Preceptorship in Community Health Education

The Preceptorship is designed to be a practical culminating experience in which the student maintains a full-time agency workload in Community Health Education. It is meant to be a time of service and innovation to the agency, as well as a significant learning opportunity. Only through a practical experience such as this, can the efficient application of knowledge, ideas, and skills in realistic problem settings occur. With this, both the student and the agency should benefit immeasurably.

Preceptorship Objective:

To enable the student (1) to apply realistically the knowledge and skills attained in the campus setting to specific practical community health education issues in the agency setting, (2) resulting in practical service to the agency, and (3) better student preparation for future employment and/or advanced education.

The Preceptorship experience will take place in an agency which employs Community Health Educators and which has health education as a major part of its mission. This includes government health departments, voluntary health organizations, hospitals, clinics and worksite health organizations. The most valuable field training will entail a variety of health education and health promotion projects. The agency must provide first-hand involvement in such activities as:

  • Needs assessment
  • Program development and implementation
  • Instruction
  • Public speaking
  • Written communication
  • Materials and media preparation
  • Community organization
  • Public relations and publicity
  • Program evaluation
  • Services coordination
  • Resources acquisition and dissemination

The Preceptorship is offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. Limited opportunities may be available during the Summer semester. Community Health Education majors will enter their field training experience in the final semester. Determinations regarding schedules are made by the Community Health faculty. The following parameters have been developed:

Preparation for the Preceptorship begins at least twelve months in advance of the agency starting date. It is not advisable to request an agency until you are clear about your major interest area and the opportunities each site provides. Three Community Health Education forms are to be completed in advance: Agency Request Form (Form 1), Application for Admission (Form 2), and Proposal of Involvement (Form 3). Also a resume is requested. The Agency Request form (Form 1) must be completed twelve months in advance and aids in pre-alignment with an agency. The Proposal of Involvement is completed following an interview session with a specific agency.* Your Resume and Application for Admission to the Preceptorship (Form 2) are completed the semester prior to your agency experience. Additional forms can be obtained from your Preceptorship Advisor and the Academic Advisor for the college in Room 125 Mitchell Hall.

Prerequisites for the Preceptorship:

  1. Successful completion of all forms
  2. Successful completion of all coursework
  3. CGPA of 2.75
  4. MGPA of 2.75
  5. Recommendation by the Department

Point Values:

  Preliminary Process (Form I – 100 pts., Prior-semester Orientation Session - 50 pts., Interview - 100 pts., and Proposal of Involvement - 200 pts.) 450
2 Interim Written Reports (100 pts. ea.) 200
Final Written Report 260
Site Visit Evaluation 100
Supervisor’s Written Evaluation 150
Final Dialogue Session and Sharing  
    (Dialogue with advisor – 75 pts.)  
    (Final Sharing Session – 200 pts.) 275
Portfolio 300
  1,735