Practicum Training Sequence & Sites

A practicum (sometimes referred to as an externship) experience consists of supervised, experiential activities that occur off campus in health service settings and supplement and integrate students’ didactic learning with practical experience.

At KCU, the practicum experience allows students to develop and demonstrate the necessary competencies to prepare for internship. Practicums are part-time, off-campus commitments that typically average 20 hours per week, and last between 9-12 months. Practicum is treated like an academic course, for which you must register.

Students are responsible for meeting the following minimum practicum requirements:

Type of Practicum Minimum Hours

Diagnostic 500

Therapy 500

Advanced Therapy 500

1. Diagnostic or Assessment Practicum:

Students will begin with a diagnostic or assessment practicum after one full year in the program, in keeping with the didactic training and developmental competency levels expected of a second-year student. Students will work under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and receive at least one hour of individual face-to-face supervision. Students will complete several full batteries during their diagnostic practicum as well as have opportunities to participate in running psychoeducational groups, conducting intake interviews and providing/observing assessment feedback to patients.

2. Therapy Practicum

Students will secure placement for a beginning therapy practicum during their third year in the program, in keeping with the didactic training and developmental competency levels expected of a third-year student. Once again, students will work under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and receive at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision. During therapy practicum, students begin engaging in the provision of direct therapy with individuals and groups.

3. Advanced Therapy Practicum

Students will secure placement for an advanced practicum during their fourth year in the program, in keeping with the didactic training and developmental competency levels expected of a fourth-year student. Once again, students will work under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and receive at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision. During advanced practicum, students deepen and broaden their skills in provision of direct therapy with individuals, couples, and/or groups. Advanced therapy practicums might also include a significant assessment component for certain students.