Gerontology Practicum

Center on Aging Studies
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City

GERONTOLOGY PRACTICUM

PRACTICUM/FIELD EXPERIENCE IN AGING

The practicum is intended to provide the following opportunities for the student:

	To apply his/her knowledge of gerontology acquired in the classroom to practice in a community setting
	To test or explore new areas of gerontological study
	To expand his/her network within the aging community professionals
	To work in a setting that may provide a later career opportunity

The Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area is host to a vast repertoire of agencies, institutions, organizations, and facilities that serve the older adult. These offer tremendous opportunities for students to gain practical “hands-on” exposure to the field of aging, while students already working in the field are encouraged to expand their knowledge parameters by interfacing with areas of aging other than their usual purview. The practicum matches, as much as is possible, student interests with community placement, maximizing exposure to the many facets within the aging network.

Community settings for practica since 1990 include (but are not limited) such settings as : social service agencies, long-term care facilities, senior centers, mental health institutions, hospice, Administration of aging, Housing Authority, private business, public schools, acute care, therapeutic pet organizations, retirement communities, voluntary health agencies, American Association of Retired Persons, adult day services, community organizations.

Projects within practica have encompassed (but are not limited) the following: research implementation, grant proposals, behavioral intervention, rural mental health and aging, case management, older adult learning, nursing home practice, medical ethics, adult day care feasibility, intergenerational programming, rehabilitation programs, counseling older adults, bereavement counseling, and health education.

PRACTICUM TIMETABLE CHECKLIST

AT LEAST two months prior to registration for classes:

	Student discusses with Practicum Coordinator the interests, opportunities, and process for the Practicum to clarify requirements and sometimes complex responsibilities
	Coordinator contacts agencies to identify suitable site options. *Students are urged not to negotiate or seek placement arrangements independentl*y. Work with community agencies may be jeopardized if solicitations occur from multiple sources.
	Students review Practicum information and propose areas of interest.
	Students generally are discouraged from using current places of employment for their Practicum requirement. However, exceptions may be made after discussion, negotiation, and approval with the Practicum Coordinator.
	Student considers requirements and process of Practicum and reports to Practicum Coordinator questions or concerns

AT LEAST one month prior to registration for Classes

	The student interviews with prospective agency Site Supervisor, and Practicum Coordinator.
	The student and Site Supervisor begin to negotiate the most appropriate and available activities and a convenient schedule for these.
	Student, Site Supervisor and Practicum Coordinator consider and sign a Practicum Agreement which enumerates the responsibilities for each of the signing parties to the field experience.
	The student registers only after student and Site Supervisor have notified Practicum Coordinator each independently of their willingness to accept the match.
	Student calls Practicum Coordinator to obtain consent number to register. The consent process is to ensure that the placement has been secured with the Practicum Coordinator’s approval and arrangements.

AT LEAST two weeks after registration:

	The student prepares his/her objectives and timetable and submits his/her Program Plan to the Practicum Coordinator
	Field Practicum Agreement filed with Practicum Coordinator
	Student begins journal
	Students begin site experience
	Telephone contact and/or face-to-face meetings among student, Practicum Coordinator and Site Supervisor, as needed
	Student initiates Monthly Progress Reports and submits either in person, by mail, or e-mail
	Student should submit log to Site Supervisor to serve as a communication tool to ensure that the student is receiving the fullest and most appropriate experience possible.
	Student may submit draft journal and/or paper for feedback on the quality and content at any time.
	Student may request to examine copies of exemplary papers or journals at any time

MID-POINT in PRACTICUM

	Site Supervisor and student review and complete evaluation form for their own understanding of student’s progress and abilities (this does not have to be disclosed to Practicum Supervisor unless intervention is requested
	Questions or concerns about student’s performance or journal should be forwarded to Site Supervisor

CONCLUSION of PRACTICUM

	Student submits journal/log to Practicum Coordinator
	Graduate student submits paper
	Site Supervisor and student submit evaluation form to Practicum Supervisor

Practicum Requirements | Practicum Seminar

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