in schools and at public events. One of the larger events the students attend is the annual Big Iron Farm show in West Fargo, N.D. This event is an opportunity to see an older age group and to educate them on the importance of hearing care when working in agriculture.

Opportunities like these allow students to interact with individuals of every age. They often acquire a passion for working with people they may not have envisioned themselves connecting with.

“Performing these screenings and assisting different age groups helps you get a feel for the path you want in the future,” says Ashley Scherbenske, an SLP student.

MS in Speech Language Pathology

After learning the degree’s foundation and working with all ages, students have the knowledge, experience, and freedom to practice in their chosen environment.

“This career is flexible to your preference of the type of patients you want to work with,” says Katherine Knudson, another SLP student.

Practicing alongside community members also helps speech-language pathologists spread the word on how they can assist in a variety of settings.

“SLHS professions are unique. We can work in schools, medical facilities and private practices,” Jill Beukens, SLP professor says. “When you come into this field, you can change interests because you get those different experiences."

While hearing screenings are an integral part of the SLP student experience, they are also an important service to the community.