Master of Public Health MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal Colorado School of Public Health CU Anschutz Campus STUDENT NAME: CONCENTRATION: HOST SITE: Registration Code (provided by Practicum Office)
Table of Contents MPH Practicum Basics Pages 1-5 Practicum Requirements Goals of the Practicum Experience Practicum and the MPH Academic Curriculum Practicum Process Practicum Online Course Assignments Practicum Placement Establishing a Practicum Host Site, Preceptor and Project Responsibilities of Preceptor and Host Site Preceptor and Host Site Benefits Combining Practicum and Capstone Public Health Forum MPH Practicum Proposal Checklist Page 6 MPH Practicum Preparation and Student Skills Assessment Pages 7-8 Sample Learning Plan Page 9 MPH Practicum Learning Plan Template Pages 10-11 MPH Practicum Placement Agreement Pages 12-13 Online Certifications and Resume Page 14 Approval Signature Page Page 15 MPH Practicum Midpoint Review Pages 16-17 MPH Practicum Final Review Pages 18-19 MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 2
MPH Practicum Basics Practicum Requirements All MPH concentrations in the Colorado School of Public Health require students to successfully complete a Practicum experience in which the student demonstrates competencies and integrates public health knowledge. Minimum of 120 hours of experience in the field of public health Pre-defined tasks that assist an organization in addressing an unmet need while supporting student growth in developing skills in public health practice Preceptor site approval from concentration director and Practicum coordinator Students must be registered for the Practicum course before logging hours toward Practicum requirement. If the Practicum will not be completed in one semester, a student may receive an incomplete and receive a final grade at a later time. If a student is not registered for Practicum credits and the student is injured while working on the Practicum the student will not be covered by the university liability/worker s compensation insurance. Goals of the Practicum Experience Apply classroom theory, knowledge, skills and techniques to a professional work setting; Enhance and develop new skills needed to function as a professional in a public health setting; Work on a specifically defined public health problem or issue project that is salient to the Preceptor site; Participate in a setting that allows the student to explore future career decisions; Engage in professional self-assessment and personal reflection; Build a personal network of professional leaders in public health; Connect with local and state public health agencies and other community-based organizations, which serve the public s health to create support for the public health community and future recruitment opportunities. MPH Practicum and the Academic Curriculum To support student success as a public health practitioner six credit hours are designed to build upon one another to provide students with foundational information and skills that will support and enhance their professional abilities. These six credit hours consist of the following courses: Foundations in Public Health Course (2 credit hours) MPH Practicum Experience (2 credit hours) Capstone Master s Project (2 credit hours) Practicum Process 1) Complete prerequisite requirements for Practicum: a. Successfully complete Public Health Practice course (CSU) or Foundations in Public Health course (CU/UNC) b. Successfully complete 18 credits including three core MPH courses c. Gain approval of program administration d. Attend a Practicum Information Session the semester prior to taking Practicum course (dates are emailed to students each semester) 2) Complete the Practicum Agreement including self assessment, learning plan, placement agreement and online certifications (see checklist for a full list) 3) Gain Approval from community Preceptor and concentration director 4) Submit Agreement and receive an access code for the Practicum Course MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 3
Practicum Online Course Assignments Log of Practicum experience hours Organizational Structure Paper: Organization s structure and governance, mission, strategic plan, leadership, funding, budgeting, staff management Reflection Journals Mid-point evaluation Final evaluation Final Online Practicum Portfolio Practicum Placement Since each student has a unique set of interests and skills, the Practicum experience will be created as an individualized experience. The student will be matched with a community agency and a community Preceptor. The placement of students will be flexible, but the following guidelines will be used to assess appropriateness of practice placement: Requires students to apply graduate level competencies Engages students in addressing a specific public health issue in a field setting Advances students competencies and knowledge in public health practice Exposes students to the ten Essential Services of Public Health Has specific, defined project goals with deliverables Has a realistic time frame that is appropriate for a student to manage based upon their unique skills and knowledge Has a Preceptor who has appropriate training to 1) oversee the project, 2) willing to agree to responsibilities outlined in the project learning plan, 3) is approved by the MPH Practicum coordinator Enhances the students professional network, career potential and professional development Establishing a Practicum Host Site, Preceptor and Project The responsibility of creating an exceptional Practicum experience ultimately lies on the student. However, the student is not alone in this pursuit. The student will work closely with their faculty advisor, concentration director and the MPH Practicum coordinator to receive support and guidance to ensure an enriching experience. To start the placement process a student should: Review Practicum requirements Review the Practicum Guidelines and Proposal document. Complete the skills assessment and create a list of preferred settings, topics and skills to develop. Create an account on ColoradoSPHConnect.com to review opportunities Meet with faculty advisor and or Practice Office to discuss student interest sand opportunities available at Preceptor sites See page 6 for complete checklist of activities to be completed Responsibilities of Preceptor and Host Sites The goal of the Practicum is to help grow the student personally and professional for a career in the field of public health. The experience is intended to provide students with an opportunity to develop professional skills in a public health setting while contributing to the needs of an organization. The school recognizes that this goal needs the support and commitment from community partners that are practicing public health in various settings. The primary responsibilities of a host site and Preceptor are to: MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 4
Work with students to develop a realistic graduate level project within the Practicum time commitment and student schedule Provide the student with a background about the organization and project Be available to meet with student, provide supervision, and feedback Provide resources for students to complete project (i.e. office space, computer, access to data) Provide written feedback for the student and the school by completing evaluation forms midway through Practicum (after 60 hours completed) and a final evaluation Support students in professional development activities (i.e. include in staff meetings, introduce organizational leaders, invite to professional events) *Organizations must have a current Educational Affiliation Agreement with ColoradoSPH *Organizations are encouraged to post all student opportunities on ColoradoSPHConnect.com Preceptor and Host Site Benefits The Practicum experience has great value to the student s development and having a student professional also provides benefits to the host organization. Students complete or conduct projects the organization may not have capacity to do Students provide an inquisitive approach and may provide creative ideas and solutions Students build professional capacity and may be recruited to become part of organization s workforce Organizations and Preceptors have an impact on the field of public health by participating in the education of future professionals Practicum and Capstone Combined A student may choose to link their Practicum experience with his/her Capstone. For example, during the Practicum the student may begin an extended project that requires more than the minimum 120 hours for completion and culminates into a product that meets the requirements for the Capstone project. This possibility should be explored between the Preceptor and the student at the beginning of the Practicum experience, although in some cases the possibility for a Capstone project may be identified during (rather than prior to) the Practicum experience. The MPH Capstone Project is designed to benefit the community or a particular target population (e.g. program plan, program evaluation, capacity building project, policy initiative, grant proposal, publishable research paper). The project will most often be connected to the Practicum experience by addressing a need identified by the host site. The project should relate to a student's academic goals and professional interests, and demonstrate the student's ability to work independently at the master's level. The final product will be a 15-20-page paper that demonstrates the student's ability to bring together the many facets of his/her learning from the MPH program in a prescribed format. The student will also present his/her experience in the form of an oral and poster presentation for faculty and classmates. Public Health Forum Each semester, Capstone students from all three campuses present an oral and poster presentation at the Public Health Forum (Research Day at UNC). Preceptors are encouraged to attend this public event. Visit the ColoradoSPH website calendar for upcoming dates. MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 5
MPH Practicum Proposal Checklist Student Name Date IMPORTANT: All items in this packet and on this checklist must be completed and submitted to the Office of Student Affairs PRIOR to 1) obtaining a registration code for the course and 2) documenting any Practicum hours at the host site. Please note: To complete this packet, all documents must be typed. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRACTICUM COURSE YOU MUST: Successfully complete the Foundations in Public Health Course (PUBH6600 at CU) Successfully complete 18 credits including a minimum of three of the MPH core courses Attend an information session regarding the MPH Practicum Once you have determined that you are eligible for the course, please complete the following: Complete Preparation/Skills Assessment Prepare a current resume/cv to be included in completed packet Meet with Faculty Advisor and/or Practicum Coordinator(s) to discuss Practicum experience (OPTIONAL) Meet with Host Site and Preceptor to determine and define Practicum project Provide Preceptor a copy of your resume and the Practicum Guidelines and Proposal available on the CSPH Website Complete Learning Plan and Placement Agreement with your Preceptor Obtain appropriate signatures for all agreements Provide Preceptor and Faculty Advisor a copy of this packet including signatures Keep a copy of this packet including signatures Complete online HIPAA online course and print certificate (or a screen shot of completion page) Submit completed packet to: practicumproposals@ucdenver.edu Olivia Jolly, Practicum Office: AMC Historic Building 500, 3 rd Floor E3360 G Receive registration code from the Practicum Office and register online for PUBH 6606 MPH Practicum Course INTERNATIONAL: If international Practicum, student must gain approval from the UCD Global Education Office and provide documentation of approval MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 6
MPH Practicum Preparation and Student Skills Assessment Student Name: Address: Phone: Email: MPH Concentration: Faculty Advisor: Current Employment: Current Supervisor: Areas of Interest (What job would you like to have after finishing your MPH?) Review the list of MPH competencies and list skills you are competent in. What competencies do you want/need to develop further? MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 7
MPH Practicum Preparation and Student Skills Assessment Professional Qualifications: indicate your skill level with each topic below by placing an X in the appropriate level. (1 being no experience and 5 being highly skilled ) Below each topic/skill list your experience. Computer Skills Experience Budget/Fiscal Functions Experience Research Experience Project Management Experience Information Technology Experience Marketing Experience Policy Development Experience Grant Writing Experience Working With Groups Experience Please list Certifications: Please list Foreign Languages: Other: 1 no experience 2 3 4 5 highly skilled MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal 8
SAMPLE Learning Plan Host Site: Preceptor: Student Name: Email address: Practicum Summary: In one statement describe the organization you will be working with. Follow this with a brief description of the overall purpose of working with this organization and how it relates to public health. Practicum Activity #1 For each activity, provide a fairly detailed description of what you will be doing. How will you be spending your time? Some activity examples might include attending collaboration meetings, drafting documents, collecting data, developing a survey, researching best practices, giving presentations, or drafting recommendations. You need to have at least 3 activities, but you may have more. Practicum Activity #2 Practicum Activity #3 Proposed Capstone Project (if applicable): This section only needs to be filled in if your Capstone project will be with the same organization as your Practicum organization and you already have a sense of what you will be doing for your Capstone project. Leave this section blank if you have not decided whether to connect your Capstone to your Practicum project. I. Practicum Activity II. Objectives for Each Activity III. Competencies IV. Monitoring of Project/ Attainment Criteria (For each activity you must have at least one objective. The objective is the learning objective, not necessarily the outcome. How will you benefit from this activity? What will you gain from it?) (Describe all activities in full text. This may be copied and pasted from the sections above. You may have more than 3 activities. This word document will expand as you fill in the information. There is no page limit to your Learning Plan.) (Select competencies from the tables at the end of the Practicum packet. You may choose general public health competencies, but you also must select from those specific to your area of study. You MUST include the whole text of the competency, and not just the code.) (Describe how your progress in achieving your activities will be monitored. Will you have a regular meeting with your Preceptor? Will you report on group meetings? If you produce documents, will you receive feedback? Describe how success of the associated activity will be defined. Will it be shared with stakeholders, clients or on a website? Will it create new practices in the organization? Who is the final approver to say that you have completed the activity?) MPH Practicum Resource Guide and Agreement 9
MPH Practicum Learning Plan Practicum Host Site: Dates of Practicum: Community Preceptor: Preceptor Email address: Student Name: Practicum Summary: Email address: Practicum Activity #1 Practicum Activity #2 Practicum Activity #3 Proposed Capstone Project (if applicable): I. Practicum Activity #1 II. Objectives for Each Activity III. Competencies IV. Monitoring/Evaluation MPH Practicum Resource Guide and Agreement 10
I. Practicum Activity #2 II. Objectives for Each Activity III. MPH Competencies Addressed IV. Monitoring/Evaluation I. Practicum Activity #3 II. Objectives for Each Activity III. MPH Competencies Addressed IV. Monitoring/Evaluation MPH Practicum Resource Guide and Agreement 11
MPH Practicum Placement Agreement Student Name: Student Address: Student Telephone: Student Email: MPH Concentration: Faculty Advisor: Emergency Contact: Preceptor Site: Preceptor Name & Title: Preceptor Site Address: Preceptor Telephone: Preceptor Email: Project Description (Provide a brief summary to match the learning plan.) Describe the student s role in the project What knowledge, skills and learning experiences can the student expect to gain from participation in the project? How will the student be oriented to the organization and the project? MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 12
What is the plan for regular meetings between the student and Preceptor to review progress on projects and provide feedback on the student s performance? What is the dress code that the student should adhere to? What should the student know about the culture of the organization? Period of Practicum experience: Beginning date: Completion date: Schedule of work: Number of hours per week: Days per week: Number of total hours anticipated to complete project (120 minimum): Describe resources to be made available to the student to support work on project: Work space Access to equipment Administrative support Access to data, if appropriate Other (ID Badge, Orientation, Special Training) Compensation (if any): Paid Employee Experience only, no pay Other (please describe) MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 13
MPH Practicum Additional Needs: Online Certifications, Resume As a requirement of the MPH Practicum course and completion of this packet, you must complete the following: 1) Online HIPAA Research Course (see instructions below) 2) Create/update your resume/curriculum vitae a. Visit the ColoradoSPH website to learn about the Career Office and to schedule an appointment with Ben Weihrauch, the Manager of Career and Employer Relations CITI HIPAA RESEARCH COURSE (HIPS) Instructions The HIPAA Privacy Rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information. At the same time, the Privacy Rule is balanced so that it permits the disclosure of personal health information needed for patient care and other important purposes. The Security Rule specifies a series of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for covered entities to use to assure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information. ~ www.hhs.gov Visit the CoMirb website for specific instructions: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/research/aboutus/comirb/submissions-and- Training-Portal/investigator%20responsabilities/Pages/Completing-CITI-Education-and- Acessing-InfoEd.aspx MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 14
Master of Public Health MPH Practicum Guidelines and Proposal Colorado School of Public Health CU Anschutz Campus APPROVAL SIGNATURES PRINT STUDENT NAME: STUDENT SIGNATURE: CONCENTRATION DIRECTOR/ADVISOR SIGNATURE: PRECEPTOR SIGNATURE: MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 15
COLORADO SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Practicum Midpoint Review The midpoint review should occur after approximately 60 hours of the Practicum experience has been completed. This is an opportunity to reflect on the work to date, garner feedback and review the learning plan to ensure the activities are on track. The midpoint review should be scheduled with your Preceptor to review your work, the learning plan and discuss the experience to date. Please attach a typed response to the questions below and use this page as a cover sheet for the assignment. The purpose of this review is: 1) To provide the student with an awareness of his/her strengths and weaknesses as related to the pursuit of a career in public health. 2) To provide the student with evaluative feedback concerning performance of his/her responsibilities in this Practicum. 3) To provide suggestions for improving performance and correcting deficiencies. 4) To assess progress toward Practicum completion and alignment with the learning plan. DIRECTIONS Schedule a meeting with the Preceptor to review the learning plan and discuss the Practicum experience to date including the topics listed below. Provide Preceptor with midpoint performance review table. Preceptor should complete the assessment and discuss with student at meeting. Discussion should be documented. Revise the learning plan (if applicable) to address any concerns uncovered in the review meeting. Provide the Practicum administrator(s) with this review cover page, including documented discussion and performance review table, and an updated learning plan if applicable, within one week of holding midpoint review meeting. DISCUSSION POINTS 1) Discuss the overall Practicum and how it has unfolded to date. (Provide a brief summary of discussion) 2) List accomplishments to date. 3) Discuss progress on the learning plan. 4) Discuss any challenges or barriers that may have affected the work to date. Describe what is being done to alleviate these obstacles. 5) Describe exciting and unexpected opportunities that have unfolded thus far in the Practicum. 6) Discuss student performance to date and highlight strengths and weaknesses. 7) Based upon the time left on this Practicum, will you be able to complete the proposed Practicum activities? 8) Are there any changes that need to be made to the learning plan? 9) Describe any other issues or concerns that need to be addressed. Would the Preceptor like to have a meeting with the MPH program administration? Yes No SIGNATURES Preceptor: Date Student: Date MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 16
Preceptor Midpoint Evaluation of Practicum Student Colorado School of Public Health This form was developed to evaluate MPH student performance at the mid-point of the Practicum experience. Instructions: The Preceptor must complete this evaluation form prior to meeting with the student. Preceptors are asked to review the evaluation results with the student before submitting the completed evaluation. Both Preceptor and Student are asked to sign page 1 of this evaluation. Preceptor: Agency/Organization: Student: Start/End Date of Practicum: Below, please evaluate the performance of the MPH student at the mid-point of the Practicum experience by placing an X in the appropriate box. Attendance/Punctuality Cooperation/Teamwork Problem Solving Dependability Professionalism Initiative Adaptability/Flexibility Ability to Accept Feedback Communication Cultural Competency Basic Public Health Skills Policy Development Program Planning Leadership Exceeded Expectations Met Expectations Partially Met Expectations Did Not Meet Expectations Not Applicable Are there other skills on which you would like to comment? MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 17
COLORADO SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Practicum Final Review The final review should occur when the Practicum experience has been completed. This is an opportunity to reflect on the work completed, garner feedback and review the learning plan. The final review should be scheduled with your Preceptor to review your work, the learning plan and discuss the overall experience. Please attach a typed response to the questions below and use this page as a cover sheet for the assignment. The purpose of this review is: 1) To provide the student with an awareness of his/her strengths and weaknesses as related to the pursuit of a career in public health. 2) To provide the student with evaluative feedback concerning performance in his/her responsibilities in this Practicum. 3) To provide suggestions for improving performance and correcting deficiencies. 4) To assess Practicum accomplishments and review originally agreed upon activities. DIRECTIONS Schedule a meeting with the Preceptor to review the learning contract and discuss the Practicum experience to date including the topics listed below. Provide Preceptor with final performance review table prior to meeting. Preceptor should complete the assessment beforehand and discuss with student at meeting. Discussion should be documented. Revise the learning plan (if applicable) to address any concerns uncovered in the review meeting. Provide the Practicum administrator(s) with this review cover page, including documented discussion and performance review table, and an updated learning plan if applicable, within one week of holding midpoint review meeting. DISCUSSION POINTS 1) Discuss the overall Practicum and how it unfolded. (Provide a brief summary of discussion) 2) List accomplishments to date. 3) Discuss alignment of completed tasks with those outlined in the learning plan. 4) Discuss any challenges or barriers that may have affected the work. 5) Discuss student performance to date and highlight strengths and weaknesses. 6) Describe any other issues or concerns that need to be addressed. Would the Preceptor like to have a meeting with the CU MPH program administration? Yes No SIGNATURES Preceptor: Student: Program Approval: Date Date Date MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 18
Preceptor Final Evaluation of Practicum Student - Colorado School of Public Health This form was developed to evaluate MPH student performance at the completion of the Practicum experience. Instructions: The Preceptor must complete this evaluation form prior to meeting with the student. Preceptors are asked to review the evaluation results with the student before submitting the completed evaluation. Both Preceptor and Student are asked to sign page 1 of this evaluation. Preceptor: Agency/Organization: Student: Start/End Date of Practicum: Below, please evaluate the performance of the MPH student at the completion of the Practicum experience by placing an X in the appropriate box. Exceeded Met Partially Met Did Not Meet Not Expectations Expectations Expectations Expectations Applicable Attendance/Punctuality Cooperation/Teamwork Problem Solving Dependability Professionalism Initiative Adaptability/Flexibility Ability to Accept Feedback Communication Cultural Competency Basic Public Health Skills Policy Development Program Planning Leadership Are there other skills on which you would like to comment? Did the student successfully complete the Scope of Work as outlined in the Learning Plan? What strengths will the student bring to the public health profession? What recommendations for professional development do you have for the student? MPH Practicum Guide and Proposal 19