Clinical Experience

Overview and Purpose

Towards the end of your academic program, you will have a clinical experience (often referred to as practicum or internship) in which you will have the opportunity to put into practice what you've learned in your coursework and residency or colloquia experiences. The goal is to acquire and refine specific skills under close supervision of a licensed professional.

Time Commitment

While the number of hours required for practicum and internship vary by program at Capella, you can expect to have between a 10 hour a week and 40 hour a week commitment working at an approved site. In preparing yourself for success, it is a good idea to understand how you will shift your personal and professional commitments in order to satisfy the requirement of your program in order to graduate.

State Licensure Requirements

It is important that you know your state's requirements for the number of hours you complete in a practicum or internship. If the number is above what is required to graduate from your Capella program, you may be able to work with your advisor to add an additional elective internship. The availability of this option differs by program.

Capella University Support

Each learner is responsible for identifying a potential training and submitting an application that is evaluated by the program faculty, who determine whether the proposed experience can be approved. Capella offers resources to our learners, including a suggested timeline and strategies for identifying the sites where Capella learners and alumni have completed their practicum or internship. These are available via the Capella learner portal, iGuide.

The Career Center offers resources for:

creating an effective curriculum vitae, resumes and cover letters
connecting with potential site supervisors
preparing for successful interviews

Ultimately, each learner is responsible for securing a practicum or internship site as you know the criteria that will best fulfill your individual goals as they relate to developing professionally.

More Information

Additional information is available to current Capella learners via the Capella learner portal, iGuide
Learners may log in there for information about:

Those who are not Capella learners are encouraged to contact an Enrollment Counselor to learn more about these areas.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.