Public health (PH) practicum FIELD EDUCATION Manual

Read more about the practicum/field education on the Pacific University website.

Field Education Overview

This field education manual is designed as a guide for students and community education partners to important policies, processes, and resources related to field education. Field education is a unique partnership between the university, community organizations, and professionals who serve as Field Instructors.

We are extremely grateful for the organizations and individuals who agree to take on the important responsibility of supervising our students during their practicum field experience.

Field Education Terminology

Throughout this manual, the terms “practicum”, “field education,” “field experience,” and “fieldwork” will be used to describe this experiential component of our curriculum. “Practicum” is the all-encompassing education experience, wherein the student integrates theory and practice through a combination of academic and internship or “field education” experiences. This manual focuses more narrowly on the “field education” (fieldwork, field experience) aspects of the experience, while also situating field education within the larger context of the PH Program curriculum, including practicum.

The Field Experience (aka Practicum) Course:

During fall of senior year or spring of junior year, students complete the field experience seminar, including a minimum of 70 field education hours under the supervision of a Field Instructor and the administration of the Practicum Coordinator. Field Experience Seminar is offered in both fall and spring semesters that correspond with the field experience/practicum. Seminar is an interactive setting where students integrate classroom knowledge with practice and critically analyze and reflect on their practicum experiences and professional development. This is typically done in a hybrid format, with students completing some course time face-to-face and most assignments completed online through Moodle.

Field Instructor Orientation & Training

In addition to this Field Manual, prior to student placement, Field Instructors are offered a live orientation and training on topics related to Pacific University’s PH Program and field education. This orientation and training is typically offered over Zoom ~2 weeks before the start of the semester. This live orientation does not cover all the materials included in this Field Manual and is not intended to replace Field Instructors' independent review of the Field Manual.

In cases where new Field Instructors are not able to attend this training, individual meetings to review the materials may be scheduled.

August 12, 2024 Field Instructor Orientation Slides:

PacificU Practicum Field Instructor Orientation_8.12.24.pdf

practicum coordinator

Professional Practicum Coordinator

rdahl@pacificu.edu

503-352-2012

Rose Dahl, MLIS, coordinates the practicum programs for Pacific's CJLS and Public Health majors. Rose serves as the Pacific University representative and liaison between the field sites and practicum students in these areas of study. Current and prospective field sites may contact Rose with any questions.

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