Practicum
The MHI Program includes a four-month, full-time (600 hours) professional practicum placement from May to August.
The practicum, which counts as two full course equivalents (FCE), provides learners with the opportunity to develop and practice their knowledge and problem-solving skills in real world situations.
Practica sites may include:
- hospitals;
- health research organizations;
- government and government agencies;
- consulting firms;
- planning bodies;
- information and communication technology vendor organizations;
- pharmaceutical firms;
- medical device manufacturers;
- integrated delivery systems; and
- community-based agencies.
Students in typical practicum placements work in clinical project consulting and/or integration teams; project management teams; product design and engineering teams; or technical project analyst teams.
Supervision and mentorship is provided by a preceptor – a senior Health Informatics or eHealth executive or manager. The preceptor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student based on an agreed upon "learning contract."
How the Practicum is Organized
The MHI program works closely with employers to make a range of practica experiences available each year. (Students are also encouraged to seek out additional placements that meet their particular interests.)
The Program Director works closely with each student to determine individual strengths, learning needs and career goals and matches the student to an array of placements. With the support of the Director, the student will apply and interview for placements with the host organizations. Final selection decisions rest with the host organization.
The MHI Program seeks placements in which students are paid an honorarium by the host organization in recognition of their contribution.