Course Description
This COUC 650 course ensures that students are fully prepared to enter their practicum and meet all applicable regulatory requirements. This course includes the application process for Practicum and practicum field placement for the clinical mental health and marriage and family counseling programs. This course is 0 credits and is Pass/Fail. Approval through Gate 3 and completion of the practicum application process indicates approval to begin the clinical mental health and marriage and family counseling practicum (COUC 692).
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Course Guide
View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*
*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.
Rationale
This gate course serves as a crucial final checkpoint before students enter their practicum, ensuring they meet both academic and professional readiness standards, including the DOE’s 45-day placement window requirement. The practicum application process is part of this gate, and this course comprehensively addresses practical aspects such as licensure requirements, liability insurance, and document verification, while also focusing on personal and spiritual development through self-reflection, trigger identification, and biblical integration. By combining logistical preparation with emotional and spiritual readiness, this course not only prepares the student for the immediate challenges of practicum, but also lays the groundwork for long-term success and resilience in his or her counseling careers. This course should be taken the semester prior to Practicum (COUC 692).
Course Assignment
Assigned readings and lecture presentations
No details available.
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
The student will complete this 10-question multiple choice quiz to demonstrate his or her preparation and readiness for fieldwork.
The student will complete this brief quiz to verify whether or not he or she should continue with Gate 3 in preparation to take Practicum the following semester, or if he or she needs to reschedule Gate 3 for the following term.
Quiz: Practicum Readiness Application
The student will complete a 14-question true/false quiz that helps him or her determine if he or she is ready to apply for the practicum.
Quiz: Criminal Background Check – Confirmation of Account Creation & Scheduled Fingerprinting
For this quiz, the student will acknowledge that he or she has completed the steps to create his or her background check account and made an appointment to get fingerprints taken.
The student will complete a 3-question true/false quiz verifying he or she has reviewed his or her degree plan and completed all requirements needed prior to Practicum.
The student will verify that he or she has submitted his or her Practicum application.
This survey will help the student reflect on how he or she currently manages time. Each response is scored on a scale of 1–3. The goal is to help the student grow in self-awareness and make small adjustments to support his or her development. There are no wrong answers.
This self-check is designed to help the student reflect honestly on his or her habits, challenges, and intentions as he or she prepares for fieldwork. There are no right or wrong answers. The student will receive full credit for completing the quiz.
As part of the student’s ongoing development as a professional counselor, this quiz will help the student assess his or her personal growth in key dispositional areas. The student should respond honestly and thoughtfully. The student’s answers will not be graded—this is a tool for reflection and growth. After completing the quiz, the student will be prompted to identify one area in which he or she would like to grow this semester and how he or she plans to take a step forward.
The student will complete a 10-question quiz reviewing his or her state’s licensure requirements
The student will complete a 4-question quiz confirming knowledge of and responsibility for being aware of his or her state’s licensure requirements.
The student will complete a 10-question quiz reviewing the Comprehensive Exam details and requirements.
The student will complete a 10-question quiz reviewing requirements for supervision during fieldwork courses.
The student will complete a 10-question quiz reviewing faith integration and healthy boundaries in counseling.
The student will complete a 10-question quiz reviewing ethical scenarios involving faith integration.
The student will upload proof of practicum application approval.
The student will confirm that he or she has completed all required Gate items, earned at least 1010 points, and have an approved fieldwork application confirming he or she is ready to begin fieldwork next semester.
This final self-check is a reflection opportunity designed for the student to affirm his or her readiness to move forward in clinical training. The student has completed the Gate 3 process, and this quiz invites the student to pause, look inward, and consider how his or her emotional, academic, and spiritual growth have prepared him or her for what’s next. There are no wrong answers. Full credit is awarded for honest reflection.
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