Epidemiology

Please select from the pulldown menu to learn about additional materials and web links useful in the practicum process:

Resume Assistance

Epidemiology practicum faculty and staff are in a better position to counsel you if they have an up-to-date copy of your resume in hand when they first meet with you. In addition, spending the time it takes to develop a solid, error-free resume is an excellent long term investment in your future public health career.

Those who wish to improve their resume prior to submitting it to their practicum advisors may consult the web pages from the Mailman Office of Career Services (OCS) which contain sample resumes and resume instructions for developing a first-time resume or for improving an existing one. If you feel you need individualized professional assistance, staff in the Office of Career Services provide resume counseling. An appointment for such counseling is generally available with 3-5 days notice. In addition, your practicum advisor will review your resume, make suggestions for minor changes, or refer you to the Office of Career Services as he/she thinks advisable.

Patient Privacy (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") mandates that Columbia University Medical Center conduct training for all its employees and affiliates who access, use, manage, control, disclose, and/or release patient Protected Health Information (PHI). The Department of Epidemiology requires this of students doing practicum and thesis work. University policy does not provide reciprocity for training taken at other institutions.

This one-time training requirement is web-based and free to students. The web-based HIPAA training course is approximately 40 minutes in length followed by a timed test of 15 questions. It can be taken from a work, school or home-based computer. After successful completion of the online test, one is considered "HIPAA certified". Proof that you are HIPAA certified will be required prior to beginning your practicum and/or thesis.

To take the on-line HIPAA training course, log on to RASCAL. Select Testing Center and log in using your UNI and password. Select training module TC0019 (HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Training Course). Certificates can be e-mailed or dropped by the practicum office in person.

Human Subjects Protection

All students should become certified in Human Subjects Protection prior to beginning their practicum. All certification exams are administered via Rascal, Columbia University's Electronic Research Administration system. The "Training Center" can be found on the Rascal homepage. Log-in to Rascal's Testing Center with your UNI ID (University ID) and password and select course listings. The Protection of Human Subjects course modules can be found under course number TC0087. Once testing has been completed successfully, save and email a copy of the certification to the practicum office or print the certification and submit in hard copy. University policy does not provide reciprocity for training taken at other institutions.

Funding for Travel Expenses

The Mailman School has a travel fund that allows students completing a domestic or international internship to defray some of their travel costs. The fund is administered through the Office of Career Services (OCS). To be competitive for funds, students must have written proof (an e-mail will generally suffice) of a firm practicum commitment by the funding application deadline which generally occurs around April 1st. Past awards have varied from year to year depending on the number of students applying and fund availability with awards generally falling in the range of $1000-$1100. For application information and exact deadlines, visit: Student Travel Fund: Domestic Internships and Student Travel Fund: International Internships. Other sources of travel funding are sometimes available.

The Practicum Times

The Practicum Times contains articles from students, mentors, and others with useful information for those anticipating either a practicum or mentoring experience. Acting as a conduit for passing helpful tips, The Practicum Times helps identify pitfalls to avoid and share newly acquired wisdom from one generation of students to the next.

Practicum Checklist

Students who are completing a domestic practicum, international practicum, or applying for equivalent experience should access this Practicum Checklist.