Professional Training Opportunities

As part of the basic program requirements, all students are required to accumulate a minimum of 900 hours of practicum.  Students and faculty work collaboratively to arrange placements in a variety of sites on- and off-campus to ensure that students receive a core set of experiences related to coursework in assessment, intervention, and consultation with a diverse clientele and to satisfy individual training interests. 

Training initially begins in the schools to gain expertise in data-based decision making.  Opportunities are also available within various University of Iowa clinics, such as Pediatrics, Child Psychiatry, the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted and Talented, and the University Counseling Service.  Other specialized opportunities include various programs within community mental health centers, including some school-based mental health services, early childhood at-risk services, alternative high school experiences, reading and academic tutoring, and outreach programs to schools.  During practicum training, the student is under the supervision of a faculty member and a site supervisor, who may be a faculty person or other licensed professional.  The faculty member is always a licensed professional, whereas the site supervisor may be either a licensed professional or may be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional.  Ongoing evaluation of practicum sites and supervisors is conducted.  (See Practicum Guidelines and Procedures.)

Additionally, all students are required to complete an 1800-clock-hour predoctoral internship on either a year-long full-time or a two-year, one-half time basis.  Students are expected to select an APA- or APPIC-approved internship or an approved experience within a school or clinic setting.  Students must have 600 clock hours of practicum training in school settings before choosing a clinical internship.  Faculty provides extensive guidance and support in the selection of an internship site.  (See Internship Policies.)