title: Virtual practicums within an MPH program: a career development case study.
abstract: This article focuses on an innovative "virtual" practicum arrangement and provides insight for public health professionals seeking a meaningful practicum experience. The traditional practicum model where a student physically reports to work at the field site with a near full-time commitment has become increasingly challenging and often limiting in terms of field site choices and experiences available to a student depending on the location of a school and the student's area of interest. This is particularly true with students who are enrolled in a distance learning program. The experience obtained from a practicum is more important than ever before as rapid changes occur in health service delivery models as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Career development through a practicum can be vitally important to a mid-career student seeking to remain relevant and in demand within a changing job market. To fulfill these needs, while still obtaining the benefits of a practicum, a virtual practicum arrangement could provide a solution. This case study provides practical tips based on the successful experience of a recent MPH graduate.
authors.affiliation: Pro Salus, Health Policy Consultancy, Santa Monica, CA, USA SOPHE, Washington, DC, USA jeffgoodman@jeffgoodman.biz.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goodman
mesh_terms: D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States
keywords: career development/professional preparation; distance education; technology; training; workforce development