Clinical PsyD Program Overview 002 1

Summary

Dr. Jerry Kucher introduces Capella University's PsyD Doctor of Psychology program in Clinical Psychology, highlighting its flexible entry points, two-year coursework, and structured practicum and internship experiences. The program features a hybrid Year in Residence, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation under faculty mentorship. It emphasizes professional disposition and aligns with American Psychological Association standards, preparing graduates for licensure in various states.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, Dr. Jerry Kucher, is the program director for the Clinical and School Psychology graduate programs at Capella University.
• 👩‍🏫 Dr. Kucher is assisted by Megan Swisher, the Assistant Program Director, and a diverse team of core faculty from various locations across the United States.
• 📅 The PsyD program in Clinical Psychology has two entry points: Spring (April) and Fall (October), with a two-year coursework period followed by a Year in Residence (YIR).
• 🏥 The YIR involves a mix of online and in-person hybrid courses, including a 9-day extended seminar and five-day residencies at various U.S. locations.
• 📚 Prerequisite coursework must be completed before starting the YIR, and the courses within the YIR must be taken in sequence due to their cumulative nature.
• 📝 The program includes a practicum with approximately 1,000 hours of supervised experience, followed by a comprehensive clinical examination.
• 📈 After the practicum, students begin a full-time internship, which is a more advanced experience accumulating about 2,000 hours over a year.
• 🎓 The dissertation is an independent research project conducted under faculty guidance, typically completed in the fifth year of the program.
• 🔄 The program is structured in a quarter system with four 10-week quarters per year, allowing students to take one to three courses per quarter.
• 📋 Capella University does not participate in the National Matching Program and requires students to find their own internship sites, often with assistance from the university.
• 📘 The program emphasizes professional disposition, requiring students to adhere to the ethical and professional standards set by the American Psychological Association.
• 📍 Students are advised to check the current status of state licensing acceptance for Capella's PsyD degree, as the university continuously works to expand the list of accepting states.

Q & A

What is the role of Dr. Jerry Kucher in the Clinical Psychology program at Capella University?

Dr. Jerry Kucher is the program director for the Clinical and School Psychology graduate programs at Capella University, overseeing the PsyD Doctor of Psychology program in Clinical Psychology.

Who serves as the assistant program director for the Clinical Psychology program?

Megan Swisher serves as the assistant program director for the Clinical Psychology program at Capella University.

What are the two potential entry points for the Clinical Psychology program at the doctoral level?

The two potential entry points for the Clinical Psychology program are spring or April quarter, and fall or October quarter.

How long does the coursework for the Clinical Psychology program typically take to complete?

The coursework for the Clinical Psychology program typically takes two years to finish.

What is the Year in Residence (YIR) and how does it fit into the program structure?

The Year in Residence (YIR) is a year-long intensive program that begins prior to a year in practicum and continues through practicum. It is a part of the program that involves hybrid courses with both online and in-person components.

What is the difference between practicum and internship in the context of the Clinical Psychology program?

The practicum is the first supervised experience, part-time, and accumulates approximately one thousand hours of supervised experience. The internship is a more advanced, full-time experience that lasts a year and accumulates approximately two thousand hours.

How is the dissertation component of the program structured?

The dissertation is an independent research or evaluation project conducted under the guidance of a faculty mentor, usually taking place in three to four quarters.

What is the quarter system in the context of the Clinical Psychology program's coursework?

The quarter system refers to the arrangement of the coursework into four 10-week quarters per year, with courses typically taking place from January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December.

Are transfer credits accepted in the Clinical Psychology program, and if so, under what conditions?

Yes, some transfer credits are accepted, typically for graduate courses taken at another university, but they usually only cover prerequisites and electives. Transfer credits cannot count toward the Year in Residence.

What is the process for selecting and approving a practicum site in the program?

The process involves not using one's work site for practicum to maintain professional boundaries. Dr. Laquita Cotter, the director of clinical training, assists in selecting and approving sites, ensuring they provide adequate supervision and meet Capella's requirements.

What are the professional disposition expectations for students in the Clinical Psychology program?

Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the ethical and professional standards established by the American Psychological Association, demonstrating fitness for the profession, the ability to take critical feedback, and maintain professional relationships with clients.