Fielding Clinical Psych

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by queenbee, Oct 3, 2011.

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  1. queenbee

    queenbee New Member

    Just wondering if anyone has any experience with Fielding's Clinical Psych? I am interested in pursuing a Phd but have familial obligations that would make a traditional school almost impossible. I'm applying to one of the few PsyD programs that offers part-time, but am curious about Fielding.

    I see that they are on probation - anyone have any insight?
    Plus I'm interested to hear firsthand experiences - good or bad.

    Thanks!
     
  2. queenbee

    queenbee New Member

    No one?

    :bump:
     
  3. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    The only thing materially distancing Fielding from the rest of the Clinical Psych online degrees is that it is APA accredited.

    If they are on probation, be very careful making your decision as the ROI for the degree may change drastically midstream if they don't course correct. You're looking at a functional 6-7 year commitment.
     
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    For years Fielding has been discussed on this board as being the only APA accredited PhD program in Clinical Psych. Expensive, very competitive admissions, etc. The relative importance of APA accreditation has been discussed as well with the (not surprising) conclusion being, "It depends on the licensure laws where you live." All the alternatives to to Fielding (both US and non-US) have been listed over and over (search function) and in the end I do not believe that a single degreeinfo member has chosen Fielding so I don't think you're going to be able to tap into the experience of a program grad. Sorry.
     
  5. queenbee

    queenbee New Member

    Thank you!

    Okay - thank you for the info!
     
  6. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    My recommendation to you is to get a LinkedIn account and do a search for anyone that's gone to Fielding. Network and get your answer that way. I know one recent graduate who is currently teaching at Hesser College in NH. If I get the ok to share contact information I'll PM it to you. Otherwise, good luck.

    My statement about a functional 6-7 year commitment was based on that person's experience, but I am not her. :)
     
  7. queenbee

    queenbee New Member

    That's a great idea - I never even thought about LinkedIn. I think you're right about it being 6-7 years - that's the general amount of time clinical psych phd's take. I think sometimes people finish in 5, but 6 seems to be average.

    Thanks so much!
     
  8. chrislarsen

    chrislarsen New Member

    I am a Fielding student

    I am a Fielding student in the clinical psychology program. I am in the dissertation stage and have all my required coursework completed. I'd be very happy to answer any of your questions.
     
  9. queenbee

    queenbee New Member

    First, congratulations! Good luck completing your dissertation.

    I would love to ask some questions:

    (1) Overall, are you happy with the program - it is a big financial investment, do you feel it has met your expectations?

    (2) Internship - what was your experience with getting an internship? I know that currently it is hard for anyone from any school to get an internship, and Fielding has a lower-than-average match rate with APPIC. I am contemplating doing my MSW so that I can work in the field while getting my PhD; I also hope that having that clinical experience makes me more competitive in landing an internship (particularly b/c I'm geographically bound due to marriage/kids/etc). I'd love to hear about your experience and any thoughts on how to approach internship as a Fielding student.

    (3) Have you felt supported throughout the process? Is it fairly easy to get a hold of advisers? What about support for getting published? Getting grants/funding for your research? These concerns arise out of the fact that you are not in a B&M for the duration - can't walk into someone's office, meet for coffee, etc.

    (4) I'm anticipating 6-7 years to complete the program - is that reasonable? Is it possible to finish earlier?

    (5) Admissions - any insight/advice? I know grades and GRE are important; I have research experience as well as counseling experience as a volunteer counselor at a crisis center. Is there anything in particular that you found important to include as an applicant?

    Thank you SO MUCH for volunteering to answer my questions!
     
  10. chrislarsen

    chrislarsen New Member

    I actually am working on my dissertation proposal. I ahve a lot of work to do yet. I also have not done internship yet. Fielding recommends that we do our dissertations before internship. We have a lower match rate because we are geographically limited as a group and that is the single factor most associated with low match rate. Internships nationwide are very competitive. I plan on applying next year. In my opinion its not the school as much as how you present yourself in essays and background. As far as support goes, I have a *great* faculty advise. I have always felt very supported. Faculty and staff are very very responsive. I am in my 6th year so 6-7 years is very doable. Fielding has a new curriculum designed to move you through faster. Admissions does not use the GRE. However, I'd advise you to focus on your admissions essay. It is very very very important. In it talk about your research interests and scholarship interests. All in all its a great program for a motivated mid-career person.
     
  11. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Hi Chris - This is great info for our members and all the lurkers we get. Just out of curiosity, would you tell us something about the general area of your dissertation research?
     
  12. queenbee

    queenbee New Member

    Chris,
    Thank you so much for all the information. Regarding the internship match rate, that is pretty much as I'd guessed - I will also be geographically "stuck" and I'm sure many others at Fielding are in a similar position. I've heard having the dissertation done before internship is the way to go at any school.
    I like hearing that you've felt supported - I've talked to people at traditional programs and they have not felt that way and it seems to be so important - especially when you're investing 6-7 years of your life into something. I will definitely take your advice regarding the essay.

    Again, thank you!! Good luck with the proposal - I'm sure it is a lot of work!!
    ~K
     
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