The Practicum is a comprehensive support program designed to assist students across five key areas of study: Master of Health Administration (MHA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) with specializations in Epidemiology, Global Health, Nutrition, and Population Medicine. Our dedicated team provides end-to-end support throughout the practicum process. We offer personalized guidance and coaching to help students identify suitable opportunities, facilitate connections with potential placements and organizations, and provide ongoing mentorship. Our goal is to ensure that each student finds a practicum experience that aligns with their academic goals and professional aspirations.

Our Practicum Goals are to: 

  1. Apply academic program concepts to the activities and projects assigned at the practicum site.
  2. Cultivate a productive working relationship with the organization through strengthening communication and professional skills.

Practicum Support:

  1. Brainstorming and coaching on where to go for a practicum
  2. Connection to options and organizations
  3. Providing mentorship

Frequently Asked Questions

What is practicum?

Practicum is a course where students get supervised practical experience in their field of study

What sites do students normally get placed with?

Some of our frequented sites are Loma Linda University Health, Riverside County Department of Public Health, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, and Adventist Health. Previous sites that have hosted our students include Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Redlands Unified School District, San Antonio Regional Hospital, WISE Health, and many more.

When should I talk to PIO about practicum?

We recommend that you speak with us two quarters (or earlier) prior to when you are scheduled to register for practicum to give us and you the best chance at finding a site that is right for you.

How do I register for practicum?

To register for practicum, you must submit an Independent Study Plan (ISP). An ISP is an online form that requires you to fill out information about the course and submit it to your instructor of record. After the ISP is approved, University Records will email you the Course Registration Number (CRN) that you will need to get registered.

Meet Our People

Camille D. Alaras-Whitfield, MBA

Director, Practicum & Internship Office

Meet Our People

S. Marci Andersen, MPH, DrPH

Practicum Instructor

Contact

You may contact the practicum director, Camille Alaras-Whitfield, MBA, at Calaras2@llu.edu. Set up a time to meet with her by visiting this website!

You can contact the practicum instructor, Marci Andersen, MPH, DrPH, at sandersen@llu.edu.

You can contact the practicum instructor for nutrition only at Dr. Celine Heskey at cheskey@llu.edu.