The practicum student program is an opportunity for students to observe recreation/art or music therapists in their clinical practice treating Veterans, and gain supervised experience observing and conducting treatment interventions.

• Practicum students shadow therapists through their normal routines; this may include conducting assessments, treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, clinical documentation, program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Through the practicum program students are exposed to a variety of settings, specialty programs and populations, and medical record documentation requirements. They are introduced to the recovery-oriented and evidence-based practices and modalities used by recreation and creative arts therapists for specific populations/programs at VA Palo Alto.
• Practicum students are expected to be directly observing the therapist, not providing support services such as filing, cleaning, or organizing.

Practicum students are responsible for:

• Meeting with the practicum coordinator and completing the RTS application and orientation
• Completing VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) application and orientation
• Communicating their practicum requirements of their university to the RTS practicum coordinator
• Communicating effectively and in a timely manner. Communicate any concerns to the therapist, practicum coordinator, or RTS supervisor
• Following guidance and direction given by their RTS supervisor
• Being punctual and arriving at the correct location for shadowing
• Adhering to the dress code for each individual program
• Knowing and adhering to confidentiality laws and procedures
• Officially tracking their hours through Voluntary Service.

The individual university retains supervision of the students' academic process.