Health Policy & Management

The practicum (internship) is a highlight of the academic program for full-time students in Health Policy and Management. The practicum experience provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom and to obtain the practical skills necessary for careers in healthcare.

During the practicum, students work under the supervision of a preceptor in administrative, research, or program activities. The practicum, usually undertaken during the summer months between the second and third semesters, is most often paid, and individually selected and tailored to meet the needs and interests of each student. The experience enables students to clarify their career goals and often leads to permanent health policy and management positions upon graduation.

The director of the Practicum Program begins meeting with students to guide their summer selections shortly after they arrive on campus. Some recent practicum placements include: Holy Name Hospital, the New York City Department of Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, UNICEF, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Senate offices (both state and national), the World Health Organization (WHO), Novartis, and the International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovation Research.

The practicum experience culminates in a fall seminar that involves the students, the entire faculty, and HPM alumni. The seminar includes presentation skills training and integrates the academic and experiential components of the MPH program.

Important Documents (PDFs)

• Practicum Brochure
• Practicum Description Form
• Sample Project Agreement Letter
• Practicum Report Form
• Student Practicum Survey
• Preceptor Practicum Guide