An accessible and standardised practicum: The development and implementation of a simulated placement in professional psychology training

Synopsis

UNE’s Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) is an accredited 5th year of training on the 5+1 pathway to General Registration as a psychologist. Previously, the major barrier to sustainability and continued growth in the program was the required 300-hour practicum. In 2020, we developed a landmark simulated psychology placement, based on best practice pedagogical principles and the Accreditation Standards, and this placement has now been adopted and offered since 2021. This innovative simulated placement provides a high quality, standardised training opportunity that enables provisional psychologists to develop practice-based skills in an authentic and structured way that surpasses traditional placement learning by providing a greater depth and breadth of experience. Delivered fully online, the simulated placement also addresses equity concerns for students in rural areas, thereby supporting the development of the mental health workforce outside metropolitan areas. Initial evaluations of outcomes have shown that the simulated placement positively impacts student learning through flexible delivery, competency development across all domains of practice, timely completions, reduced risk to students and the university and positive graduate outcomes. This presentation explores key elements of the simulated placement.

Uplift Element

Engaging Assessments