What Is a Practicum?

Key takeaways

A practicum involves learning how to work in a certain career through observation, participation, and note-taking.

• You can complete a school-based practicum with assigned sites and advisor support, or an employer-based program that uses your workplace as the field site.

• Set yourself up for success by setting goals, staying organized, asking questions, seeking feedback, and actively building relationships.

• You can gain real-world exposure by observing professionals, assisting with specific tasks, and connecting classroom learning to fieldwork, while also expanding your network and building practical skills through check-ins with faculty and on-site supervisors.

Discover the definition of the term "practicum," find out how it differs from an internship, explore different types of practicums, and find tips for getting and completing a practicum. Then, to learn more about career coaching and navigation, enroll in the Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate program, where, in as little as two months, you can explore common career development theories, models, and tools.

Practicum meaning

A practicum involves learning how to work in a certain career through observation, participation, and note-taking. Participating in a practicum can give you a better understanding of work in a particular field. It also provides you with valuable opportunities to expand your network and a chance to develop your skills.

You'll meet regularly with a faculty advisor and receive close supervision from a manager at your field site. Your expectations and duties may differ depending on your chosen field. 

Typically, a practicum includes the following elements: 

• Designation of one or more staff members for observation

• Assistance with certain job duties as directed

• Comparison of on-site experience to classroom learning

• Commitment of two or more sessions per week, with hours varying by field

• Completion of related coursework

• Receipt of college credit, but usually no monetary stipend

What is a practicum vs. internship? 

An internship typically involves a greater weekly time commitment and more hands-on duties than a practicum. While internships may offer more independence for participants, practicums involve close supervision. Although a practicum learner usually doesn't receive monetary reimbursement, an employer may provide an intern with a monetary stipend and/or college credit.

Learn more: Externship vs. Internship: What’s the Difference?

Practicum types

College students who participate in a practicum have two options to choose from. See the differences between a school-based practicum and an employer-based practicum below:

School-based practicum

A school-based practicum may involve hands-on learning, virtual learning, and interaction with college advisors. Duties may include on-site tours, job shadowing, staff interviews, and classwork. When completing this type of practicum, you'll receive a list of sites in the area, but you can apply to any site with a board-certified supervisor.

Employer-based practicum

If you choose an employer-based practicum, your duties will be similar to those of a school-based practicum. However, your current place of employment becomes your field site. You'll likely divide your hours between your regular job and your practicum duties, but your practicum duties need to occur in a different department than the one you work in.

Is practicum the same as clinicals?

No, practicums and clinicals are two different experiences. A practicum is a supervised, short-term opportunity, often more observationable than anything else, for you to apply classroom theory to a real-world setting, whereas clincials typically involve working directly with patients in hands-on, in-depth situations that are also usually longer term. 

What fields require the completion of a practicum?

A practicum is required to be completed in various fields. Three of the more common practicum fields are nursing, social work, and teaching.

Nursing 

A nursing practicum occurs in a medical setting, usually near the end (often during the last month) of a nursing student's senior year. It allows a learner to observe nursing professionals and get practical work experience. Practicum participants receive supervision from a college faculty member and a registered nurse (RN), and hours vary according to the particular program. Common elements of a nursing practicum can include:

• Job shadowing

• Clinical observation

• Performing nursing support tasks as needed 

• Regular meetings with a faculty advisor

• Classwork

• Lab work

Social Work

Social work students complete a practicum near the end of their program, often during their last semester. The practicum allows students to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real social work in the field. 

Common tasks involved in a social work practicum include:

• Job shadowing and observance of agency procedures

• Engaging with diverse populations

• Assisting with community projects

• Helping facilitate groups

• Working to get resources for clients

• Making referrals to clients

• Completing client intakes

• Keeping a daily journal

• Regular meetings with a faculty advisor

Teaching

College seniors in education participate in a teaching practicum before participating in student teaching. Supervised by a college faculty member and a current teacher, this practicum usually lasts 12 weeks and requires a full school day commitment. Duties involved in a teaching practicum may include:

• Observation of teaching style and classroom management

• Working with small groups of children

• Planning and teaching short lessons

• Note-taking

• Regular meetings with a faculty advisor

• Reporting on the experience

How to secure a practicum

Participating in a practicum requires several steps. The first involves meeting with your faculty advisor to discuss the requirements needed for a practicum. These often include reviewing any prerequisite courses and discussing GPA requirements. 

Other steps involved in securing a practicum can include:

• Attending a practicum orientation or workshop

• Completing the practicum application

• Submitting a resume and any additional required documents

• Participating in an interview with your potential field supervisor

• Registering for your practicum upon approval from your faculty advisor and field supervisor 

Tips for successful completion of your practicum

Once you've started your practicum, a few strategies can help ensure a successful and rewarding experience. Try these tips:

• Make a list of your practicum goals and track your progress digitally with notes and photographs.

• Understand that you may make mistakes during your practicum. This is normal and all part of the learning experience, so don’t get discouraged. Instead, use the knowledge you gain to improve moving forward. 

• Get to know other employees, as making connections and networking can pay off in the future.

• Stay organized by keeping your class materials and practicum paperwork in one place, like a bookshelf or file cabinet.

• Show enthusiasm for the process by asking for more responsibility, working hard, and staying positive. 

• Learn where other workers gather in the building (like a lobby or breakroom) and network.

• Use feedback from your field supervisor or faculty advisor to keep improving. 

• Seek advice or ask questions when completing your practicum.

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