Practicum & Internship

Each of the degree programs in the Counseling Division require clinical practice rotations in the form of practicum and internship. 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, or hospitals; rehabilitation programs or companies; in city, county, or private schools; or higher education 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 courses,
to be familiar with site policies for clinical placements,
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 Clinical Practice Internship Manual. The manual is required reading for all practicum and internship candidates. Additionally, all students entering both practicum and internship must sign the "Have Read Rights and Responsibilities" located in the manual prior to practicum or internship class attendance.

Clinical/Fieldwork Forms can be found here>.

Additionally, all candidates must have personal professional liability insurance activated at the onset and through the duration of their practicum and internship experiences. Documentation of the current liability insurance must be turned in for their student files prior to seeing clients. School Counseling students must also complete all 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