What is a practicum?

Since practical knowledge and skills are essential to a successful career in public health, a planned, supervised, and evaluated practicum is an essential component of a public health professional degree program. The goal of the practicum is to provide an opportunity for students to synthesize, integrate, and apply practical skills, knowledge, and training learned through courses, to gain professional experience in a public health work environment, and to work on public health practice projects that are of particular interest to both the student and the greater community.

The practicum is a three-way partnership among SPHHS Students, The George Washington University as represented by the departmental Practicum Director, and sponsoring agencies/organizations as represented by the Site Preceptor. Each party in this mutually beneficial relationship assumes certain responsibilities, performs specific functions, and accrues benefits. The practicum is guided by a set of goals and objectives, which are based on the needs of all parties involved.