Practicum Training Sequence & Sites

Practicum Sites

A practicum (sometimes referred to as an externship) experience consists of supervised, off-campus experience in a health service settings. It provides hands-on, experiential learning that complements and integrates with students' didactic coursework.

At KCU,  practicum experiences are designed to help students develop and demonstrate the necessary competencies required for internship. Practicums are part-time commitments that typically average 20 hours per week and last between 9-12 months. Each practicum is treated as an academic course, and students must register accordingly.

Students are responsible for meeting the following minimum practicum requirements:

Type of Practicum                               Minimum Hours

          Practicum I                                             625

          Practicum II                                           625

          Practicum III                                         625    

1. Practicum I:

After completing their first year, students begin Practicum 1, which focuses on developing assessment skills appropriate for second-year training. During this experience, students work under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and receive at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision each week. Students complete several full assessment batteries and gain hands-on experience participating in psychoeducational groups, conducting intake interviews and providing or observing assessment feedback with patients.

2. Practicum II:

In their third year, students secure a placement centered on delivering clinical services, building on their prior training and expected competency level. As in Practicum I, students work under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and receive at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision each week. During this stage, students begin providing direct therapy to both individuals and groups, expanding their clinical skills in real-world settings.

3. Practicum III 

During their fourth year, students complete Practicum III, which is designed to further refine and expand their clinical abilities in preparation for internship. Students continue working under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and receive at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision each week. This practicum focuses on expanding experience in providing therapy to individuals, couples and/or groups. Depending on the placement and the student's training goals, Practicum III may also include a significant assessment component.