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The Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education (ACCEs) at the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) serve as the vital link between clinical placement sites and the School, acting as the liaison among the Clinical Educators and Student Clinicians. Any questions or concerns from Student Clinicians or Clinical Educators should be directed to this individual.

ACCEs are responsible for organizing, coordinating, and assessing the clinical education components of the speech-language pathology and audiology programs. Additionally, they are responsible for the following:

• Securing, coordinating, and managing all aspects of clinical placements.
• Acting as a resource for both Clinical Educators and Student Clinicians throughout their placements.
• Orienting Student Clinicians to clinical and professional preparatory resources.
• Disseminating information regarding placement expectations, goals, clinical competencies, and required documentation.
• Offering support to both the Clinical Educator and Student Clinician throughout a placement.
• Assigning a pass/fail grade to the Student Clinician at the end of the placement.
• Addressing and resolving any issues or concerns that arise during a clinical placement. 

Each Clinical Educator plays a crucial role in fostering a student's clinical and professional growth. By dedicating their time and expertise, Clinical Educators demonstrate a strong commitment to both their profession and to clinical education. Their collaboration is essential in providing meaningful clinical placements and valuable learning experiences. In turn, Clinical Educators find professional fulfilment and benefit from this experience.

Clinical Educators must be:

• A member of their provincial regulatory College
• A College member in good standing
• Possess the equivalent of two years of full-time clinical experience in the specific clinical area in which they are providing the clinical experience.
• Adhere to the guidelines in the

An essential aspect of the Clinical Educator’s role includes the assessment of a Student Clinician’s clinical competencies. This process helps identify strengths and areas for development for the learner.

The Clinical Educator is responsible for the following:

• Organizing a clinical placement for the Student Clinician, which offers a diverse range of clinical experiences while aligning with the specific needs and requirements of the clinical site.
• Communicating or designating a contact for site-specific administrative requirements, including medical and non-medical prerequisites, mask fit testing, Criminal Reference Check-Vulnerable Sector Screening, Work Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) requirements, confidentiality agreements, and affiliation agreements with ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾.
• Providing or arranging an orientation to the clinical site for the Student Clinician.
• Demonstrating clinical procedures relevant to the populations and clinical experiences offered.
• Supporting the student in developing clinical education goals based on the stage of the placement, expected competency growth, and available clinical experiences.
• Maintaining consistent communication with the Student Clinician and providing ongoing updates and feedback on their progress throughout the placement.
• Assessing the Student Clinician’s clinical skill development, offering constructive feedback, and completing mid-term and final assessments.
• Fostering open communication with the ACCE, keeping them informed of the Student Clinician’s progress and bringing forth any issues that may arise in a timely manner.
• Facilitating the Student Clinician’s self-assessment of their clinical skills through critical reflection and guiding their transition toward greater clinical independence.
• Modelling professionalism and mentoring Student Clinicians in the development and refinement of their professional attitudes, behaviours, and identity.

Student Clinicians are advised that each clinical placement supports their clinical and professional competency development. Student Clinicians are expected to demonstrate respect and professionalism in all interactions, including with their Clinical Educators, patients, intra- and inter-professional colleagues, administrative team members, and peers.

Student Clinicians must be aware that the primary responsibility of sites and clinicians is to serve patients. The clinical education process should not in any way negatively affect the quality of patient outcomes. 

The Student Clinician is responsible for:

• Ensuring all medical and non-medical requirements are current and valid, in order to participate in a clinical placement.
• Completing required onboarding and preplacement requirements in a timely manner, including providing documentation to clinical placement sites upon request (i.e., immunization records)
• Reviewing and following all clinic policies and procedures.
• Enthusiastically engaging in the learning process.
• Preparing for their clinical placement in advance by integrating foundational knowledge from academic courses and readings and reviewing relevant clinical test batteries and protocols.
• Cultivating their curiosity and researching evidence-based practices related to their clinical placement.
• Developing entry-to-practice competencies required for successful program completion and professional practice.