First-Ever Master’s Degree SLP Graduates Achieve 100% Exam Pass Rate, Begin Careers in the Field

Piedmont University’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program celebrates a milestone: its inaugural Master of Science graduating class has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on both comprehensive and national Praxis licensure exams. Even more impressively, 10 of the 12 students have already accepted job offers and are poised to begin making a clinical impact immediately.

“This outcome reflects the dedication, resilience, and excellence of our students, faculty, and the entire support network behind this program,” said Dr. Megan E. Cuellar, Program Director of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

Cuellar praised the graduating class for setting “the gold standard.”

“Your commitment to academic and clinical excellence, along with your collaborative spirit, has shaped the future of this program,” she said. “You are building a legacy that future cohorts will follow with pride. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey.”

Faculty, staff, and university leadership were also recognized for their integral roles in the program’s success.

“Piedmont’s passion for creating a high-quality, student-centered program is the foundation of our success—and we’re just getting started,” Cuellar said. “This moment is a powerful milestone in our growth, and we look forward to continuing to build one of the Southeast’s most dynamic and effective graduate programs in speech-language pathology.”

About the Program

The best people to speak about the program are the students themselves.

“I have had the opportunity to work directly with both children and adults at the Piedmont University Speech and Language Clinic, allowing me to gain practical experience. The Piedmont CMSD Program provides external placements in diverse, real-world clinical settings that are carefully chosen to expose us to a wide range of experiences. These placements allow us to work with various client populations, helping us expand our skill set and become well-rounded clinicians,” said Lauren English. “The staff at Piedmont are top-tier and want to see their students succeed.”

“Entering into this program was the best decision! I am receiving an education that is individualized, where you are seen as a person,” said Madison Adams.

“Through this program, I have learned valuable life lessons such as professional communication, adaptability, and the importance of collaboration,” said Chelsea Jordan. “The hands-on experiences, supportive faculty, and challenging coursework have helped me grow not only as a future clinician, but also as a person. From this program, I now feel confident in my ability to advocate for clients, work as part of an interdisciplinary team, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care.”

Piedmont University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a growing, high-demand program based in Demorest, Georgia. The program also offers a five-year bachelor’s-to-master’s track, allowing students to complete both degrees in an accelerated timeline. Learn more at piedmont.edu/program/speech-language-pathology-ms.

About the Clinic

Located on Piedmont’s Demorest campus, the Piedmont University Speech and Language Clinic is a state-of-the-art facility serving patients of all ages. The clinic offers evidence-based care for communication and swallowing disorders, and its university affiliation ensures patients receive the most current, research-informed treatments. For more, visit piedmont.edu/piedmont-speech-therapy.

Piedmont University Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program’s inaugural Master of Science graduating class.