College of Science

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.
 

SUMMER & FALL 2019

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:

Submit on or after: April 5, 2019
(Do not submit before April 5)

Last day to submit application: Friday, April 12, 2019 

Once the application has been submitted, stop by Ms. Sima's office to set up an appointment for an interview.

Final decisions will be made May 3, 2019 for SUMMER & FALL 2019 Practica.
 

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. Do you have the three shots of the Hepatitis B? REPORT NECESSARY
6. TB Skin test must be done annually. Go to your local Public Health Department to have the TB test done (ASAP). Have a report given to you once your results are in.
7. Current FLU shot.
8. TDAP immunization.
9. Criminal Background Check required. Go to your local police department for fingerprinting. Submit to Illinois State Police for the report. WE DO NOT WANT THE FINGERPRINTS HERE.
10. Consent of Alice Sima, Director Pre-Professional Health Programs.

 

Click here for the PRACTICUM APPLICATION

 

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 medical schools view your application.
• Premedical Practicum (or other pre-professional practica)
  Benedictine University offers 300-level coursework in Health Science designed as structured shadowing (75 hours) and reflection for pre-professional students. HLSC300 through HLSC310 are shadowing experiences 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.