Roles and Responsibilities

The agency, program, project or individual that ultimately agrees to accept a student for a practicum experience also assumes an educational role. One person, a Practicum Preceptor, must agree to help arrange the student's experience and define activities that will help meet the objectives of both the student and of the agency/project. The practicum, however, is not meant to burden the preceptor with extensive supervisory demands. The roles and responsibilities for students and preceptors are outlined below:

Preceptor

Define scope of the practicum with student;
Determine the need for special training, certifications (HIPAA, IRB.);
Discuss and develop a schedule with the student;
Schedule regular meetings to chart development and progress;
Discuss maintenance of data/record notebook, if applicable;
Include student in meetings or seminars related to the practicum area;
Clarify to whom student should report if preceptor is not available;
Review and sign the Practicum Agreement Form before the practicum start date;
Complete an evaluation form at the end of the practicum.

Student

Ask for specific background reading or other information prior to meeting with preceptor;
Discuss the scope of the practicum;
Clarify with preceptor whether work will be independent or in collaboration with others;
Clarify to whom she/he should report if preceptor is not available;
Discuss how time should be allocated and hours recorded;
Comply with time commitments whether or not preceptor is on site;
Discuss her/his work schedule with preceptor on a regular basis;
Document her/his involvement in the project (i.e. project activities, data collection, meeting minutes) in a data/record notebook if applicable;
Complete any special training as required.

Once a student commences her practicum, the Practicum Preceptor coordinates and supervises the student’s work and takes responsibility for seeing that the specific objectives and activities agreed upon in the Practicum Agreement are being carried out according to schedule. The Preceptor agrees to orient the student to the agency and project and to meet with the student on a weekly basis to monitor progress. During the practicum, the student is responsible for performing according to the finalized, approved Practicum Agreement and for fulfilling the usual responsibilities of punctuality, accountability, and appropriate deportment and initiative expected of all public health professionals. The first couple of weeks of the student’s practicum should be considered a probationary period. During this time, the Practicum Director will e-mail the Preceptor a thank you letter confirming the placement and to inquire about how things are progressing. Toward the middle of the practicum, the Practicum Coordinator will email the student to inquire about her progress with the practicum placement. If there are any problems or concerns the Practicum Director is available to meet with the student and/or the student’s Preceptor. If for any reason the student or the Preceptor is unable to fulfill his or her responsibilities according to the Practicum Agreement, plans and activities for the practicum may be changed or modified with the approval of the advisor and the Practicum Preceptor.