Practicum
The practicum aims to prepare students with a broad mastery of subjects and methods necessary for the field of public health practice, bridging theory and practice. In compliance with the standards set by the Council on Education for Public Health “the practicum is a planned, supervised and evaluated public health practice experience” (p.16) with defined learning outcomes and deliverable(s) in which students are expected to demonstrate competency based learning outcomes as defined by the ‘Core competencies for the public health professionals May 2010’ (http://www.phf.org/programs/corecompetencies) such as but not limited to the following.
Students will demonstrate the ability to
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integrate, synthesize and apply knowledge and skills to a public health problem; and
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demonstrate the skills needed to function in a professional public health setting, such as:
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Problem solving and analysis
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Interpersonal, oral and written communication
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Self-assessment and critical reflection
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Practicums may be carried out in one of the following local, regional, or international locations:
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Public health agency
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Public or private health care organisation
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Non-governmental organisation
How are Practicum arranged?
All Practicum experiences require review and approval from the Practicum Coordinators. The search for a practicum opportunity parallels the process of a public health job search. Our students have three options for students to arrange a Practicum:
OPTION 1: School-approved Practicum Opportunities
OPTION 1: School-approved Practicum Opportunities
A list of pre-approved practicum sites would be available for students to apply. These opportunities have predefined Practicum projects, public health related activities and proposed deliverables.
OPTION 2: Self-Initiated Practicum
OPTION 2: Self-Initiated Practicum
Students may identify their own Practicum experiences with an outside public health organization, hospitals, charities, or NGOs involved in a Practicum placement at both local and international context.
OPTION 3: Practicum Equivalence Program ** For Part-time Students ONLY**
OPTION 3: Practicum Equivalence Program ** For Part-time Students ONLY**
MPH students currently working in a health-related or non-health related setting may undertake their Practicum at their workplace through the Practicum Equivalence Program. The work you do for your Practicum should be an extension of your regular work duties and allows application of selected public health competencies. Practicum Equivalence applications are reviewed and approved case-by-case.
Students will be working closely with Practicum Coordinators to identify and secure Practicum placements.
Practicum Placements
