Practicum & Internship
Each of the degree programs in the Counseling Division require clinical practice rotations in the form of practicum and internship (P/I). Supervised field experiences (i.e., practicum and internship) are crucial developmental steps in one's professional preparation. Students concentrate their experiences in community mental health centers, community agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, in city, county, or private schools, higher education settings, or various settings. These clinical experiences are intended to assist students in the integration of knowledge learned in other academic experiences as well as to develop their clinical skills.
Requirements for sites vary by program emphasis area. It is the responsibility of the student to:
- follow established procedures for application and enrollment in Practicum/Internship and their associated course(s),
- to be familiar with site policies at their clinical placements,
- to follow expectations and policies outlined by the counseling program and the P/I manual,
- to know program requirements, licensure/certification requirements, and
- complete all forms by stated deadlines.
Regardless of program area, all practicum and internship experiences are governed by the Practicum and Internship Manual. The manual is required reading for all practicum and internship candidates across Master's and Doctoral counseling programs. Additionally, all students entering both practicum and internship must have completed requirements (e.g., orientation for P/I by the program, submit current liability insurance, and submit any other required paperwork) prior to practicum or internship class attendance. (Note: if paperwork is not submitted on time, then it could mean that the student is not able to complete their placement that semester).
For a list of all forms and paperwork for Practicum and Internship, please click here:
Clinical/Fieldwork Forms can be found here>.
Please be mindful that personal professional liability insurance must be active and current throughout the duration of field placements. Documentation of liability insurance is required before starting at your site. School Counseling students must also complete all necessary security clearance procedures before working on school sites with children.
School Counseling students are subject to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background checks. Information regarding this is a College of Education and State mandate. Other sites may also require criminal background checks. Students entering the program with criminal histories should consult with credentialing agencies and state licensure boards to determine how such issues may impact their ability to become certified and/or licensed in their respective areas.
Coordinator
Claire Dempsey, Ed.D.
Ball Hall 100B
901.678.2841
mcwllams@memphis.edu