Practicum Experience
Practicum Experience for Students
All MPH, MHA, and DrPH students at the School of Public Health are required to complete a practicum experience as part of their curriculum. The practice experience provides an opportunity to practice public health outside of the classroom. Practicum experiences occur in a variety of settings and have happened across the globe!
Practicum Resources
- Practicum Manual for MPH, MHA, and DrPH Degree Programs (PDF)
- School of Public Health Competencies (PDF)
- Practicum Checklist for Success (Doc)
- Developing a Strong Work Plan (PDF)
- Email Template to Possible Preceptor Site (Doc)
- Meeting Observation Template (Doc)
- Does my practicum require IRB Approval? (PDF)
Practicum Portal
The Practicum Portal is the system that has replaced our previous Practicum Experience Management System (PEMS).
Students have access in the portal to upload fully approved work plans, view practicum opportunities, and access various documents related to practicum.
Access to the Applied Practice Experience Work Plan Template (used to build work plans) is granted by Office of Public Health Practice once required trainings are completed. Do not upload a work plan without a fully approved work plan draft that contains all required signatures.
Department Practicum Coordinators
Students should consult with their department practicum coordinator on all matters related to their practicum experience.
Environmental and Occupational Health
Adam Pickens, PhD, MPH (MPH and DrPH): apickens@tamu.edu
Health Policy and Management
John J. Buckley, MBA, FACHE (MHA): buckley@tamu.edu
Gerard E. Carrino, PHD, MPH (MPH): gecarrino@tamu.edu
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Shaida Kalbasi, PhD (MPH and DrPH): shaida@tamu.edu
Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences
Joseph Sharkey, PhD, MPH (MPH Fall 2021) jrsharkey@tamu.edu
Selina Stasi, DrPH, MPH (MPH): selinastasi@tamu.edu
James "Jim" Burdine, DrPH (DrPH): jnburdine@tamu.edu
Practicum Information for Preceptors
Spring Practicum Fair
The Spring Practicum Fair will take place Friday, Feb. 11, 2022.
Invitation Letter - DOC | PDF
Registration - Will open November 2021
Practicum Development Resources
- Practicum Experience Description Details and Example - DOC | PDF
- Practicum Experience Description Template - DOC
Practicum Experience Development Assistance
Do you have a project idea for students but are not quite sure how to turn it into a practicum experience? Let us help you! Please fill out the following form and submit to the Office of Public Health Practice.
Practicum Experience Development Assistance Form
Affiliation Agreements
If your organization requires an affiliation agreement for students to participate in a practicum experiences, please email the Office of Public Health Practice.
Practicum Experience Forms
In order to type on the forms click download first. Any handwritten forms, with the exception of signatures, will be rejected.
CPT Forms for Students on F1-Visas
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for F-1 international students to receive further training that is designed to achieve an established academic objective directly related to degree level and major. CPT includes practicums and internships.
SPH student on F1 visas must:
- Complete the student form
- Have the department form completed by their academic department
- Have their practicum preceptor complete the employer form
Completed forms must be submitted to International Student Services and a copy of all completed forms must be provided to your department practicum coordinator.
For more information or questions related to CPT, please visit the International Student Services website.
For any additional questions regarding the practicum experience or completion of any of these forms, contact your department practicum coordinator.