Experiences of Hispanic/Latine Graduate Students in UNCO’s Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs within a Hispanic-Serving Institution Context: Qualitative Thematic Analysis from a Moderated Focus Group

Existing literature has examined workforce diversity in healthcare as a factor that may shape patient rapport and the delivery of culturally responsive, patient-centered care. Given the increasing demand for audiologists (AuDs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with diverse and multilingual backgrounds, it is important to understand how graduate programs prepare students to serve linguistically and culturally diverse populations. This qualitative study examines the experiences of Hispanic/Latine graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), a recently designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The study explores students’ perceptions of training, support, and experiences in serving diverse populations. Using a qualitative exploratory design, data were collected through a moderated focus group with four graduate students (two SLP and two AuD students) who self-identify as Hispanic/Latine. The focus group was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, in which transcripts were systematically coded to identify recurring patterns and themes related to institutional support, program and cohort dynamics, coursework, and clinical experiences. Key findings resulted in four main themes: Limited Hispanic representation; cultural and linguistic responsibilities and challenges faced by Hispanic and Latine students; navigating cultural bias; and opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) training. Although limited by a small sample size, this exploratory study seeks to inform institutional, departmental, and program-level practices that support equity and inclusion in CSD graduate education and strengthen the preparation of clinicians to effectively serve linguistically and culturally diverse populations.