Finding Their Voice: Adelphi’s New Simulation Lab Prepares Future Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathology students at Adelphi now have a way to better prepare for real-life clinical experiences: a state-of-the-art simulation voice lab.

For students pursuing a career in speech-language pathology, working with a patient for the first time can be intimidating. The nerves, uncertainty, and pressure to perform can often make these early interactions overwhelming.

To address these challenges, Adelphi University has opened the Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab, a lab designed to help students build their confidence and develop essential clinical skills before they work with patients with voice disorders.

Hands-On Learning for Speech-Language Pathology

The new voice lab employs a hands-on, experiential learning approach tailored for students in the graduate program in speech-language pathology, offered through the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences. The lab was generously funded by the family of the late Charna Caddy DiSanto, a speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor for Adelphi's speech-language pathology students from 1986 to 2006. Her family's gift represents a lasting investment in student success.

Steven Cox, PhD, CCC-SLP, associate professor and lab director, emphasized that "This clinical experience gives our graduate students specialized training in voice care that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care, equipping them with the skills they need for clinical placements focused on voice disorders."

A Way to Develop Skills Before Treating Patients

Clinical simulation, as defined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, allows students to gain valuable clinical experience through alternative methods rather than through direct patient interaction. Now, thanks to the Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab, graduate students can work with manikins, virtual reality, and simulated patient scenarios before their clinical placements involving patients with voice concerns.

"Students also earn clinical hours toward graduation, certification, and licensing while developing their clinical skills in a structured and safe environment," explained Dr. Cox.

A sense of safety is crucial, particularly for students encountering clinical work for the first time. Anne Marie Skvarla, clinic director of the Hy Weinberg Center for Communication Disorders, noted that many students report understandable feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in their initial interactions with patients.

Boosting Confidence for Real-World Experiences With Patients

Research indicates that simulated learning experiences can boost confidence, enhance interpersonal skills, and better prepare students for real-world clinical situations. Inside the lab, students participate in hands-on activities that replicate real clinical procedures and interactions. A standout experience involves using rigid and flexible endoscopes, which are thin, lighted instruments used to view the vocal folds on a manikin, a critical diagnostic skill for identifying voice disorders.

"This becomes a highlight for many students," Dr. Cox noted, adding that the lab also integrates virtual reality and computerized analysis tools to enrich the student learning experience.

Promoting Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills

In addition to individual skill-building, the lab emphasizes communication, teamwork, and collaborative problem-solving. At the beginning of each semester, students participate in an escape-room-style activity that challenges them to work together and uncover clues about a simulated patient's condition. "It helps them learn to work collaboratively as part of a team as they try to uncover important background information about their patient," said Dr. Cox.

Hands-On Learning for Communication Sciences

Very few universities across the country offer simulation labs for speech-language pathology students. The Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab distinguishes itself by providing students access to advanced technology and immersive training experiences. The establishment of the lab underscores Adelphi's commitment to experiential learning, a vital aspect of its academic strategy. By allowing students to practice clinical techniques in a controlled environment, the University ensures that they enter the field with greater confidence and competence.

Preparing Speech-Language Pathology Students for Success

Ultimately, the goal of the Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab is to ensure that students are well-prepared when they work with patients with voice concerns. "By developing their skills using clinical simulation, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat their first patient with voice concerns," concluded Dr. Cox.