Field placement is the required hands-on learning component of American International College’s (AIC’s) online mental health counseling programs. Whether you enroll in the master’s or doctorate program, you will apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations to prepare you for your future in mental health counseling or academia.
Concurrent coursework and field experiences connect theory with practice. Field placement provides real-world, hands-on counseling experience in the form of practicum hours.
You'll be responsible for finding placement sites to complete your practicum hours throughout the program. Your student success advisor and the placement services team will support you in your search. They will answer your questions, aid with paperwork, and help ensure your site meets program requirements.
No. Field placement is integrated into the program cost.
Your Field Placement Coordinator will guide you through the entire process. They will give you a realistic idea of the field experience to ensure you are ready to work with supervision and independently.
Students are strongly encouraged to list agency referrals on the field intake form for the field placement coordinator to arrange. Mental health counseling faculty are required to review and approve the agency before the start of any field work.
Typically, students complete their field practicum hours at:
- Community centers/organizations
- Human service agencies
- Counseling and therapy centers
- Addiction and mental health treatment facilities
- Adoption agencies
- Senior care facilities, such as nursing homes
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals/clinics
No. Due to the educational nature of the fieldwork, sites do not pay students. You are responsible for your transportation and travel expenses.
