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Putting the "Practice" in Public Health Practice - Part I: Undergraduate Course Content and Advising Leading to a Successful Internship

Sunday, March 20, 2016
Sky View (Crystal Gateway Marriott)
Nancy G. Smith, PhD, MA , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Tracy M. Zeeger, MPH, CHES , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Jenny R. Hodgson, MPH, CHES , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Sylvette A. LaTouche-Howard, PhD, NCC, CHES , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Martha S. Reynolds, PhD , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
The University of Maryland offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health.  This program is among the largest and oldest undergraduate public health degree programs in the US, reaching up to 600 majors at a time and serving the field of public health since the 1970’s.

The program provides skills and experiences needed to move students into public health practice. Students take courses preparing them for the field and then enter full-time internships.  We are highlighting three professional preparation courses in our undergraduate program and the role of academic advising in preparing students for the internship. 

Skills/Competencies

Students complete 18 classes prior to the 12-credit internship. In their final three courses, they move into the field and implement interventions addressing real problems, develop and deliver health education curricula, plan programs and design evaluations within the context of grant proposals, and practice job searching and professional etiquette. 

Teaching/Advising Strategies

Our approach to preparing students for internships is based on best practices in service learning and public health undergraduate education, and communication with community partners to identify need. Our courses are refined strategically to develop knowledge and skills needed in community health and the professional work environment. Through academic advising, students are linked to career-boosting resources across the University, assisted in networking, and guided in professionalism. 

Outcomes

Success is evident through our student feedback (85% reported very satisfied or satisfied with their professional preparation; key course competencies were applied in the internship), and internship preceptor feedback (92% stated interns were very prepared or prepared).

Discussion

We provide information on how to prepare students for a successful internship in public health, which ultimately increases readiness for a community health job after graduation.  We highlight what occurs during key professional preparation courses as well as academic advising that lead to these successful outcomes.

See more of: Sunday Poster Session
(Focused on Undergraduate Education in Public Health)
See more of: Annual Meeting -- Oral/Poster Proposal
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