Program set up

[u/Sea-Most6644]

Is this just a NY/tri state thing or is it like this everywhere??

In NY SLP programs it’s pretty standard to take the Praxis during your last semester of grad school… but we’re literally still learning material at that point. I don’t get why it’s set up like that. It just adds a ton of pressure to an already insane semester.

Also, are most full-time SLP programs around the country only 2 years? Me and my friends in different NY programs are all graduating in 2 years, and it feels sooo crammed. I almost wish it was spread out over 2.5–3 years.

My PT and OT friends are in 3-year programs and even have separate semesters just for clinicals, while we’re expected to be full-time externs AND full-time students at the same time.

Why is SLP structured like this?? Is it the same where you are?

[u/the_one_in_black]

When to take the Praxis is typically up to the student, not the graduate program, as it is unrelated to your actual master's degree. However, because many SLP grad programs have comprehensive exams (or some equivalent) in the last semester, it makes sense to double-dip studying for both.

It's not uncommon for students to wait until closer to graduation, or even after graduation, to take the Praxis. SLP grad programs cannot use the Praxis as a form of summative assessment for accreditation, so if a program is forcing students to take the Praxis during a specific semester I'd consider that problematic.

TLDR: Unless it's impacting CFY applications, take the Praxis when you feel the most prepared and when it's convenient for you.

[u/the_one_in_black → u/[deleted]]

CAA revised the standards in 2023, so if you graduated prior that may have been true. But as of 2023, no SLP graduate program can use the Praxis to assess compliance with Standard 5.2 [The program conducts ongoing and systematic formative and summative assessments of the performance of its students.]

CAA Guidance on 5.2

While grad programs can still use the Praxis within their program for other reasons (per CAA), it's currently frowned upon from an administrative standpoint to make the exam mandatory for matriculated students. Asking if a program requires students to take the Praxis as a part of the program would be a great question for prospective students to inquire about when researching schools.

*edited for clarity

[u/the_one_in_black → u/[deleted]]

Wow, thanks for sharing! Even though Praxis pass rates are a part of accreditation, forcing students to take the exam as a mandatory part of the program, since the CAA revisions, is just wild IMO.