The PHTC Field Placement Program can provide you with a living stipend and/or housing to complete a practicum, a project that you can put on your resume, or to lay groundwork for a practicum. In some cases the practice experience opportunities funded through PHTC involve working with other public health students, or students from different fields and universities, on collaborative projects.
Contact Information
Dr. Mark Macauda
Practice and Placement Coordinator
Office of Public Health Practice
803-777-1100
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How to Apply:
Practical experience opportunities that are funded by the Field Placement Program are located in Opportunity Manager. They are marked in the title as "Eligible for PHTC Funding". To apply, log on to Opportunity Manager, search for the opportunity you want to apply for, and follow the application instructions. A resume and a statement of interest are required.
Alternately, if you have a project you would like to do that fits our criteria, you can apply directly to the program by sending us a proposal. Proposals must contain a one-page letter of application that:
- Describes the project and outlines the goals
- Explains why the project is a good fit for field placement funding
- Explains what you expect to gain from the project with respect to your professional development
- Describes the organization you will work with
- Provides the name of a mentor or supervisor who will oversee your work
If this project serves as a practicum, then you must follow all practicum guidelines for site approval, preceptor approval and project criteria. See the practicum section for more information
Eligibility Requirements:
To apply, you must be far enough along in your program to be ready for a practicum or equivalent experience. There are also some additional learning requirements including a short (4 hour) online set of modules on "Public Health 101". Students who are working in community assessment may be required to take an online community assessment course as part of the placement. Unfortunately, due to federal funding restrictions, international students are not eligible for Field Placement funding. Opportunities posted on Opportunity Manager could be used as a practicum even if you do not receive funding or support. In this case, it would be treated like any other practicum opportunity. All practicum opportunities are subject to approval from your home department.