Quick FAQs
Q: What should I do to prepare for the practicum?
A: Meet with career services to prepare your resume, the semester prior to starting your practicum. If you plan to complete your practicum in:
Fall Practicum- meet with Career Services by May of your Junior year
Spring Practicum – meet with Career Services in November
Summer Practicum – meet with Career Services by March 1
Q: How many hours are required to complete the practicum?
You must complete 120 hours on site. This is approximately 8-12 hours on site per week, this depends on your site and start date. You will discuss this with your supervisor during the interview.
Q: How do I find a site?
There are a variety of ways to find a site. The Health Science program works with many sites to determine their needs each semester, and these sites will be made available to students. However, you may also have a specific site or interest, which you will discuss with the Clinical Instructor after course registration. Once you have registered for the practicum, please review this website and then click here to complete the Practicum Interests Form. Please review information on the website about finding a site.
Q: I have my resume ready! When does the process of finding a site begin?
We work closely with sites to match their needs, and typically they are ready to start interviewing prior to the start of the semester.
Q: Once I meet with/hear from the Clinical Instructor, what’s next?
You will contact your selected site by sending them your resume and cover letter and any other requested information (occasionally sites request transcripts, letters of reference or writing samples-they will let you know this in advance). Usually sites respond within a few days and will work with you to set up a time for an interview.
Q: What if I don’t hear back from my selected site right away?
Potential Site Supervisors are busy and may not respond right away. Suggested follow-up: send an email one week (5 business days) after your first communication. Remind them you are still interested and look forward to meeting with them. If you still receive no response within a few days, please contact the Clinical Instructor of the course.
Q: What if my site requires a contract?
Some sites might require a clinical contract, or ask if we have an existing contract with them. There is a dedicated individual in Sargent who handles all contracts. Please contact HScience@bu.edu if you require assistance with a contract.