Master Clinical Psychology Field Experience:

Plan for Field Experience

The first step to your field experience journey is planning.  As part of your plan, you should know; 

• The difference between practicum and internship.
• The course(s) in your degree plan that require field experience.
• Prerequisites that need to be completed before approval is provided to register for field experience.
• What term(s) you take your field experience course(s).
• How to access the Feld Experience Manual. 
• The application deadline dates for the terms you plan to take your course(s).
• Resources available for professional preparation.

As a Walden student, you will participate in practicum and internship, collectively called "Field Experience". Practicum is a distinctly defined, supervised, clinical experience in which students develop basic applied skills and integrate professional knowledge. Internship is a distinctly defined, supervised, clinical experience in which students refine and enhance basic professional knowledge and skills and integrate distinct skills into a coherent professional identity. Field experience helps merge classroom education, skill building, and research skills to the field of practice. 

You will identify field sites that can offer growth that enhances your professional skills, knowledge, and attributes. You will establish relationships with site supervisors and establish an agreement for vertical growth and development. Developmental progress is achieved by ongoing evaluation, feedback, and interaction as you develop levels of competencies and capacities not previously attained.

Adequate preparation is essential to the success of the field experience. You must ensure your practicum and internship meet your specific state board standards and requirements as this may differ from your program’s requirements.

The Masters in Clinical Psychology Field Experience Manual outlines policy and procedures for the field experience. You are required to read the manual in detail and adhere to the policies included within. You will need to confirm that you have read and understand all the policies in this manual when you apply for field experience.

Field experience takes place near the end of your program. Practicum is first and is taken over a minimum of one quarter (3 credits). Internship is taken next and is a minimum of one quarter (3 credits). 

To determine your specific timing of field experience you should:

• Review the Walden University Catalog.
• Utilize Degree Works.
• Speak with your Student Success Advisor.

To begin practicum and internship, you must submit an application and receive approval. Applications are due one quarter prior to each field experience course. The process is lengthy and applying by the deadline is critical. Failure to submit your applications by the deadline may result in a delay to the next quarter and a delay in your graduation date.

• Approved applications are required for registration, which is handled by the field office.
• You must submit an application for practicum and then a separate/new one for internship. 

These Professional Preparation resources may assist you in your search for a practicum/internship site. While they are not a required part of your application, it is recommended you review the resources.

Approach your field site and supervisor search with the same diligence you would when looking for a job. The search for a practicum and internship site and supervisor can benefit from the resources provided below.

Meditrek, a product of HSoft Corporation, is the user-friendly online tool that you will use to apply for, track, and manage your field experiences.

Access issues? Email the Psychology Field Office.