Overview of the Practicum/Internship In Human Physiology

The decision to undertake a clinical affiliation or field experience, sometimes called an internship, may be one of the most important choices that you make during your undergraduate or graduate career. The major goal of an affiliation is to provide the student with an experience that is different from the classroom in which he or she can apply much of the knowledge gained in previous classwork. Exposure to the hospital setting, research laboratory, or clinical environment, direct patient contact, and various laboratory responsibilities are all possible experiences.

Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences has numerous affiliations within the Greater Boston area, as well as many others in various parts of the country.  With this wide range of experiences, students are encouraged to choose an affiliation that is intellectually stimulating and possibly relevant to future endeavors.

Danka Charland
Affiliation Coordinator

 

Description: HS 410: Practical experience in a clinic, hospital, community institution and/or setting as appropriate.  The majority of the field sites chosen will be those offering experience in the evaluation of cardiovascular health and fitness, fitness classes, cardiac rehabilitation, clinical research, and other duties specific to the day-to-day operation of these agencies.

Prerequisites:

  • Completion of all required academic courses through the junior year. (No sophomores will be allowed to register)
  • PRIOR consent of the instructor
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.3 is required before an affiliation can commence.

Credits:                      

  • HS 410: 4 - 8 credit hours; 140 - 280 contact hours; grading will be on a P (Pass) or F (Fail) basis.

Objectives:     

The student(s) will demonstrate in a clinical or research setting the ability to:

  1. apply the knowledge gained in academic training.
  2. adapt quickly to the routines and procedures required in the assigned laboratories and clinics.
  3. perform their assigned tasks with competence and with a minimum of supervision.
  4. conduct themselves in a mature, professional manner which will instill confidence in the clients with whom they come in contact.
  5. work harmoniously with all fellow workers in the assigned agency.

Procedures for Obtaining an Affiliation:

      • Affiliation Manual: Review a copy of the Affiliation Manual and Binder located in Sargent, Room 443.
      • Site Selection: Review the list of available sites in the Affiliation Manual and select three potential sites from this list. You may also suggest and generate your own research and information for new sites, if desired.
      • Meeting: Schedule a time to meet with the Academic Clinical Coordinator AFTER you have reviewed Affiliation Manual and begun the site selection process.
      • Interview: You will then schedule interviews with your chosen sites.
      • Email Coordinator: As soon as possible after the interview or formal offer of internship, report back to the coordinator who will contact your supervisor to formalize your affiliation.
      • Grading: Before you receive a grade (pass, fail) for your affiliation your supervisor and you each fill out an evaluation form.