ABSTRACT

Purpose: A systematic and detailed practicum operation framework is essential to enhance the quality of clinical practicum in institutions training SLP and providing professional rehabilitation services for individuals with communication disorders. This study aimed to analyze the current status of clinical practicums at speech-language pathology education institutions in Korea and to develop an appropriate practicum model. Methods: This study was conducted in a stepwise manner to develop standardized guidelines and criteria for on-campus clinical practicum operations. The preparation phase began in March 2022, followed by the development of survey items on practicum status from September 2023 to January 2024. A comprehensive on-site evaluation of clinical practicum operations was carried out from February to March 2024, and finally, the development of practicum standards and operational guidelines was undertaken from April 2024 to January 2025. Results: A total of 33 speech-language pathology education institutions were analyzed, excluding 4 programs out of the total 37 institutions revealed that all had on-campus practicum facilities. These facilities were systematically organized, with designated spaces per trainee, treatment room setups, monitoring systems, and additional facility space. Notably, individual treatment rooms were a primary component, and the adoption rate of observation rooms and real-time monitoring systems was also relatively high. Based on these findings, an integrated practicum model was proposed encompassing physical space, environmental setup, system operations, and documentation management, presenting a clinical practicum model suitable for the educational context in Korea. Conclusions: This clinical practicum model aimed to improve the quality of on-campus practicum experiences, strengthen the systematization and professionalism of practicum operations, and ultimately contribute to the systematic enhancement of clinical competencies and professional capabilities of speech-language pathologists in Korea.