Students

Undergraduate Practicum

The practicum elective for University of South Dakota (USD) undergraduate business students majoring in health services administration provides an experiential learning opportunity in health care and public health organizations. The student pays tuition for six (6) undergraduate semester credit hours. The 6 credit hour practicum requires a minimum of 210 contact hours for the participating organization. (If the practicum is being completed in a long-term care facility, students are encouraged to review individual state requirements to become licensed as a nursing facility administrator.)

The student is expected to submit a portfolio at the conclusion of his/her practicum. This portfolio is to include the student’s project report and presentation, rotation reports, and journal reflections. It may also include facility materials that the student wants and has permission to keep. The portfolio and the Preceptor’s evaluation of the student’s performance form the basis for the pass/fail course grade.
Ideally, a student practicum is a combination of exposure to the Preceptor’s work (e.g., attendance at meetings), a scheduled rotation through facility or organizational departments or units, and completion of an assigned project.

SUMMARY OF KEY TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

(with support from Practicum Coordinator as requested)