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Field Experience

 

In the 3rd semester of the program, students will begin their field experience. This is an essential part of clinical training that will allow students to put the knowledge, theory, and skills learned during their coursework into practice. Field placement consists of 4 consecutive semesters of practicum where students will be working in a marriage and family therapy setting in the community under the supervision of a licensed counseling professional. Over the course of 4 semesters, students are required to accrue a total of 400 clinical face to face hours, at least 200 of which must be relational (couples, families, and various relationship forms).

In addition to working with clients in the community, students will be participating in a practicum class where they will receive supervision using raw data (audio and live observation) from an AAMFT approved supervisor or AAMFT approved supervisor candidate.  

Steps to Register for Field Placement:

1. Orientation & Site Presentation
   
   During the first semester, students will attend a Field Placement Orientation where Dr. Everette Coffman will present an overview of all available and approved practicum sites. This presentation will include key information such as:
       • Supervisor credentials and approach
       • Clinical models used
       • Populations served
       • Telehealth/in-person setup
       • Compensation (if any)
       • Commute considerations
   
   
2. Student Prioritization Worksheet (Step 1)
   
   After the presentation, students will complete Step 1 of the MFT Practicum Site Selection Worksheet, ranking personal priorities (e.g., supervision style, populations, models, schedule). This helps clarify each student’s preferred training experience.
   
   
3. Submission to Field Placement Coordinator
   
   Students will submit the worksheet to Dr. Coffman. Based on student interests and program fit, each student will be assigned three practicum site options for potential placement.
   
   
4. Interview Process
   
   Students will interview with the three assigned sites over 2–3 weeks. After interviews, they will rank their top site choices and resubmit this ranking to Dr. Coffman.
   
   
5. Faculty Review and Placement
   
   Core MFT Faculty will review:
       • Student site preferences
       • Feedback from practicum sites
       • Final placement decisions (ensuring strong supervision, appropriate
             clinical exposure, and developmental fit).
   
   
6. Confirmation and Registration
   
   Once placements are finalized, students will:
       • Be notified of their official practicum site
       • Complete and sign the Field Placement Commitment Form
       • Register for their designated Practicum section
   
   Please note that students are responsible for all costs associated with fingerprinting and background checks that may be required by specific sites.