November 26, 2025 | Quebec

A Key Component of the Program

Internships are an essential part of the Special Care Counselling – JNC.1U program at CDI College. With 990 hours of supervised field placement, students gain the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge, strengthen their professional judgment, and experience the realities of working with individuals who require care and support.

Learning Through Real-World Experience

Throughout their training, students complete internships in diverse environments—such as schools, youth centers, community organizations, hospitals, mental health facilities, and senior residences—working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. These experiences help them develop a holistic understanding of human needs and the realities of care and support.

Each internship presents an opportunity to observe, participate, and learn how to adapt interventions to real-world situations.

Structured and Supportive Supervision

Internships in the Special Care Counselling – JNC.1U program are designed to follow a progressive learning structure:

• Observation and analysis;
• Active participation in interventions;
• Supervised autonomy toward the end of the placement.

Every intern is guided by a field supervisor and supported by a CDI College instructor, ensuring consistent feedback and professional growth. This structured approach makes the experience both practical and transformative.

Building Core Skills on the Ground

Internships directly reinforce the skills developed in class, including:

• Intervention planning and implementation;
• Effective communication and helping relationships;
• Behavioural observation and analysis;
• Crisis prevention and management;
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with other professionals.

By applying theory in real-world environments, students develop the professional judgment and adaptability needed to support people in complex situations.

A Pathway to Employment

Many graduates secure their first job in the same organization where they completed their internship. This hands-on experience not only helps students build a professional network but also confirms their career choice.

Through its strong focus on applied learning, the Special Care Counselling – JNC.1U program at CDI College prepares graduates to enter the workforce with confidence, empathy, and professionalism.

👉 Learn more about the Special Care Counselling – JNC.1U program at CDI College

FAQ

1. How many internship hours does the program include?
The program includes three internships, totalling 990 hours of supervised field experience. These placements are distributed over several sessions to ensure progressive integration into professional practice.

2. What types of organizations host interns?
Internships take place in various settings, including schools, youth centers, community organizations, hospitals, mental health facilities, senior residences, and correctional institutions, providing exposure to diverse client groups.

3. How do internships prepare students for the job market?
They allow students to apply theory in real-world contexts, gain practical experience, and develop valuable professional connections within the community services network.