General Requirements
A practicum is a unique learning opportunity that allows you to apply classroom learning in a community-based setting. A practicum is a required component of the MPH and DrPH degree programs.
A practicum is a planned, supervised and evaluated "real-world" experience that allows you to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom. The practicum should address a need identified by your host organization. The practicum directly relates to your academic goals and professional interests. It is highly recommended that you complete the practicum in your field of study.
The practicum is an essential part of the curriculum and is a requirement set by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the accrediting body of U.S. Schools of Public Health. CEPH recommends that a student spend a minimum of 12 hours per week at the practicum site.
Primary supervision during the practicum is provided by the community preceptor. Your faculty sponsor is available as needed. A wide variety of public and private organizations are available for students. These sites can provide a valuable practice experience for students by:
- allowing the student to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom.
- introducing regular contact with public health practitioners.
- providing a community preceptor who is willing to be a mentor, provide guidance and support as needed.
A practicum requires that you:
- Complete an online orientation and quiz the semester before you start your practicum.
- Complete your Learning Contract with input from your community preceptor and faculty sponsor.
- Provide copies of the signed Learning Contract to the community preceptor, faculty sponsor, Office of Public Health Practice/Regional Coordinator and retain one copy for yourself.
- Office of Public Health Practice/Regional Coordinator must have a copy of the signed Learning Contract before the practicum starts.
- Contact the Associate Dean in the Office of Public Health Practice (713-500-9163 or Linda.E.Lloyd@uth.tmc.edu) to get the approval code of your faculty sponsor to register.
- Register for one to nine hours - PH 9997. However, only 3 hours count for credit.
- For each credit you count, spend four hours per week at your placement for 15 weeks.
- Participate in the online seminars that allow you an opportunity for reflective learning and sharing.
- Submit an abstract.
- Complete an evaluation.
A checklist is available to help you plan your experience.
Learning Contract
You, your community preceptor and your faculty sponsor should discuss and finalize the practicum requirements. Complete the Learning Contract before you go on site. Use the Learning Contract to clearly define:
- learning objectives
- methods and timetable necessary to accomplish those objectives
- description of the final product
Well defined learning objectives are critical to the practicum. The learning objectives define what you would like to gain from the experience. You should identify these early so that you can begin to explore potential sites. There are two levels of learning objectives. General learning objectives should be developed within the context of your overall goals for your program. These should be developed in consultation with your advisory committee. Specific learning objectives are recorded on your Learning Contract and reflect the specific concepts or skills you would like to learn at your practicum site.
Evaluations
Evaluations are completed by students and community preceptors. The evaluation forms are emailed a few weeks before the end of the semester. Community preceptor evaluations are forwarded to your faculty sponsor. Aggregate results are shared with the division chairs, regional deans, and posted on this website under reports.
