This course is designed to integrate practical experience in the field of public health with theory and content learned in didactic courses. In addition, it is preferable if the preceptor and the student both have a sense that they are getting something out of the work. Our program recommends that MPH students contact a state or county health department or some other health agency to arrange the internship experience.
Frequent contact is preferable.
There should be a focus on how a team and the preceptor work and the rewards of doing that work. This is an opportunity for students to explore whether they would like a career in a similar setting. Student projects could involve a wide range of tasks, from developing information regarding available services to determining the effectiveness of protocols, therapies, or a consulting service. They could be involved in coding, sorting records, observing, describing projects, analyzing data, and preparing case reports. Students may assist with outbreak investigations or be involved in developing health policy through local or state agencies.