Accordion 1

What is a practicum in teaching and how does it work?

The Practicum in Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions is a 3-credit precepted course taken after the first two certificate core courses (NURS 787 and NURS 791) have been completed. It is recommended that you take NURS 792 the semester after you complete NURS 791. The course is offered during fall and spring semesters. Faculty permission is required for registration.

How does the time work in this 3-credit practicum?

Each academic institution has a standard method of allotting time/credit. For example, at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), 1 credit = 1 classroom hour (50 minutes) or 3 clinical hours. Therefore, for a 3-credit practicum, 9 hours/week for a 15-week semester or 135 hours is required. Taken in the fall or spring semester, this amounts to one day/week for a total of 120 hours/semester in the practicum setting and allows for work with an online seminar during the remaining hour for a total of 15 hours.

Who is the preceptor with whom I will work?

Dr. Carol O'Neil, the faculty member facilitating this course, will talk with you to discuss your individual objectives, consider the learner group and type of setting you prefer, and identify an appropriate preceptor and practicum site. The learning experience must take place within a fully accredited institution with which UMSON has a contract for students. Practicum experiences are done in an institution other than where you are, or have been, employed. Practicum/preceptor placement is set by the institute faculty.

I work full-time. How can I make time for one day a week?

Students typically find a strategy that fits their work and other priorities. For example, they may take vacation days to complete the practicum. If agreeable to the preceptor assigned and institution where the practicum is scheduled, it may be possible to complete the practicum requirements in two half days instead of one full day per week.