Pre-Professional Practicum

Students pursuing a health science major may earn credit hours during their junior or senior years observing in a department of a hospital, medically-oriented industry or private practices, where they are assigned to clinical preceptors by the Benedictine University director of Pre-Professional Health Programs. Written reports of your experiences will be reviewed by the director at frequencies of mutual agreement. Through this, you may relate academic materials to your applications in the clinic, and determine through immediate contact with your chosen field whether you want to continue in them. These practica do not ensure clinical certification.

Pre-Requisites for Practicum

1. GPA = 3.4 or better
2. Anatomy &/or Physiology completed
3. CPR Certified
4. At time of application (not including current semester) 30 credit hours completed at Benedictine University.
   The below items are NOT needed during the application process but are REQUIRED to start the practicum once accepted.
5. Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination (full sequence of shots).
6. Proof of current TB Skin test (must be done annually).
7. Proof of current FLU shot.
8. Proof of TDAP immunization.
9. Criminal Background Check required. The CastleBranch service will be used. Contact Dr. Schurman for ordering instructions and PIN.
10. Consent of Dr. Regina Schurman, Director Pre-Health Professions Program.

Click here for the PRACTICUM APPLICATION

This application is to be submitted via email to Dr. Regina Schurman. It is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester for which Practica expereince is desired.

Clinical Experience

Medical schools and most other professional school recognize clinical experience as a vital tool. Getting clinical experience will help you better decide if this is the field you really want to pursue. Often times it involves the care and treatment of patients and observing the doctor/patient relationship. Here are some ways you can pursue clinical experiences:

• Shadowing a Physician
  It allows you to see what medicine and a physician’s life is typically every day. This provides you with exposure and examples that you can use during your med school interviews. This experience can also help solidify your decision in pursuing this career or not.
• Volunteering
  Look at social service agencies, hospice centers, retirement homes or a crisis center. You may have volunteered while in high school but your volunteer experience in college will serve you well as health profession schools view your application.
• PreProfessional Practicum
  Benedictine University offers 300-level coursework in Health Science designed as structured shadowing (100 hours) and reflection for pre-professional students. HLSC3310 is a shadowing experience for medical, dental, and many other careers. Students must have completed 30 hours of credit at Benedictine University and have a 3.4 GPA or higher.