SPHTM

Practicum Timeline and Checklist

Practicum planning should begin at least 6 months prior to the beginning of the practicum.  Make sure you allow time to write your final practicum report and time for the advisor to assess the practicum prior to the last day of class in the semester you intend to graduate.  
 
All practicum requirements (including final report, assessments and evaluations) must be fully completed in time for the advisor to review prior to the last day of class.  Completion of the practicum includes the faculty review and comments on practicum reports, posters, presentations, and/or seminars, and final practicum sign-off by departmental advisors.  The department and/or advisor will set the deadline for the practicum report to be turned in that allows completion of the assessment prior to the last day of class.   If the practicum is not fully completed including assessments by the last day of classes, graduation may be delayed.    
 

Time Frame	Action	Date
Matriculation into the MPH, MSPH, or MPH&TM	Review the Practicum Handbook and understand how the practicum integrates with your program
1 year prior to start of practicum	Discuss the practicum with your advisor.
6-12 months prior to start of practicum	Consider types of practicum sites that will further your program of study and career goals
6 months prior to start of practicum	Identify possible practicum sites; set up interviews with preceptors
3-6 months prior to start of practicum	Outline practicum objectives to fulfill program competencies
2 months prior to start of the practicum	Finalize agreement with practicum site
1 month prior to start of practicum	Finalize specific objectives and products with advisor
1 month prior to start of practicum	Enter information on practicum site and objectives into Terra Dotta
Prior to the start of practicum	Trigger advisor and preceptor approvals in Terra Dotta
During practicum	Complete time and work requirements
During practicum	Keep a log of time and activities.  You may also want to keep a journal of experiences
During practicum	Collect data and information needed for final products
During practicum	Actively participate in all practicum activities and assignments
At end of practicum:  Allow sufficient time for writing the report and submitting prior to the departmental deadline. Some Depts may have other timelines, so check for program deadlines.
At the end of the practicum:	Trigger the preceptor evaluation
At end of practicum:	Write the final reports and compile all work products (e.g., presentations, fact sheets developed, etc.) Submit to Advisor and Preceptor
At least 1 week prior to last day of class in final semester.  (Set up an appointment ahead of time.)	Meet with your advisor to discuss your final report and assess achievement of program competencies during the practicum; make corrections to your final practicum report
Prior to the last day of class in the final semester	Enter corrected practicum final reports into Terra Dotta; trigger the advisor final evaluation
Prior to the last day of class in the final semester	Complete the your evaluation of the practicum
Prior to the last day of class in final semester	Ensure that the department has submitted all of the practicum materials and evaluations