Practical training completed by clinical psychology Master’s students commencing their internship at 1 Military Hospital: a preliminary study.

The article focuses on a preliminary study describing the practical training completed by clinical psychology Master's students in South Africa prior to their internship at 1 Military Hospital. Survey data from 20 students across three years (2018–2020) revealed considerable variability in patient contact hours, diversity of patient exposure, psychological test training, and report writing experience during their Master's coursework. Notably, some students reported limited practical training in psychological assessments, and self-rated report writing competence was generally average, raising concerns about consistency in training. The study highlights the need for greater alignment and collaboration among universities and internship sites, guided by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), to standardize competency development and better prepare clinical psychologists for diverse community-based mental health services, especially in underserved rural areas.