Practicum made practical: Practicum as professional and workforce development in Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine's Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS)

Students complete a 300-hour practicum, “experience working in a PH (public health) organization on practical PH issues,” as part of their MPH requirements. CHS has enhanced the workforce development aspect of the practicum for graduating students and current practitioners.

The student develops learning objectives addressing specific crosscutting PH competencies. Approved by their academic advisor and PH organization preceptor, these help guide the practicum and serve as a learning contract with the host organization.

Since 2003, CHS has hosted a semester end poster session for graduating students to present their practicum experience. Students not presenting learn more about practicum possibilities across the world. Graduating students learn how to make a poster and present it, practicing their communication skills and professionalism and better preparing them for the workforce. Preceptors are also invited to this opportunity for networking with faculty, other organizations, and students.

Several preceptors have provided numerous opportunities for our students, and have served as key informants to advance our educational programs. In the spring of 2010, we piloted for them a workshop intended to increase preceptor efficacy, addressing concepts related to management of students and mentoring. Topics included a profile of our students, the PH competencies, practicum requirements, negotiating a successful working relationship, self-reflection, and role play of common challenges and potential solutions. Feedback on the workshop was positive; preceptors feel more comfortable acting in this capacity and understand the role they may play as a mentor. It will be repeated and instituted as a semiannual event.