Department of Professional Development & CME at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute

Carole Kolber, Ph.D., Administrative Director, Professional Development & CME, Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center, Edison, NJ; Clinical Assistant Professor, Seton Hall University School of Health & Medical Science, South Orange, NJ
carole.kolber@hmhn.org

Pragati Duttaroy, PT, DPT, MS, Supervisor, Professional Development & CME, Director of Physical Therapy Neurologic Residency Program, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
pragati.duttaroy@hmhn.org

Ushentha Nirmul, OTD, OTR/L, Supervisor, Educational Coordination/ Occupational Therapy, Professional Development & CME, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute 
ushentha.nirmul@hmhn.org

Marianne Mohary, BA, Lead Events Coordinator, Professional Development & CME, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
marianne.mohary@hmhn.org

Kathleen DeCamp, BA, Events Coordinator, Professional Development & CME, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
kathleen.decamp@hmhn.org

Kerrian Duncan, MS, Events Coordinator, Professional Development & CME, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
kerrian.duncan@hmhn.org

Anne Eckert, Au.D., MBA, CCC-A, Administrative Director, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, JFK Acute Therapies, Center for Wound Healing & Diabetes, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, NJ. Adjunct Faculty, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ
anne.eckert@hmhn.org

Kristie R. Soriano, MS/CCC-SLP, Clinical Director of Speech, Educational Liaison for Speech Pathology and Audiology, Manager of Outpatient Speech Pathology, Adjunct Professor Kean University, Union, NJ
kristie.soriano@hmhn.org

Virginia Gural-Toth, Au.D.,CCC/A, Manager of  Audiology, Tinnitus and Balance Programs, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute; Edison, NJ
virginia.toth@hmhn.org

John Sensakovic, M.D., Ph.D, Medical Director, Infection Control and Medical Director, Continuing Medical Education, Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center

Approximately 40-45 PT students at all clinical experience levels are accepted annually. We have established clinical experience agreements with over 50 physical therapy colleges and universities throughout the country. Experiences are provided in a variety of clinical settings, including  Acute Care, General Inpatient Rehabilitation, Brain Injury, Pediatrics and Outpatient Rehab. (Additionally, we provide a limited number of clinical placements for physical therapy assistant students from local PTA programs.) In addition to the clinical learning experience, students benefit from a series of in-services developed to meet their educational needs and are also offered the opportunity to participate in specialty observations and clinics.

All placements are established with the Academic Clinical Education Coordinator and will not be provided directly to students.  For more information, please view our frequently asked questions below or contact Pragati Duttaroy, PT, DPT, SCCE at pragati.duttaroy@hmhn.org or 732-321-7737 ext 1.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

Affiliating students must complete prerequisites prior to the first day of the clinical experience.  Specific details, including forms will be provided via email approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.  

Requirements include the following:

• Student Information 
• Health Clearance requirements 
• Criminal Background Check 
• N95 FIT Testing at HMH
• Completion of online HMH orientation educational modules
• EPIC Training for EMR access (applicable settings only)

We accept approximately 20-25 Level I and Level II occupational therapy students each year from universities throughout the country. Clinical fieldwork placement is provided in a variety of clinical settings, including Acute Care, General Inpatient Rehabilitation, Brain Injury, Pediatrics and Outpatient Rehab.  In addition to the clinical learning experience, students benefit from a series of in-services developed to meet their educational needs and are also offered the opportunity to attend additional in-services with the rehabilitation team. All placements are established with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and will not be provided directly to students.

For more information, please view our frequently asked questions below or contact Ushentha Nirmul, OTD, OTR/L at ushentha.Nirmul@hmhn.org or 732-321-7737 ext 2.

Pre-Clinical Requirements 

Affiliating students must complete prerequisites prior to the first day of the clinical experience. Specific details, including forms, will be provided via email approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.  

Requirements include the following:

• Student Information 
• Health Clearance requirements 
• Criminal Background Check 
• N95 FIT Testing at HMH
• Completion of online HMH orientation educational modules
• EPIC Training for EMR access (applicable settings only)

Approximately 25-30 graduate speech students are accepted annually. It is preferable that the externship is full time and that the student will have completed at least 2 clinical experiences prior to applying. We have established clinical experience agreements with 20 graduate speech programs in the tristate area. Experiences are provided in a variety of clinical settings, including  Acute Care, General Inpatient Rehabilitation, Brain Injury, and Outpatient Rehab.  In addition to the clinical learning experience, students benefit from a series of in-services developed to meet their educational needs and also are offered the opportunity to participate in specialty programs.

Pre-Clinical Requirements 

Affiliating students must complete prerequisites prior to the first day of the clinical experience.  Specific details, including forms will be provided via email approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.  

Requirements include the following:

• Student Information 
• Health Clearance requirements 
• Criminal Background Check 
• N95 FIT Testing at HMH
• Completion of online HMH orientation educational modules
• EPIC Training for EMR access (applicable settings only)

Please view our frequently asked questions below as PT/OT/ST/Audiology student programs require the same documentation. Dress code for Speech Pathology Students on all services is charcoal gray scrubs. 

All placements are established with the Academic Clinical Education Coordinator and will not be provided directly to students. For more information, please contact Kristie Soriano, MS/CCC-SLP at kristie.soriano@hmhn.org or 732-321-7063.

Student Practicum Placements

Graduate audiology students are accepted for practicum placements. Audiology students are exposed to a wide variety of audiological procedures on a daily basis for pediatric through geriatric patient populations.  Students are provided with one-on-one supervision by experienced preceptors. All preceptors hold ASHA CCC-A in addition to New Jersey state license and have completed ASHA/AAA approved coursework on preceptorship preparing students with technical and professional skills.

Please refer to our frequently asked questions section below which pertains to the audiology student program. Students accepted into the program are expected to wear attire which conforms to a professional image.  

All placements are established with the Academic Clinical Education Coordinator and will not be provided directly to students.  For more information, please contact Kristie Soriano, MS/CCC-SLP at kristie.soriano@hmhn.org or 732-321-7063.

Pre-Clinical Requirements 

Affiliating students must complete prerequisites prior to the first day of the clinical experience. Specific details, including forms will be provided via email approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.  

Requirements include the following:

• Student Information 
• Health Clearance Requirements 
• Criminal Background Check 
• N95 FIT Testing at HMH
• Completion of online HMH orientation educational modules
• EPIC Training for EMR access (applicable settings only)

The 4th Year Doctoral Full-Time Externship Experience

Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute is one of the largest audiology programs in the State of New Jersey affiliated with JFK University Medical Center, Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. The audiology program has mentored externs continuously since the early 1990s. Past externs are now practicing at other hospitals around the country, working for manufacturers, as well as private practice.  

Audiology externs are exposed to a wide variety of audiological procedures on a daily basis. Our patients come from all walks of life, local as well as international. The age groups of our patients span from a few days old to geriatric.  

Externs are provided with one-on-one supervision by experienced preceptors. All have ASHA CCC-A in addition to New Jersey state license in audiology and have completed ASHA/AAA approved coursework on preceptorship preparing externs with technical and professional skills.

Externs will be exposed to all aspects of audiological evaluation and case management during their externship experience. This will include all behavioral audiometry techniques, tinnitus evaluations and treatment, vestibular assessments and electrophysiology measures (including frequency-specific threshold estimation by ABR). Externs will participate in hearing aid fittings, FM system selection, as well determining educational accommodations for children with hearing loss. Externs will assist in cochlear implant mapping and creating specific educational accommodations. Upon completion of training, the extern is expected to be competent in providing detailed assessment and audiologic case management of patients.

Pre-Clinical Requirements 

Affiliating students must complete prerequisites prior to the first day of the clinical experience.  Specific details, including forms will be provided via email approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience. 

Requirements include the following:

• Student Information 
• Health Clearance Requirements 
• Criminal Background Check 
• N95 FIT Testing at HMH
• Completion of online HMH orientation educational modules
• EPIC Training for EMR access (applicable settings only)

Extern Selection and Application Process

Application Packet

Applicants must submit a complete packet to be considered for the externship.  The packet must include the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate transcripts should be submitted (official or unofficial; can be sent with the packet or separate)
• Three letters of recommendation:   It is recommended that at least one of the letters of recommendation be from an audiologist who supervised a placement and can speak to your relative strengths.

The application packet should be submitted electronically to:

Virginia Gural-Toth AuD,CCC/A, Manager of the Audiology, Tinnitus, & Balance Program at virginia.toth@hmhn.org

Application/Announcement Timeline

• Position announcement is posted on AAA HEARCareers by July 15th
• Application deadline: August 15th 
• In person or virtual interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis. 
• Offers will be extended on a rolling basis

Stipends are offered to accepted externs.  At this time, the Audiology Program cannot provide travel support to applicants

For information on student clinical training opportunities, please contact

Cheryl Dougherty CTRS, CBIS, CPI
Recreation Therapy Supervisor
Inpatient Brain Injury Services
T: 908-229-0246 | F: 732-321-7921
E: Cheryl.Dougherty@hmhn.org

For information on student training opportunities, please contact 

Sara Michaud, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology
Cognitive Rehabilitation Department
T: 732-906-2640 ext. 42403 | F: 732-906-9241
E: sara.michaud@hmhn.org

For information on student internship opportunities, please contact

Pragati Duttaroy, PT, DPT
Supervisor, Professional Development & CME; PT Clinical Director/Director of PT Neurologic Residency Program
T:  732-321-7737 ext 1
E: Pragati.Duttaroy@hmhn.org

Click here for information on our Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program.

Preferred attire on inpatient (acute care, general rehab, and brain injury) services is charcoal gray scrubs. On outpatient services, slacks with a shirt or blouse are worn. Charcoal gray scrubs may also be worn on the outpatient services. White lab coats are worn when working on acute care if scrubs are not worn; however, scrubs are preferred. No jeans, open toe shoes, open heel shoes, or sleeveless shirts are allowed. ID badges must be worn by team members at all times. Socks or stockings must be worn. (PLEASE USE GOOD JUDGMENT AND WEAR APPROPRIATE ATTIRE THAT REFLECTS A PROFESSIONAL MANNER). Additional restrictions may be imposed at the discretion of the specific patient care service.

Dress code for Speech Pathology Students on all services is charcoal gray scrubs.

The name and contact information of your CI will be provided in the email that is sent to you approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.

We do not provide housing at JFK Johnson, but there are several affordable hotels in the area that provide extended stay rates.

All students must undergo a multi-state criminal background check prior to the start of the clinical experience. This CBC must be conducted no more than 6 months prior to the start of the clinical experience. A background check may be acquired through any  company that covers searches in all of the databases listed below. The databases must include the following:  

1. Social Security Traces/National Background Data (confirms past residencies)
2. Statewide Criminal Searches NJ State Police Database
3. Multistate Criminal Database Search & in particular, states of past residences
4. NJ County Criminal Searches
5. Where applicable, out of country criminal searches

**This information will be reviewed by either the college/university or the Clinical Center to determine clearance for clinical experience.

Yes. Documentation of negative 10 Panel substance abuse urine drug screen, within12 months of your start date, which includes the following:  Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine Metabolites, Marijuana Metabolites, Methadone, Methaqualone, Opiates, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene.

No, we do not require either certification.

At JFK Johnson, meals may be purchased in the Employee Cafeteria or at AuBonPain. Students assigned to the OP Cognitive Rehab or Extended Recovery Unit may purchase meals at the onsite employee cafeteria. Students assigned to other satellite locations may bring their own lunch or go out for lunch.

Free parking is provided at all onsite and satellite locations.

Proof of COVID 19 vaccination as well as booster is required in order to begin the clinical experience. No exceptions will be made.

JFK Johnson and all satellites provide required PPE. In order to provide the proper size and type of N95 mask, all students must complete FIT testing through HMH prior to the start of the experience. Information on how to complete FIT testing will be provided 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.

EPIC training is a required competency training for any individual that will have access to the electronic medical records. This on-site 6-8 hour training must be completed prior to the first day of the clinical experience. Designated dates to complete training will be offered 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the clinical experience.

Documentation of positive immune status by titer for Varicella is required. Documentation of history of the disease is not sufficient.

Students must present documentation that he/she is free of active tuberculosis prior to their start date. Two previous negative tests must be dated within a year of the start date.

Situation	Required Testing
No previous Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)/Mantoux Test result	Two-step baseline TSTs
Previous negative TST/Mantouux result (documented or not) >12 months before start of fieldwork	Two-step baseline TSTs
Previous documented negative TST results < 12="" months="" before="" start="" of="" fieldwork="" />	Single TST needed for baseline testing; this test will count as 2nd step.
> 2 previous documented negative TSTs, but most recent TST > 12 months before start of fieldwork	Single TST; two-step is not necessary.
Previous documented positive TST/Mantoux result	No TST
Previous undocumented positive TST/Mantoux result	Two step baseline TSTs
Previous BCG vaccination	Two step baseline TSTs
or
In lieu of a 2 step TST/Mantoux test	QuantiFERON-TB Gold test or IGRA test result within one year

Chest x-ray for those with positive P.P.D.'s or at the option of the examining physician and documentation of evaluation by a physician on an annual basis.