Practicum
An essential component of graduate training in Clinical Psychology is a practicum experience, which provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom training in an actual field setting, under supervision, and gain new skills. The Clinical Director works with graduate faculty and students throughout the practicum process, initially by providing leads, position openings, and contacts in local organizations. Students have the opportunity to provide input about the clinical site at the end of the practicum experience.
There are two criteria for an opportunity to meet the requirements of a clinical practicum:
- The experience must be related to the student's degree objectives, and
- The site supervisor needs to be a specialist in clinical psychology programs.
Clinical Practicum students work with other psychologists and practitioners in the field, while working under the direct supervision of their graduate faculty supervisor. Students are required to work a minimum of 500 hours in an approved practicum site to earn 6 credits (usually two semesters which may be scheduled during the summer semesters of Year 1 and 2, or during the fall and spring semesters of year 3).