How many semester hours must an intern have completed prior to starting their internship?

The requirement for an intern to have completed 60 semester hours prior to starting their internship is based on the educational standards set by licensing boards to ensure that candidates possess a fundamental level of knowledge and skills necessary for practical training in psychology. This milestone reflects a completion stage in an academic program where students have acquired essential theoretical understanding and foundational insights applicable to supervised practice settings.

Requiring 60 semester hours aligns with the objective of providing students with ample coursework that prepares them for the hands-on experiences they will encounter during their internship. Earlier coursework typically includes critical psychology principles, ethical considerations, and diverse approaches to psychological practice, which are vital for effective functioning in a professional environment.