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MAPAS Handbook

Clinical Setting

Clinical Setting Selection


Students will identify practicum sites and field supervisors based on appropriateness to the required learning outcomes with the approval of the Practicum Faculty.

Specific Policies for Students in Clinical Facilities

  • Professional apparel that meets agency guidelines is expected.
  • The student will work within the policies of the agency and maintain a constructive relationship with the agency.
  • The student is required to supply health information to facilities as requested.
  • The student should wear a name badge which identifies her or his status as graduate student if required.
  • The student is responsible for her or his individual costs related to clinical experiences.
  • Aspen University provides general liability coverage for students. If required by the field supervisor site, the student must secure coverage of any excessive liability insurance (1 million/3 million) prior to commencement of the first clinical practicum course.

General Guidelines Regarding Clinical Practicum

  • Participation in approved clinical experiences at the required number of hours for each specific course; student must be prepared, active, informed, accountable, and professional.
  • Demonstration of effective and appropriate communication skills.
  • Demonstration of effective and appropriate documentation on client’s records, dictation, and clinical logs, including correct spelling.
  • Completion of clinical logs documenting variety of experiences using the required system.
  • Clinical conferences with instructor.
  • Completion of personal/professional objectives along with self-evaluation of progress.

Attendance at Clinical Experiences


Students are to negotiate acceptable hours with the field supervisor prior to starting clinical practicum. The student is expected to accommodate the field supervisor's availability and schedule. Students are expected to treat the agreed upon clinical hours as they would a place of employment. If the student is to be absent for a scheduled clinical day due to illness or emergency, the field supervisor will be notified prior to the beginning of the clinical day. The student should negotiate the procedure for contacting the field supervisor in case of absence prior to starting clinical practicum. Make-up hours are then to be negotiated. Students also must contact the faculty promptly.

Students are required to keep a log of completed clinical hours and have the field supervisor sign the log each clinical day. Specific intervals required are set by each course. If the student is not attending as scheduled, the faculty must be notified promptly.