PUBLICHEALTH
CLAREMONTGRADUATEUNIVERSITY
SCHOOLOFCOMMUNITY&GLOBALHEALTH
SUPERVISEDFIELDTRAININGMANUAL
STUDENTGUIDE
FOR
MPHINTERNSHIP
MPHInternshipHandbook
EFFECTIVESPRING2016
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WelcometothePublicHealthInternship!
An integral part of the MPH program is the internship, a structured and supervised
professional experience with an approved agency for which students receive academic
credit. As a working partnership between students and public health agencies, the field
trainingexperienceoffersstudentsarotationthroughanareaofpublichealthpracticeina
county, state, federal or community based agency. The goal of the internship is to further
students’ practical experience while enhancing the work of public health. Through field
trainingandtheassociatedrequirements,studentshavetheopportunitytodemonstratean
integration of coursework into a real-world setting, preparing them for a professional
careerinpublichealth.
ThismanualwasdevelopedasaguideforMPHstudents,faculty,staffandfieldsupervisors
as an overview of the policies, procedures, requirements and guidelines for the MPH
internship.Revisionswillbemadetothismanualasneeded.
Wishingyouarewardinginternshipexperience,
BreeHemingway,MPH
ProgramManager&FieldTrainingCoordinator
MasterofPublicHealthProgram
DarleenPeterson,PhD,MPH,MCHES AssociateProfessor&ProgramDirector
FacultyAdvisor,SupervisedFieldTraining MasterofPublicHealthProgram
Updated2/16
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ACADEMICPURPOSEANDVALUE
_________________________________________________________________________________________
GoalsandObjectives
Integral to the MPH curriculum is the internship or field placement. The Council on
EducationforPublicHealth(CEPH)specifiesthatanMPHprogram“shallassurethateach
studentacquiresskillsandexperienceintheapplicationofbasicpublichealthconceptsand
of specialty knowledge to the solution of community health problems.” An internship is
providedbyafieldtrainingexperienceinanareaofpublichealthpracticeinacounty,state,
federal,community-basedagencyoruniversityenvironment.
The goal of the public health internship is to enrich students’ educational training by
providing an opportunity to apply theory and skills acquired from their concentration to
community based research and service in a practice setting. Students contribute to an
agency’sresourcesandtothesolutionofpublichealthproblemswhiledevelopingpersonal
confidenceandleadershipasapublichealthprofessional.
The objectives of the Supervised Field Training in Public Health are designed to provide
studentsthefollowingopportunities:
• Introduce the role of public health and social service agencies in the community
setting
• Expand the understanding of organizational and policies issues, administration,
research, funding mechanisms, program activities and challenges faced by
organizationsaddressingpublichealthissues
• Applyandtestpublichealthconceptsandtheoriesinapracticesetting
• Improvecommunicationandprofessionalskillsthroughon-the-jobtraining
• Contributetotheanalysisofpublichealthproblems
• Assumeleadershiprolesandresponsibilitiesforthedesign,implementationand/or
evaluationofpublichealthprograms
• Networkwithpublichealthagenciestosecureaninternshipplacement
TypesofFacilitiesandExperiences
The internship allows students to utilize their training in an appropriate public health
setting under the supervision of a qualified field supervisor. Assignments are made in
collaboration with the facility, university and the student and are based on the student’s
specificfieldofstudy(i.e.concentration)toprovideforabeneficiallearningexperience.
Studentshavetheopportunitytoworkincountyhealthdepartments,schooldistricthealth
education programs, or non-profit community-based organizations. In addition,
opportunities may be available in the health care delivery system including health
maintenance organizations and Medical Centers. Students who plan to advance their
educationhaveelectedtoassumeplacementswithintheuniversityenvironmentasmeans
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tofurtherdeveloptheirresearchandanalyticalskills.Ineachcase,studentsareexpectedto
engage in activities that contribute to their learning objectives while performing tasks
relatedtothefacility’sneeds.
Typicalfieldtrainingactivitiesmayinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
• Developing, implementing and/or evaluating a health promotion programs for a
specificpopulation
• Conductingresearchonapublichealthissueofinterest(e.g.,studyandinstrument
design;datacollection,entry,andanalysis,assessmentoffindings)
• Conductingpolicyanalysisoradvocacyrelatedtoapublichealthissue
• Conductingneedsassessmentofcommunity/population’sassetsandchallenges
• Coalitionbuildingandcoordinationofresources
• Development, pre-testing and evaluation of curriculum and/or health education
materials
• Contributingtothedevelopmentoffundingproposals
TypesofLearningOpportunitiesthroughtheInternship
The supervised field training experience will assist students in gaining practical skills and
knowledge in theoretical preparation, needs assessment, planning, implementing and
evaluatingprogramsaswellasinappliedresearch.Theseexperienceswillgivestudentsan
opportunity to apply academic course work in a real-world setting, while preparing them
for a career in public health. Students develop a poster presentation detailing their
experienceinCGH306:SupervisedTraininginPublicHealthandafinalpaperduringtheir
capstonecourseinCGH307:PublicHealthCapstonewhichintegratestheirfieldexperience
withrelevantcoursework,providingevidenceoftheirgrowthandachievementduringtheir
internshipexperience.
TheInternshipSequence
SemesterPriortoFieldTraining
1. Determine eligibility, unit and hour requirement. The internship serves as one of
theculminatingexperiencesfortheMPHdegree.Thus,studentsshouldcompletetheir
internship at the conclusion of all coursework. Students may elect to begin their
internship requirements earlier, but must meet the following eligibility requirement:
completion of all MPH core and concentration coursework. Students with previous
publichealthemploymentmaybeeligibleforawaiverof200hours.Tosubmitawaiver
request,studentsmustpossessaminimumofthreeyearspaidpublichealthexperience
prior to admission to the MPH program. Waivers will be granted upon approval by a
reviewpanel.
2. Students arrange an individual appointment with the MPH Field Training
Coordinator during the semester before they wish to complete the requirement.
Prior to the meeting, students will submit a “Student Interest Form” and current
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resume. On this form, students will indicate their internship preferences and any
agenciesofinterest.Studentsareencouragedtoviewthelistofaffiliatedsites.During
the meeting, students should come prepared to discuss career goals, areas of interest,
professionalstrengthsandweaknesses,skillstodevelop,preferencefororganizationor
agency, geographical location, educational needs and a time table for completing field
training hours. Additional paperwork is completed at this time. The Field Training
Coordinator will discuss strategies for researching and selecting sites. The Faculty
AdvisorwillexplainthespecificrequirementswhenthestudentregistersforCGH306
SupervisedFieldTraininginPublicHealth.
3. The student begins researching and contacting potential internship sites and/or
preceptors to discuss the potential for field training. Students may search for
availableplacementsinnationalandgovernmentalorganizations,localdepartmentsof
health,communitycenters,andvoluntaryhealthorganizations,tonameafew.Students
shouldsubmitaletterofinteresttoeachsiteofinterestandrequestaninterview.Come
prepared to discuss goals, objectives, possible projects, timeframes and expectations
during the interview. Students who desire to conduct their field training in a nonaffiliated agency must inform the Field Training Coordinator. If the site and field
supervisor are suitable, appropriate forms will be forwarded to initiate the affiliation
process. Once a site has been secured, and the appropriate forms have been signed,
studentsmaybegintheirfieldtraininghours.
SemesterDuringFieldTraining
4. Students attend an orientation in which they plan to begin their hours and
register for the course. Registration consists of 4 units of field training (400 hours).
Before beginning field training requirements however, students must attend an
orientation session or set up an individual appointment with the Field Training
Coordinatorifhoursaretobeginmid-semester.
6. Students record work hours. Students may use a time card available on the MPH
websitetorecordtheirhours.Supervisorsmustconfirmstudenthours.
7. Students keep a journal. Students completing the field training portion of the
internship requirement will submit one reflective journal per each 100 hours worked.
Specific requirements for the submission of journals are indicated in the course
syllabus.Journalsaree-mailedtotheFacultyAdvisoraftereach100hourincrement.
8.Studentssubmitalearningcontract.Thestudentandfieldsupervisordiscussthe
relative tasks to be accomplished during the internship. The student then develops a
scopeofworkandidentifieswhichoftheMPHstudentcompetencieswillbeaddressed
though the experience. The “Learning Agreement,” a signed contract between the
student, the agency and the Faculty Advisor, is submitted according to the following
schedule:
• 400-hourpracticum:priortothecompletionof100hours
• 200-hourpracticum:priortothecompletionof50hours
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Thesiteand/ortheFacultyAdvisorreservetherighttoceasetheinternshipshouldthe
studentfailtosubmitalearningcontractwithinthespecifictimeframe.
9. Upon completion of field training hours, the field supervisor submits a
performanceevaluationtotheFacultyAdvisor.Fieldsupervisorsareencouragedto
conduct an “exit interview” and share their performance evaluations with the student
forprofessionaldevelopmentpurposes.
10. Students complete course requirements. Students will participate in a poster
presentation that describes their field training experience. Guidelines for the poster
presentation are articulated in the course syllabus and supplemental guidance
document(PosterPresentationTipSheet).Studentsalsosubmitanevaluationoftheir
experience.Failingtomeetalloftherequirementswithinthesemesterwillresultinan
INforthecourse.TheINwillberemoveduponsatisfactorysubmissionofallrequired
documentationandassignments.
THEFIELDWORKFACILITY
SelectionofFieldTrainingFacilities
CGU is open to new agencies participating in the supervised field training program. Sites
mayhavebeenreferredbyCGUstaff/facultyorhavecontactedCGUdirectly.Local,national
andinternationalsitesarewelcometoapply.
RequirementsoftheFieldTrainingFacility
Eachagencyparticipatingintheprogramisrequiredtosubmitan“AgencyApplicationtobe
a Field Placement Site” form and sign the “Internship Affiliation Agreement” prior to
student placement. Internships within the Claremont Consortium are not required to
submit the “Internship Affiliation Agreement” but must submit the “Agency Application to
be a Field Placement Site” form. New supervisors should complete the agency
applicationifeventhesiteisalreadyaffiliatedwiththeClaremontColleges.
Agenciesselectedtoparticipatemustagreetoprovidethefollowing:
• A comprehensive range of public health experiences with exposure to diverse
populationsandsystems;
• A setting where the student and field supervisor can work collaboratively to create a
positivelearningexperienceforthestudentandavaluablecontributiontothefacility;
• Appropriate space, equipment and resources for students to complete the required
work;
• Aqualifiedfieldsupervisorwhomeetsthecriteriaoutlinedbelow;and
• CompletedformsagreeingtocomplywiththeUniversitypoliciesandprocedures.
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FacilityMonitoringandRemoval
Onlysitesthatoffersatisfactoryexperiencesforstudentswillberetained.Agencieswillbe
assessedregularlybyevaluationformssubmittedbystudentinternsandsitevisitsbythe
FieldTrainingCoordinatororFacultyAdvisorifnecessary.
FinancialCompensationforStudents
Some agencies may offer a stipend. The possibility of monetary compensation will be
negotiated directly with the student by the field supervisor. International students who
plantoreceiveastipendoranyformofcompensationmustobtainpermissionforpractical
oracademictrainingpriortobeginningtheirfieldwork.StudentsshouldcontacttheOffice
ofInternationalStudentstoensurethatproperproceduresarefollowed.
IntegrationwithRegularEmployment
Students may complete their field training hours within their current agency of
employment. The student and field supervisor must create a description of an internship
experiencethatis“aboveandbeyond”currentjobresponsibilities.Effortsconstruedtobe
partofthenormalworkactivitiesattheorganizationwillnotbeawardedcredittowardthe
requirement.
THEROLEOFTHEFIELDSUPERVISOR
SelectionandRoleofFieldSupervisor
Theworkplacefieldsupervisorisaprofessionalexperiencedindeveloping,administering,
and/or evaluating public health programs or policies. These individuals may have
nominated themselves, been selected by the director of the agency, or be nominated by a
CGUstafforfaculty.
ResponsibilitiesoftheFieldSupervisor
Each field supervisor will meet with the student prior to the commencement of the field
trainingexperience.Boththestudentandfieldsupervisorwilldevelopalearningcontract
which illustrates clearly tasks to be completed by the intern. Students will work with the
field supervisor to identify the MPH student competencies that correspond to those tasks
andactivities.
RequirementsoftheFieldSupervisorfortheMPHstudent
TosuperviseanMPHstudentthefieldsupervisorshouldhaveaM.D.,D.D.S.,M.P.H.,Ph.D.in
PublicHealthorDr.P.H.However,individualswhoworkinpublichealthandhavearelated
graduate degree (R.N., N.P., M.S.W., M.H.A., etc.) and/or the equivalent in terms of public
healthexperiencemaybeacceptable.Thefieldsupervisormustbeavailableto:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide guidance and advice to the student in the program area in which they will be
located;
Meetwiththestudentinperson,ataminimum,onehourperweek;
Keep in contact (in person or by phone, e-mail, etc.) for the entire field work period,
duringthehoursthestudentsareinplacement;
Appointanotherstaffpersontosupervisethestudentwhenthefieldsupervisorisnot
available;
Completeallnecessaryformsinatimelymanner;and
Review policies and procedures with the MPH Internship Director either in person,
duringasitevisit,orbythephone.
ROLEOFMPHADMINISTRATION
_____________________________________________________________________
The Faculty Advisor is responsible for the supervision and evaluation of student
internships. The Field Training Coordinator assists the students with the placement
process.Bothareavailabletocounselstudentsabouttheirfieldplacementandtorespond
toinquiriesfromfieldsupervisors.Itisexpectedthatstudentstakeanactiveroleinseeking
outasuitableplacement.
Shouldanincidentarisethatrequiresthestudenttochangetoadifferentfieldplacement,
the Faculty Advisor will assess the reasons for the relocation and provide written
documentation to the supervisor. The MPH program administration provides guidance
throughthesiteselectionandplacementprocess.Partoftheeducationalexperienceforthe
student is to research potential sites, network with public health agencies, and arrange
meetingswithpotentialsitesupervisors.
DESCRIPTIONOFFORMS
________________________________________________________________________
The following forms are located in the appendix and available electronically on the CGU
MPHProgramwebsite.
FormstobecompletedbytheAgency:
AgencyApplicationtobeaFieldPlacementSite:completedpriortostudentplacement.
Thisformdisplaysaninventoryofactivitiesinwhichstudentsmayparticipateandisfiled
intheMPHoffice.Pleaseindicateifyoudonotwishtobecontactedbystudentsdirectly.
Internship Affiliation Agreement: completed by the agency and signed by a designated
staffmemberandtheProvostatCGU.Thisformiscompletedpriortoplacingastudentina
site.ThisformisnotnecessaryforplacementswithinCGU.
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Field Supervisor’s Evaluation of Student: completed at the conclusion of the field
placement.Thisformallowsforadescriptionofthestudents’progressandratingoftheir
overallperformance.Supervisorsareencouragedtodiscusstheevaluationwiththestudent.
FormstobecompletedbytheStudent:
StudentInterviewForm:completedpriortomeetingwiththeFieldTrainingCoordinator.
Acurrentresumeisattached.
WaiverCriteriaandSubmissionForm:providesinstructionsforcompletingthewaiver
request. Documentation is submitted to the Field Training Coordinator prior to beginning
fieldtraininghours.Thedocumentationissenttoacommitteewhichrendersadecisionas
towhetherhalfoftherequiredfieldtraininghoursmaybewaived.
Student Legal Agreement: outlines policies and procedures to be followed by students
completingfieldtraining.Thisformistobecompletedbythestudentandrequiresproofof
healthinsurance.
StudentReleaseforDomestic/InternationalTravel:outlinespoliciesandproceduresto
befollowedbythestudentcompletingfieldtrainingoutsideoftheUnitedStates.Thisform
istobecompletedbythestudentbeforedeparturefromCaliforniaortheUS.
Learning Contract: outlines the scope of work for the projects to be completed by the
student.Thisformiscompletedbythestudentwiththeassistanceofthefieldsupervisorat
thebeginningofthefieldexperienceandisapprovedbytheFacultyAdvisor.Thismustbe
submitted prior to the attainment of 100 hours (400 hour internship) or 50 hours (200
hourinternship).
Inventory of MPH Student Competencies: lists MPH core and concentration
competencies. Students select three core public health and two concentration specific
competenciesthattheyseektoaccomplishthroughtheinternshipexperience.Thisformis
attachedtothelearningagreement.
Time card: records hours worked during the field training experience. Students submit
uponthecollectionofformsatconclusionoftheinternship.Supervisorsmustconfirmthe
hoursworked.
ACADEMICREQUIREMENTSOFTHEINTERNSHIP
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CoreClassesandConcentrations
Students enrolling in the Supervised Field Training course, CGH 306, must be graduate
students in the Master of Public Health Program. Students take this course at the
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completion(ornearcompletion)ofalltheircourses.Ataminimum,thestudentmusthave
completed all MPH core and concentration courses. This ensures that students have
knowledgeofcorepublichealthconceptsandbasicskillsintheareaofemphasis.Students
beginning their internship without approval by the Field Training Coordinator will
notreceivecreditforthesehourstowardstheinternshiprequirement.
TimeCommitment
Exact hours and days worked will be negotiated between the student and the field
supervisor.Sincethesummersemesterisshorter(about12weeks),thehoursspentinthe
field per week will be adjusted accordingly. Once registering for the course students
haveoneyeartocompletefieldtraininghoursandcourserequirements.Studentswill
receiveagradeofincomplete(IN)untilallrequirementshavebeenmet.
TrackingCourseProgressandCompletion
Courseprogressandcompletionwillbetrackedbothfromthefieldsitesupervisorandthe
Faculty Supervisor. The field supervisor will contribute to the learning contract and the
end-of-semester evaluation. Students are required to submit reflective journals of their
workexperience,atimecard,evaluationandaposterpresentation.
Grading
The Supervised Field Training course is graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Students
mustsatisfactorycompleteallrequirementsofthefieldtrainingexperiencetoreceivecredit
for the course. Course syllabi indicate specific requirements for each component of the
course.
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