Four Tips for Applying to Medical Speech Pathology Positions
So you're wanting to become a medical speech pathologist? Have you heard that it's nearly impossible to land a medical position? Or that you should "just take the first job you get"? Maybe you're down about the lack of callbacks you've received, or maybe you're in analysis paralysis and don't know where to start.
Guess what? I've been there! Read on to dive into a few of my top tips for applying to medical positions.
Create a Job Log
Sounds simple enough right? But things can get messy and unorganized fast if you start applying to numerous positions. Entering my clinical fellowship year, I applied to over 100 jobs. Using a job log not only helped me stay sane but also helped me become more efficient with the application process. A job log can help you stay organized and land your dream medical position!
Quick Steps
Create a chart or spreadsheet listing following:
Location name
Job description (ex. float, PRN, etc.)
Values/Mission statements of potential employer
Contact information
Your username and password
Date applied
Date followed up on
Tip: Follow up with potential employers in intervals. For example, if you applied but haven't heard back, reach out the recruiter to check your status. Make sure that you mark the date on which you did this on your log for future reference and follow ups.
Relocate
If you're able to broaden your range of job applications, the probability of obtaining a medical position quickly increases. Entering my clinical fellowship year, I applied to jobs all over the United States. The process of applications will be dependent upon what's most important to you. For me, working in acute care was the most important thing, which is why I applied to any medical position throughout the United States. I recommend sitting down and writing out what's really important to you. Is it working in the NICU? Or maybe you want to work in acute care but wouldn't mind working in skilled nursing if you could live somewhere warm. Take time to get really specific about what you want.
No Job Posting? No Problem!
Is there a hospital or facility that you're dreaming of working at? Maybe this location doesn't have any speech pathology positions posted at the time that you're applying. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to reach out to the employer anyways! Yes that's right - even if there's NO job posting, still reach out. Try to get in touch with the lead SLP or DOR to express your interest in working with their team. Provide your information and if you're able to, request to come shadow for a day. Some SLP teams are in desperate need of help but due to logistics, don't have a job posting up. This could be due to hiring freezes, procedural regulations, to name a few possibilities. You taking the time to reach out could be the perfect opportunity for a new position to become available. I've seen this happen for both friends and colleagues, and if nothing else, it allows you the opportunity to connect with other healthcare professionals.
Network
Last but most certainly not least, networking. This happens to be my favorite of the four tips. I find that networking brings the opportunity to learn, build relationships, and improve our field. Through use of social media, networking has never been easier. Interested in pediatric feeding and swallowing? Showcase your knowledge on your professional Instagram account! Are you a voice expert? Create a YouTube channel showing other SLPs your expertise! Join medical SLP Facebook groups to engage with SLPs worldwide. In these groups you will be privy to job postings but can also use these platforms to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in various areas of the field. Linkedin is another great place to connect with potential employers.
Local speech pathology groups are another great networking opportunity. You can often find these on Facebook, online, or by contacting local hospitals or universities. By joining a local speech pathology group you will have the opportunity to meet other SLPs in your area and participate in educational conversations pertaining to the field. If you find that there is not a medical speech pathology group in your area - start one! This can present a wonderful opportunity for you to help other SLPs connect and increase access to evidence-based information.
I hope this blog post was helpful!