Field Education Frequently Asked Questions
When does field placement begin?
Field placement begins approximately two weeks after the start of classes and ends the last week in April.
Can I choose my field placement?
No, the Placement Committee is responsible for selecting your field placement based on your geographic location, prior experience and expectations, while striving to provide an internship that will broaden your educational and life experiences.
Can I do my field placement where I work?
Only in special circumstances may you be assigned to the agency in which you already work. We cannot guarantee that your employment can serve as your placement.
Will my field placement be close to where I live?
We make every attempt to locate an educationally appropriate placement as close to your residence as possible. At times, the best placement match is further from your home than you may prefer. We will confer with you before confirming such a placement.
Do I get paid?
Most of our field placement agencies do not provide a stipend or salary for students. While some offer stipends, based on language ability or other special circumstances, a stipend is never guaranteed.
What days am I in the field placement?
Our regular field placement days are typically Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, given a 20-hour work week, during business hours. Other days can be arranged based on your class schedule. A minimum of one eight-hour day is required.
Are there weekend and weeknight placements available?
Field placements occur on weekdays during regular business hours. Field placement agencies able to accommodate interns on non-weekdays are minimal. Please contact field placement support to discuss your specific situation. We cannot guarantee placements at alternate times.
How many hours a week will I need to commit to my field placement?
You will need to complete 16-20 hours per week for a total of 450 hours for the foundation year and 20 hours per week for a total of 550 hours for the concentration year.
Will I receive a grade for the field placement?
Field Practicum is a three-unit course for which you will receive a CR (credit) or NC (no credit) – or an IP (in progress) at the end of the semester if all of the field requirements have not been met. You will receive an evaluation and a grade for each semester.
If I do not have a car, will I be assigned to a field placement site?
Yes. While we can accommodate you, the number of field placement options for non-driving students is limited.
Will I be placed with the target population of my choice?
In the foundation year, the Placement Committee assigns your placement, which will not be in your preferred area of practice. The purpose of the foundation-year placement is to expand your knowledge base and offer you an area of learning that is different from your past experiences. However, in the concentration year, you can have a placement in your area of interest.
Can I do an administrative placement in the foundation year?
A strictly administrative placement is reserved for the concentration year; however, all foundation-year students are required to spend 50 percent of their 20 hours per week doing direct clinical practice with individuals, families and groups. They also are required to fulfill a 30-hour macro project.
How will I be notified where I have been placed?
You will receive an email notification with the placement information and a request to contact your assigned agency for a pre-placement visit so you can begin satisfying the specific agency requirements. Please keep us informed of your current email and mailing addresses.
What specific requirements must be completed prior to my starting the placement?
Many field placement agencies require fingerprinting, criminal clearance and TB testing. Some agencies require proof of car insurance, a good driving record, a medical evaluation and/or drug testing. You will be notified as to which of these your assigned field placement requires.
If I have circumstances that impede my placement in certain agencies, will that affect my admission status and field placement?
Your admission will not be affected by such a situation. However, it is imperative that the Placement Committee be apprised of this as soon as possible to make appropriate placement assignments that will not jeopardize your confidentiality or the agency requirements. Should this information not be forthcoming, it can impede your successful progression through the program.