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Clinical Psychology students from the College of Health Sciences Downers Grove (CHS- DG) took part in the national internship match program this year. The internship match signals their transition to a new path from academia, as they go throughout the state of Illinois and across the country. Upon graduation, alumni from the Clinical Psychology Program go on to several careers including private practice, neuropsychology and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, social service agencies, government, and the school system.

CHS-DG Clinical Psychology Matches:

• 95 % placement to APA-accredited internship sites
• VA hospitals in Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas
• Medical Centers in Pennsylvania and Indiana
• State Hospitals in California and Mississippi
• Community Mental Health Centers in Arizona, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and North Dakota
• College Counseling Centers in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
   

We also spoke with two students about their internship match experiences.

Name: Anna Miles
Hometown: Batavia, IL

Name: Tana Nixon
Hometown: Amarillo, TX

Where did you match to: 

Anna: Rochester Regional Health – Child / Adolescent Track (Rochester, NY)

Tana: Oklahoma City VA Medical Center

Describe your reaction when you found out you matched: 

Anna: A rush of emotions flooded over me: relief, excitement, and a little bit of disbelief. I had worked hard to get to this moment, and now it was finally happening. I felt a sense of pride in myself and my accomplishments, and I knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Tana: I was so grateful to have been matched with such an excellent site that will allow me to pursue my career goals while being closer to my family.

How did your education at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ prepare you for this opportunity?: 

Anna: The education and experiences I gained at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ prepared me well for this opportunity. More specifically, the Child and Adolescent track confirmed my passion for working with children, adolescents, and their families. I'm excited to apply what I learned to this new chapter in my career.

Tana: There is an emphasis on health and interdisciplinary work that courses throughout the campus, and our studies positively contributed to my ability to work with other fields such as psychiatry and neurology. Additionally, the clinical rotation opportunities in Chicagoland are robust and offer additional training to apply our skills outside the classroom.

What do you look forward to in this upcoming experience?:  

Anna: I look forward to learning and growing in my role as a future clinical psychologist.

Tana: This position allows me to continue training in neuropsychology, an area of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior through testing and observation. I am also thankful to continue my work with the veteran population. As a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, I look forward to contributing to the training, resources, and treatment of patients within the Veterans Health Administration.

Anything to add?:

Anna: Overall, when I think about my education at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ, I feel grateful for the knowledge and experiences that prepared me for my future. The professors at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ challenged me to think critically and creatively, encouraging me to explore new ideas and perspectives. Lastly, I feel grateful for the special friendships I have made here. 

Tana: ³ûÄñÊÓƵ is growing both physically and academically. Additional training in specialized areas of the field of psychology is both desired and necessary. I believe there is a place for psychology in the MWU Multispecialty Clinic for things such as chronic pain in the physical therapy department and dental anxiety in the dental suites. Lastly, I would like to thank my professors, supervisors, family, and friends for their support and for constantly pushing me to challenge myself throughout this journey.