Health Administration Internship

HSA 4817 Health Administration Practicum

What is the practicum?

The Health Administration Practicum is a six-credit course required for all Health Administration majors. In addition to working at the practicum site, there are 3 verbal and 3 written presentations during the semester, as well as additional assignments and weekly class meetings. It requires at least as much work as a student would normally put into two courses. Due to the intense nature of the course, students must take the practicum by itself.

I would like to take the practicum with other courses. Is this possible?

In some cases, a student may be allowed to take the practicum with one other elective course. Students must first make an advising appointment to receive a graduation audit and identify the course they wish to take alongside the practicum. The student will then need to discuss with the practicum professor whether this would be permitted.

When should I take the practicum?

HSA 4817 is usually taken in a student’s final semester in case it transitions to full-time employment.

What are the requirements to take the practicum?

• 2.500 minimum FAU GPA
• Complete ALL six Health Administration core courses with at least a C
• Have a preceptor and practicum site (For assistance, contact a member of the career advising team.)

I need to take the practicum, but I do not meet the requirements to enroll. What can I do?

Speak with your academic advisor. If appropriate, your advisor may recommend a petition.

How do I register for the practicum?

The professor will provide permission/authorization in order for the student to register. To secure permission, all interested students must attend an orientation for the practicum.

Dates for the orientation are generally e-mailed to all Health Administration majors. Students are encouraged to attend orientation one term prior to enrolling in the practicum. Students that plan to enroll in the practicum for spring will typically attend an orientation during October or November while students attending the practicum for Summer or Fall will typically attend an orientation during March or April.

What do I bring to the orientation for the practicum?

1. Unofficial Transcript
2. Resume
3. One-page Graduation Audit
4. Practicum acceptance letter (with the name of site and preceptor) Even if you do not have a practicum acceptance letter, you are still required to come to the meeting if you are interested in taking the Practicum

How long is the orientation for the practicum?

The orientation last approximately 1 hour and students must be present for the entire time.

When and where is the practicum orientation offered?

There are several orientation sessions every semester; e-mails are sent out by the Health Administration program with dates.

Who teaches the practicum?

Dr. Pierre Alexandre
Phone: 561-297-3198
Email: alexandrep@fau.edu

Dr. Dennis Palkon
Phone: 561-297-3208
Email: dpalkon@fau.edu 

What should I keep in mind when searching for a practicum site?

If you are looking for a practicum site now, be sure to tell the people you talk with it is a nine hour per week time commitment, and you will have to conduct a meaningful project. The details will be explained at the sessions.

If you plan to do your Practicum at a large hospital or health care system, note that each organization has its own requirements regarding security measures.

They can include:

• A background check
• Drug screening
• Personal liability insurance
• TB Test
• An OHSA approved Blood Borne Pathogen safety course

Some organizations don’t require anything; others require one or more of these.

FIND OUT EARLY what is required by the organization where you want to work. The Health Administration program does not pay for these, but we can connect you with the companies that provide the tests. The fees are $40-$55 for each requirement. The Blood Borne Pathogen course is free.

Remember that organizations that agree to take you on as a practicum student are assisting you with meeting a graduation requirement and earning valuable experience in your field. Be proactive about meeting whatever security checks they require. Any delay in satisfying these requirements will likely result in you being dismissed from the practicum site and could result in a delay of your graduation.