Unit rationale, description and aim
This is the third of a series of practicum units in which students have an opportunity to build on their psychological competencies through practice on placement. The aim of this unit is to integrate theory and practice in an appropriately supervised professional environment to prepare graduating students to provide safe quality client care and service. Students will engage in professional practice with a broad diversity of clients; consistent with current codes of ethical practice, relevant legal frameworks and mental health practice standards. The placement experience offers a final opportunity to practice in an occupational setting, building on the knowledge, skills, attributes and psychological competencies essential for professional practice in readiness for full registration. During placements the provision of safe, high-quality client care and service is always the primary consideration.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Understand the process of therapy with reflection ...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain the link between assessment, diagnosis, fo...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply clinical skills to conduct psychological ass...
Learning Outcome 03
Implement effective person centred interprofession...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
The third practicum is usually carried out in the field in an agency external to the University under the supervision of a registered psychologist approved as a Supervisor (BAS) by the Psychology Board of Australia and holding the relevant area of practice endorsement. While on placement, students will develop the ability to integrate skills and intervention models with specific clinical material. Attendance at weekly case conferences involves small and large group discussion of issues relevant to professional practice such as diagnosis, formulation, choosing appropriate interventions, ethical dilemmas, record keeping and report writing. Students will complete a supervision contract and goals for their placement in collaboration with their supervisor to guide their development of specific psychological practice skills in readiness for independent practice.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy ensures students meet psychological practice standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. Supervisors assess trainee competence at mid- and end-placement using structured tools like the Clinical Psychology Practicum Competencies Rating Scale.
The Practicum Log Book assesses record-keeping skills, with submissions due within two weeks of practicum completion. The Case Conference Presentation develops clinical communication skills, while the Case Conference Report evaluates case formulation and treatment planning. One resubmission is allowed.
The Mid-Practicum Review evaluates students’ real-world performance, identifying strengths and areas for growth. If concerns arise, a remediation plan is developed, including additional reviews. This review may be waived in extenuating circumstances. At the End-of-Practicum Competency Evaluation, students must demonstrate increased competence. Failure results in failing the unit, with no opportunity to retake it. Unless otherwise agreed in the Placement Contract, this review must be completed within six months, with extensions requiring approval. The End-Practicum Competency Evaluation extends the End-of-Practicum Review, allowing students to provide evidence of readiness for independent practice.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and pass all hurdle tasks in order to ensure client safety. One additional attempt for Assessment Task 2 is permitted.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Practicum Logbook Enabl...
Assessment Task 1 - Practicum Logbook
Enables students to demonstrate competence in professional record keeping practices.
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 2 - Case Conference Presentations...
Assessment Task 2 - Case Conference Presentations
Enables students to verbally communicate a concise case formulation in a small group case conference setting
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 3 - Case Conference Reports Enab...
Assessment Task 3 - Case Conference Reports
Enables students to construct and communicate a concise case formulation in a written format.
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 4 - Mid-Practicum Review &n...
Assessment Task 4 - Mid-Practicum Review
Enables students to demonstrate competence in psychological practice in readiness for independent practice.
Ungraded Hurdle
Assessment Task 5 - End of Practicum Competency E...
Assessment Task 5 - End of Practicum Competency Evaluation
Enables students to demonstrate competence in psychological practice in readiness for independent practice.
Ungraded Hurdle
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is offered in attendance mode because face-to-face attendance at the university clinic or field placement is required for this placement-based unit. Teaching and learning strategies include supervised fieldwork, workshops, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities. Teaching and learning strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within class activities. This unit uses an active learning approach to support students to develop psychological practice skills through client based work. Students are required to attend and participate in facilitated case conferences in order to develop and refine their case formulation skills.