practicum handbook - emory public health the conclusion of the practicum experience, ... sample...

PRACTICUM HANDBOOK

A Guide for Students

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Questions regarding any of the above information should be directed to the Office of Career Services, 404-727-9957 or [email protected]

A guide to Practicum for Students What is a practicum?

A practicum is a unique opportunity for graduate students to integrate and apply skills and knowledge gained through coursework and prior experiences in a professional public health work environment. Public health work environments include not‐for‐profit organizations, hospitals, local health departments, and for‐profit firms. The Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH) requires all students to participate in a practicum experience; this standard is set by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Even students with previous public health experience will benefit from this opportunity to gain additional skills in either their current work environment or a new area of public health.

A typical practicum experience requires students to work a range of 200‐400 hours under the supervision of an experienced site supervisor/practicum preceptor and under the guidance of the student’s department and Career Services.

A practicum has the following criteria:

• Project‐oriented work in a public health site; • Application of graduate level skills in a public health context; and • Opportunity to engage in activities that will advance a student’s career potential and goal.

A practicum experience also has at least one tangible final deliverable (e.g. a manuscript/report/evaluation).

Why is a practicum necessary?

A practicum is required by all accredited Schools of Public Health.

According to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the organization that accredits Schools of Public Health, accreditation Criterion 2.4 states that “all professional degree students must develop skills in basic public health concepts and demonstrate the application of these concepts through a practice experience that is relevant to the students’ areas of specialization.” (CEPH, 2005)

CEPH further interprets this criterion by saying that “The school must provide opportunities for professional degree students to apply the knowledge and skills being acquired through their courses of study. Practical knowledge and skills are essential to successful practice. A planned, supervised and evaluated practice experience is an essential component of a public health professional degree program. These opportunities can take place in a variety of agencies or organizations, but should include especially local and state public health agencies to the extent possible and appropriate. An essential component of the practice experience is supervision by a qualified preceptor (site supervisor) who is a public health professional. Schools must have well‐defined learning objectives, procedures, and criteria for evaluation of the

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practicum.”(CEPH, 2005)

Can my Faculty Advisor be my Site Supervisor? No. A site supervisor, also known as a preceptor or field/practicum supervisor, oversees and supervises a student’s work in the field and evaluates their work. Faculty or ADAPS help locate practicum opportunities and possible site preceptors, review learning objectives and certify completion.

I’ve been working as a public health nurse for 20 years or I’m a physician. Can I waive the practicum experience?

No. Exemptions are not granted for the practicum experience. The practicum is a supervised experience based upon the application of graduate level competencies gained during professional education programs. Your work experience prior to coming to graduate school, while important to a professional place of work, was not by definition guided by the learning that occurred during your educational experiences. Therefore, prior work experience does not substitute for a practicum.

May I use an experience prior to my enrollment in the MPH program as my practicum? OR I am scheduled to enroll in the MPH program in the fall; can I start working on my practicum the summer prior to enrollment?

No. The practicum experience must occur while a student is enrolled in the MPH Program.

Can my thesis, capstone or special studies project (SSP) count as my practicum?

No. The practicum and the thesis, capstone or SSP are different experiences.

What is the difference between a practicum and culminating experience (thesis, capstone or SSP)?

A practicum is a supervised practical experience in the field of public health designed to enhance a student’s professional skills and knowledge. The practicum may result in a number of products ranging from a paper, a literature review, a daily log/diary, a poster, a curriculum, applied analytic opportunities, or other documents deemed relevant by the practicum supervisor. Through the culminating experience, students will integrate the broad base of public health knowledge and skills acquired from their coursework, practicum and other learning activities. This synthesis typically results is a product that resembles a written paper with an oral presentation.

There are some situations when a student’s practicum and culminating experiences may be related. For example, as part of a student’s practicum experience, a student may develop and disseminate a questionnaire on the training needs of people living with lupus. As an SSP, the student may use his or her intellect to analyze the data and develop training recommendations (or an actual training program).

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It is important to remember, that even if the practicum and culminating experiences are related to each other, they must be distinct projects that are independent from one another and can be described as such.

Can I do a practicum at my place of employment?

A student can do a practicum at his or her regular place of employment, but the practicum opportunity must extend beyond the student’s regular work duties.

Can I complete more than one practicum?

Yes. Many practicum experiences are in‐depth enough to provide the student the required 200‐ 400 hours. Many students choose to complete more than one practicum experience in order to gain additional skills and experiences.

What makes a good practicum experience?

The definition of a good practicum experience varies according to the needs of the student. If the experience provides the student with an opportunity to explore new areas and enhance the student’s professional skills and knowledge, then it’s a good practicum experience. What’s appropriate for one student may not work for another. As a student begins to think about a practicum experience, it is important that the student think about his or her career goals. The practicum is a wonderful way to broaden skills for future career goals, whether it is growth in one’s current position or a career transition to a new field. As students consider the skills they want to further develop, it may be helpful to review the Council on Linkages Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (http://www.phf.org/resourcestools/Pages/Core_Public_Health_Competencies.aspx).

Be aware that some practicum environments may have specific requirements, such as a background check (e.g. government clearance) or a memorandum of understanding with Emory.

How do I find a practicum experience?

The idea for a practicum experience can come from many places. Some students know there is an organization with which they want to work. Other students know there is a specific content area they want to explore and they seek out agencies in those content areas.

The RSPH Office of Career Services has several resources that may provide practicum ideas for students:

• Sample list of internships http://www.sph.emory.edu/CAREER/internships.php

• Symplicity/NACElink which lists work‐study and part‐time positions

https://sph-emory-csm.symplicity.com/students/

http://www.phf.org/resourcestools/Pages/Core_Public_Health_Competencies.aspx

http://www.sph.emory.edu/CAREER/internships.php

https://sph-emory-csm.symplicity.com/students/

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• Practicum Web Client which can be searched http://www.sph.emory.edu/cms/current_students/login_practicum.php

Attached at the end of this guide is a list of practicum ideas in various venues to get you started.

Does the practicum show up on my transcript?

Yes. Students must register for the practicum. This can be done through OPUS, just like registering for other classes. Please see your ADAP for more information.

How do I document my practicum?

The Rollins School of Public Health has a Practicum Web Client (http://www.sph.emory.edu/cms/current_students/login_practicum.php ) that all students use to document their practicum experience(s).

Each student will enter the following information into the Practicum Web Client:

(ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED) 1. Demographic data

Contact Information

Degree

Program

Concentration

Expected graduation date

ADAP, Faculty Advisor

(*NOTE: Usually a Faculty Advisor and/or ADAP is one who help locate practicum opportunities and possible site preceptors, review learning objectives and certify completion.)

2. Student’s Resume 3. Site Information

Practicum Position Title

Semester of Practicum

Organization Site Supervisor – Name, Title, Degree, Contact Information

(*NOTE: A site supervisor/preceptor is one who oversees and supervises a student’s work in the field) 4. Objectives

Practicum Objectives Strategies for achieving each of the objectives

(*NOTE: Objectives must be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely)

http://www.sph.emory.edu/cms/current_students/login_practicum.php

http://www.sph.emory.edu/cms/current_students/login_practicum.php

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5. Student Evaluation At the conclusion of the practicum experience, students will be asked to evaluate the experience. They will also input the number of hours spent on the practicum.

Once I have documented my practicum in the RSPH Practicum Web Client, have I completed the practicum requirement?

Once a student has evaluated their practicum experience, an email will be sent to the Site-Supervisor asking that individual to complete an evaluation.

The student and site supervisor evaluations are reviewed by the department ADAP, faculty

advisor and Career Services, who certifies that the practicum requirement was met. The Office of

Career Services reviews and approves the practicum completion, assigning a grade once all

components are finished. It is finally approved by the director of enrollment and financial aid

services as the person who certifies that students have completed requirements for graduation.

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GLOSSARY

Practicum

o A practicum is a practice-based opportunity for graduate students to integrate and

apply skills and training learned through coursework and prior experiences in a

professional public health work environment. The practicum is required for all

RSPH students and typically is 200-400 hours in duration. Public health work

environments include not-for-profit organizations, hospitals, local health

departments, and for-profit firms

Practicum Web Client

o The Practicum Web Client is an electronic database that includes the sites,

objectives and student and preceptor’s evaluations of the experience. The

database is available as a reference for the school and for students who may be

seeking future practicum opportunities.

Preceptor- also Site Supervisor

o A preceptor is an on-site supervisor that manages the practicum experience of a

student. This individual helps to mentor, supervise and direct the student’s

practicum experience. The preceptor is not a faculty member and cannot be

remote to the location of the practicum.

SMART Objectives

o Specific - A specific objective has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. To make an objective specific, make sure to include the Who, What, When, Where and Why (e.g. A general objective would be "Get in shape." A specific objective would be "I will join and attend a health club at least three times per week for three months in order to lose 15 pounds.")

o Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each objective. Ask yourself "How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?” In the objective above, the 15 pounds is what makes it measurable.

o Attainable -Objectives should be achievable given the resources and time available.

o Realistic - Objectives are realistic when the skills needed to reach the objective are available and the goal fits with the overall strategy and goals of the organization.

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o Timely - When setting objectives, you should ensure that there is an understanding of a begin date, end date, and how much time it will take to reach the objective within the timeframe. In the objective above, the 3 months is the time frame for achieving the goal.

Site Supervisor- also Preceptor

o A site supervisor is an on-site supervisor that manages the practicum experience of

a student. This individual helps to mentor, supervise and direct the student’s

practicum experience. The site supervisor is not a faculty member and cannot be

remote to the location of the practicum.

Practicum Guide for Students (02/16/2012)

Sample Practicum Ideas

Sector Core Public Health Competency Domains

Practicum Idea

COMMUNITY Communication Skills Community Dimensions of Practice Skills

Prepare a health promotion presentation, develop speaking opportunities, and deliver to multiple audiences

COMMUNITY Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Communication Skills

Participate in local health fairs

COMMUNITY Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Communication Skills

Lead community outreach initiatives

COMMUNITY Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Organize community seniors to provide volunteer support in schools, daycare, NICU, etc.

COMMUNITY Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Participate in a local health mission through faith community

COMMUNITY Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Develop and implement a program to accomplish a health goal for neighborhood, faith community, company or organization

COMMUNITY Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Communication Skills

Develop and implement a "Craig's List" for volunteer public health needs and skills; e.g., "I need a survey instrument"/"I can design a survey instrument"

COMMUNITY Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Serve on hospital board or committee

GLOBAL Cultural Competency Skills Community Dimensions of Practice Skills

Participate in international mission through faith community


Work with immigrant population(s) in local area


Study, volunteer, or work with a global health initiative such as the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India

GLOBAL Cultural Competency Skills Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

Intern with national public health agencies outside the US; e.g., Finland's National Institute for Health and Welfare

GOVERNMENTAL Analytic/Assessment Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Assist local agency in implementing the National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP)/Local Health Department Self‐Assessment Tool for Accreditation Preparation, and/or quality improvement following assessment



Practicum Idea

GOVERNMENTAL Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Collaborate with local health department to design and implement student practicum experiences

GOVERNMENTAL Public Health Sciences Skills Intern with the National Network of Public Health Institutes or with a statewide Public Health Institute (or with other public health agencies)

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION

Analytic/Assessment Skills Facilitate an evaluation design for a nonprofit organization


Analytic/Assessment Skills Volunteer to do program evaluations for a foundation (evaluate funding or funded programs)


Communication Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Assist a nonprofit in developing and preparing a grant proposal for a health project


Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Provide a time‐limited service to an agency


Community Dimensions of Practice Skills Serve an internship with a local service agency, such as Men Stopping Violence, Feminist Women's Health Center, Caminar Latino, Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Raksha


Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Serve in an active capacity on the board of directors of a nonprofit that promotes health at the community level or beyond


Policy Development/Program Planning Skills Public Health Sciences Skills

Help a foundation develop and prepare an RFP or grant program


Public Health Sciences Skills Communication Skills

Review grant proposals/abstracts/conference proposals on behalf of sponsoring entity


Public Health Sciences Skills Communication Skills

Provide technical assistance to foundation or government grantees

POLICY Policy Development/Program Planning Skills Communication Skills

Advocate for or testify about a piece of health‐relevant legislation at local, state or national level



Practicum Idea

POLICY Policy Development/Program Planning Skills Communication Skills

Organize a summit of health/public health leaders in the community to discuss/plan around a public health topic or policy

POLICY Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

Conduct a health impact analysis of a health‐related piece of legislation under consideration or recently passed

POLICY Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

Volunteer as a health policy researcher for a legislator, legislative committee or other governmental official or agency

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION

Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Public Health Sciences Skills

Develop specific field of expertise group within public health organization


Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Public Health Sciences Skills

Work for a professional organization to help organize a conference.


Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Develop public health group within organization

WORKPLACE Analytic/Assessment Skills Conduct a workplace health needs assessment

WORKPLACE Analytic/Assessment Skills Perform a comprehensive 360 analytic position assessment to use in current position (This would be for people already in top or advanced positions in their field.)

WORKPLACE Analytic/Assessment Skills Connect with analytics/outcomes areas to assist with relevant project

WORKPLACE Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Develop a new collaborative partner/partnership for your organization and demonstrate how this will serve public health interests

WORKPLACE Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Financial Planning and Management Skills

Supervise traditional student’s practicum in your workplace

WORKPLACE Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Serve as a mentor

WORKPLACE Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Take on a new project or role in current job that is a “stretch” and requires explicit use of KSAs developed in CMPH program

WORKPLACE Public Health Sciences Skills Job‐swap or ‐loan to work temporarily in a different position, department or agency. In some cases a 1‐to‐1 swap with another CMPH student might be feasible. A short‐term and/or part‐time, temporary leave could be arranged with supervisor/employer (with pay on the other position, hopefully)

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