Practicum Requirements
Three (3) credit hours of practicum are required for both the gerontology undergraduate certificate and the MS degree, whereas it is optional core or elective credit for the graduate certificate in gerontology. Three semester credits are equivalent to 150 clock hours (50 clock hours per credit hour). Students register for Geron 5990/6990 for the practicum experience for one (1) to three (3) credit hours.
To participate in practicum, students must complete at least one gerontology course and meet with the practicum coordinator in the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program to select an approved placement site or program. More than one site can be used to complete the required practicum experience. The Practicum Coordinator is Dr. Gail Towsley (gail.towsley@nurs.utah.edu); 801-585-9085.
During the semester students will complete:
- A form stating goals and job description prior to starting the practicum experience.
- Weekly time sheets signed by the preceptor documenting hours worked toward total hours.
- Field Reports and other brief assignments.
- Practicum evaluation forms. The grade will be assigned once the work is completed.
Practicum Waivers and/or Exemptions
Sometimes, a student’s previous or current employment may be applied to their practicum experience. Depending on the skill level of the student’s current position, the student may apply for a one-credit hour waiver or an exemption from the practicum requirement (subject to the approval of the practicum coordinator). If a practicum requirement exemption is granted, the credit will be made up with an elective (does not apply to the one-credit waiver). Students are encouraged to discuss their intentions with the practicum coordinator in order to determine if they would be eligible and if the exemption would be in the best interest of the student's professional or career goals.
Working full time in an aging or gerontological setting does NOT automatically guarantee being qualified for an exemption, but the position must meet an appropriate level of skill and responsibility.
To apply for a practicum waiver, the student must obtain a letter from the agency or organization where the experience occurred that includes the following:
- Dates of employment or volunteer work including average hours per week and demonstrating at least three-quarter time employment (up to within the prior 24 months).
- Brief job description and/or title.
- Statement describing how the experience was aging-related or gerontological in focus.
- Satisfactory review from the supervisor of the student’s work in that position.
Practicum Sites (List not all Inclusive)
Adult Day Centers
- Neighborhood House
- Aspen Senior Day Center
Governmental Agencies & Programs
- Division of Aging and Adult Services
- Salt Lake County Aging Services
- Weber County Division of Aging and Volunteers
Home & Community Health Programs
- Community Nursing Services
- Jewish Family Services
- Goodwill’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors
- Geriatric Clinic (GUIDE or Optimal Aging Programs)
Hospitals
- University Hospital (Hospital Elder Life Program – HELP)
- Long-Term Care & Residential Facilities
- Legacy House Senior Living (several options)
- Rocky Mountain Care Assisted Living (several options)
Private Non-Profit Agencies
- Alzheimer’s Association
- American Association of Retired Person, Utah
Senior Enrichment/Education Programs
- Senior Centers (several options)
- Osher LifeLong Learning Institute
Contact Us
For further information regarding practicum opportunities, please contact the practicum coordinator:
Gail Towsley, Ph.D., NHA
Practicum Coordinator
Phone: (801) 585-9085
Gail.Towsley@nurs.utah.edu