When a district cannot find an experienced speech-language pathologist, a new graduate in their clinical fellowship (CF) year is often the best candidate available. Many are excellent. But a CF comes with supervision requirements, and a district that hires one without a plan can end up with a frustrated clinician and a fellowship that does not count.
What the clinical fellowship is
After graduate school, new SLPs complete a supervised clinical fellowship before they can earn ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). ASHA's current requirements include (ASHA):
At least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours of experience. Weeks only count if the fellow works at least 5 hours that week.
At least 80% direct clinical contact.
Three segments of at least 12 weeks each.
Mentor observation in each segment: at least 6 hours of direct observation, some of it in person, and 6 hours of indirect monitoring. Check ASHA's current page for the exact in-person requirement.
Telesupervision requires approval from ASHA's certification council before the CF begins.
The mentor must hold their own CCC-SLP and meet ASHA's experience and supervision-training requirements.
Licensing in Michigan
Speech-language pathologists in Michigan are licensed through LARA. Public Act 57 of 2024 extended Michigan's educational limited license for SLPs completing their supervised postgraduate experience from 12 to 24 months, renewable once for another 12 (House Fiscal Agency analysis of HB 4101). Check LARA's current guidance when you hire, since rules change.
Michigan is also not yet part of the interstate audiology and speech-language pathology compact. A bill to join, HB 4509, passed the House in October 2025 and was referred to a Senate committee (MichiganVotes).
What makes a CF placement work in a school
A real mentor, not a name on a form
The fellow needs regular feedback, observation and someone to call about a tricky case. If your district has no CCC-SLP with time to mentor, that is the gap to fill first.
A reasonable caseload
A first-year clinician carrying an oversized caseload is a recipe for burnout. ASHA's own survey found 66% of school SLPs name workload or caseload as a top challenge (ASHA Schools Survey).
Planned observation time
Direct observation hours have to happen in each segment. Put them on the calendar at the start of the year.
Exposure to evaluations and IEP work
A good CF year includes evaluations, IEP meetings and team collaboration, not only therapy sessions.
How Anwar House of Therapy helps
We provide CF supervision for speech-language pathologists completing their clinical fellowship, so districts can hire new SLPs with the support they need. Our school clinicians are part of our clinical team in Ann Arbor and Dearborn, which means a new clinician has a team behind them. We also place experienced SLPs on site, virtually or in a hybrid model.
Frequently asked questions
Do you supervise clinical fellows?
Yes. Anwar House of Therapy provides CF supervision for speech-language pathologists completing their clinical fellowship.
How long is the clinical fellowship?
ASHA requires at least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours, completed in three segments of at least 12 weeks each.
Can a clinical fellow work in a school?
Yes, with appropriate supervision and licensing. Check LARA's current requirements for Michigan when you hire.
Looking for an SLP, new or experienced? See our school staffing services or call (734) 224-9121.
Are you an SLP looking for a school role? See careers at Anwar House of Therapy.
