What is 'practicum'?

Towards the end of your certificate or degree program and after completing all pre-requisite classes, students are required to complete a practicum class in order to graduate (see table below for a list of prerequisite classes). In a nutshell, a practicum is a course designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied theory in an approved practicum site where you will be supervised by a professional while undertaking hands-on experience in a real place of work. While undertaking your hours, you will also have to participate in online discussion assignments and submit assignments through Blackboard.

If you are on the social work or at-risk youth program, you will complete CMSW 1167 (Practicum: Clinical and Medical Social Work, 120 hours, Professor Kondrak). And if you are on the Chemical Dependency or Criminal Justice Addictions program, you will complete DAAC 2367 (Practicum: Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, 300 hours, Professor Beaureagrd). Please note: Before you can enroll in the practicum class, you will need to have completed the below pre-requisite classes and had an appointment (face-to-face or telephone) with Professor Beauregard or Professor Kondrak. 

We have developed a practicum handbook for our students which should answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need to prepare for your practicum class. There is a lot of documentation which you will need to collate prior to starting, along with finding a practicum site. Therefore, we recommend you start preparing for the practicum three months prior to taking the class.  To request a practicum handbook, please e-mail mental.health1@ctcd.edu stating which practicum you will be undertaking.
Important: You will not be able to start your practicum until your completed packet is received in our department - no exceptions.

Important update re: the criminal background check: as of June 2015, all practicum students must purchase a Healthcare Professional Background Check through Pre-employ - further instructions are in the Fall 2015 Practicum Handbooks!

Important notice regarding criminal convictions: Students in any of the Mental Health Service programs are advised certain felonies or misdemeanors may prevent them from accomplishing the field placement hours required in the practicum course. If you have any convictions, it is essential you contact the state agency from which you hope to receive certification/licensure to see if you will be eligible to proceed. The department assumes no responsibility for ensuring your eligibility for future certification or licensure.