Certificate in Clinical Rotations for Clinical Psychopharmacology

Illinois Prescriptive Authority Track

Psychologists seeking licensure to prescribe psychotropic medications in Illinois must complete a sequence of clinical rotations after finishing their M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) academic coursework. During these clinical rotations, students will integrate their academic knowledge with clinical competencies and demonstrate the effective and ethical use of these competencies in clinical practice.

The M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology Program of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an approved Prescribing Psychologist Clinical Rotation Program by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Specifically, students will train to increase their current competencies in the following key areas:

• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Intervention

Students will also engage in case-based learning that will enhance their collaborative practice skills. In addition to the 36-credit hour clinical rotations, the Certificate in Clinical Rotations for Clinical Psychopharmacology program includes a Clinical Competency Examination and a research project. Through intensive supervised training, students are able to gain direct experience in applying their knowledge with clinical populations in real-world settings.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students who have previously completed clinical rotations at training sites approved by The Chicago School may petition to receive credit for prior learning (transcript as transfer credit at $135 per unit). They must provide the following documentation to the department chair and director of clinical training, who will make the final decision on accepting prior learning for course credit:

• Proof of completion of a clinical rotation in one of the required areas specified by Illinois regulation.
• Supervisor evaluation of the skills of the student at the completion of the rotation.
• Documentation of clock hours completed in the clinical rotation.

Credit for prior learning is limited to 25 percent of the total credits for the program, per WSCUC Policy on Non-Traditional Credit, so students may apply for no more than nine (9) credits under this provision.

Louisiana, New Mexico, Armed Forces, and Indian Health Service Prescriptive Authority Track

Psychologists seeking licensure to prescribe psychotropic medications in Louisiana, New Mexico, on a U.S. Armed Forces installation, or within federally recognized tribal communities of the Indian Health Service must complete a sequence of clinical rotations over six terms following the successful completion of the M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology academic coursework to be eligible for prescriptive authority.

During these clinical rotations, students integrate academic knowledge with clinical competencies and demonstrate the effective and ethical use of these competencies in clinical practice. Through intensive supervised training, students gain direct experience in applying their knowledge with clinical populations.

Psychologists will learn how to increase their current competency in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, and engage in case-based learning that will enhance their collaborative practice skills. In addition to the clinical rotations, the certificate program includes a Clinical Competency Examination and a research project.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students who have previously completed clinical rotations at a training site approved by The Chicago School may petition to receive credit for prior learning (transcript as transfer credit at $135 per unit). Students must provide the following documentation to the department chair and director of clinical training, who will make the final decision on accepting prior learning for course credit:

• Proof of completion of a clinical rotation in any clinical assessment area required by Louisiana or New Mexico as part of the Louisiana, New Mexico, U.S. Armed Forces, or Indian Health Service Track.
• Supervisor evaluation of the skills of the student at the completion of the rotation.
• Documentation of clock hours completed in the clinical rotation.

Credit for prior learning is limited to 25% of the total requirements of the program per WSCUC Policy on Non-Traditional Credit.

Certificate in Clinical Rotations for Clinical Psychopharmacology: Online Student Experience

Through the convenience of The Chicago School’s online programs, your life isn’t disrupted. Our online Global Student Dashboard is where you will discover all of the components to successfully complete your program. There, you’ll find your coursework and assignments, interact with fellow students, and ask your instructor questions.