CHS 798: Field Studies in Public Health

1. Prepare. Update your resume, tailor your cover letter, prepare for the interview, etc.
2. Research. Think about the career you hope to pursue and the experience you will need to get there and then start looking for an internship.
   • The first place to start will be in Sonia. 
   • Try Career Studio and their internship board.
   • Try the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement to get some ideas.
   • A good old fashioned Google search can go a long way. Feel free to go outside the box, but be sure to follow instruction on getting a site approved if you do.
3. Site approval. You don't want to line-up an internship and find out later that the site is not an approved University of Nevada, Reno internship site. Get ahead of the game and find out if the sites you have chosen are approved sites.
   • Note: If you can see the site in Sonia, the site is approved. If you don't you will have to submit the Site through Sonia for approval. See Step 4 of your Sonia Student User Guide. Also, contact your instructor immediately to let them know your site potentially needs to be vetted for approval so they can move this process along as quickly as possible.
4. Contact the site. Now that you have identified your top 3-5 sites, now it's time to reach out and line-up some interviews. It sounds old-fashioned, but phone calls can go a long way and be sure to follow-up with an email if possible. Treat it as if you were trying to get a job. Who knows, this could turn into a job if you play your cards right.
   • Be sure to tailor the internship solicitation template to use for each site you pursue. Keep in mind most of our sites take students every semester and they can tell if you tailored this document or not. Make sure you make it unique to you and your skillsets.
   • Make sure you're sending your resume with any email correspondence you have with potential sites.
   • Have your "elevator speech" prepared
   • Be able to tell your potential Preceptor who you are, your affiliation with the University, the class you will be taking as part of this internship, the internship timeline, the experience you hope to gain and highlight your strengths and added value to their organization.
   • Prepare for that interview
5. Choose. You chose five great internship sites, interviewed at three, and were accepted to two. Now what? Well, now you choose which site will ultimately be the most rewarding for you and your career goals.
   • Don't waste anybody's time, once you narrowed it down to the best internship for you, call them and accept the opportunity. Be sure to thank them and line-up a time to meet to talk about your internship project, expectations, and timeline of activities.
6. Thank you. Be sure to send thank you emails or letters to every site you interviewed at and inform the sites you didn't choose of your final decision. This will allow that site to move on to the next person on their list.

You will not be able to start your internship immediately. There are a series of checks you must complete before you can begin your internship. Here are four checks required before you can begin your internship:

Checks

1. You have completed the Title IX Sexual Harassment training in the Graduate Student Resource Center or in your respective Canvas course.
2. You have read, signed and signed your student forms into Sonia (i.e. Student Agreement, and Student Waiver).
3. You have submitted your internship placement in Sonia (see Step 4 of Sonia Student User Guide) and it was approved by your instructor.
4. You have completed your Student Learning Contract and uploaded the signed copy.

• Student Learning Agreement. In this agreement, you are agreeing to all the academic requirements for CHS 798. It also covers expectations of student conduct; ensures you will comply with all host site rules and regulations. It covers disciplinary procedures in the event you do not comply with this agreement and covers expectations around safety and transportation. Lastly, this agreement covers insurance and liability terms.
• Student Waiver, Release, and Indemnification Agreement. Upon signature, you understand the internship may involve certain risks. It states an informed consent will be given to all students for internships that may include any dangers, hazards, and inherent activity risk. This is a release and waiver of liability. Risks may include but are not limited to:
  • Traveling to and from the activity. It is important to note, transportation is not provided by the University of Nevada, Reno
  • Manual labor, including lifting, reaching, stretching, and moving objects. Students should be aware of their own physical limitations.
  • Inclement weather that can impact safety, such as rain, cold, wind or heat.
  • Physical environment, such as steep slopes, uneven terrain, loose rocks, and gravel, or slippery conditions.
  • And working with other volunteers from organizations outside of the University of Nevada, Reno.
• Student Learning Contract. The Student Learning Contract (SLC) is unique to your internship and will serve as a guide to completing your project as well as serve as an evaluation tool throughout your internship. Your preceptor, faculty advisor, and the field studies instructor will offer you input into its development. This has to be completed before starting internship hours.
• All instruction regarding student forms can be found in the Graduate Student Resource Center.

Just because you found an internship, doesn't mean it is an approved internship site. According to University of Nevada, Reno policy, all internship sites must be vetted every five years with a safety assessment form, proof of liability insurance, a sexual harassment policy, and a signed organizational agreement on file. If your internship site doesn't have these things on file, you will not be able to start your internship until they are. This process is initiated by your class instructor.

The process can be very time consuming depending on the organization, so the earlier you can find out if your site is approved, the better. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to find out if your site is approved or not.

FAQs

• I found my internship through Sonia, are those approved sites?
  • Yes. All the sites you see in Sonia have been vetted and approved.
• What is the procedure to find out whether my internship site is approved or not?
  • Although all sites in Sonia are approved, that doesn't mean all approved sites are reflected in Sonia. We are still in the process of populating all of our sites into the system, so even if you don't see your site in Sonia, it could potentially still be approved.
  • Go ahead and submit your site through Sonia, this will be a catalyst to seek approval. See Step 4 of your Sonia Student User Guide on how to do this.
  • You can also email your instructor directly to look-up the site in the University system.
• What if my internship is not an approved site?
  • If you started looking for your internship early enough before the semester, there may be time to get your site vetted before you need to begin your internship.
  • Submit your site manually through Sonia. Go to Step 4 of your Sonia Student User Guide.
  • You will need the following information to do so:
    • Name and address of the organization
    • Full name of the contact
    • Contact email address
    • Contact phone number
  • This information will then be sent to your instructor to begin the vetting process.
  • Because Sonia is new to SPH, I would also follow-up with an email to your instructor to ensure the process for approval is in motion.
• How long does it take to vet an organization thoroughly?
  • It depends on the organizational structure and how big/small it is. If it is a large organization or is outside the state, it can take anywhere from 3-12 months.
  • Mid-size organizations such as non-profit agencies are usually quick and can take 1-2 months if they have general liability insurance.
  • A start-up agency can be difficult to vet because they might not have a site or have liability insurance. It tends to be very difficult to get these type of sites approved.
  • Government agencies, especially non-local government agencies and large hospital systems are the most difficult and can take up to a year to be fully vetted.
• What if my internship is not vetted in time to begin my internship?
  • Unfortunately, if your site is not thoroughly vetted per University policy, you will not be able to do your internship at your desired site.
  • It is our recommendation that you always have 2-3 sites lined up in the event your first choice does not get approved in time.
  • Also, start finding your internship site early. The earlier you begin your search, the more prepared you'll be to start your internship on time.
• Is it my responsibility to get the paperwork on file for University approval?
  • No. It is the responsibility of your class instructor to initiate the approval process.
  • However, it is your responsibility to make sure the site has been approved by following the instructions above.
• Am I guaranteed an internship for this course?
  • No. It is your responsibility to find your own internship and to make sure it is an approved University of Nevada, Reno site so you may begin your internship for CHS 494.
  • If you end up in a situation you cannot find your internship by the class deadline, you will be asked to drop the class and will have to take the course the following semester.

Background checks policy for University programs

Some state, as well as federal laws, now require that any individual who regularly provides services to certain segments of the population (generally, those deemed "vulnerable" or "special," including but not limited to children and the sick) must submit to a criminal background check in order to obtain and maintain privileges in clinical and/or educational settings. Additionally, many sites affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno for educational purposes have adopted this requirement.

It is not University of Nevada, Reno policy to perform background checks on all University of Nevada, Reno students, and the University of Nevada, Reno does not certify or vouch for the background of the students who participate in an internship. Accordingly, an organization must conduct its own background check or require the student to obtain a background check, if the organization wants to determine fitness for duty using that information. It shall be the organization's responsibility to evaluate the results of such background check and determine the student's fitness for duty.

Disclosure: Background check requirements

As a student in the School of Public Health, you may be required to submit to a background check before being assigned to a clinical facility. The clinical facility will review your background and either accept or reject you for clinical placement. If you receive an adverse action notice from the agency conducting the background check, you have the right to contact the director of human resources at the clinical facility where you are being placed. You may explain the adverse action to the clinical facility and request to be accepted for placement at the facility. If the facility rejects you for placement after review and discussion with you, the clinical facility will notify your program and your field education coordinator for your program will attempt to place you at another facility. If you cannot be placed at a clinical facility and failure to have a clinical rotations or internship will prevent you from completing your program, you will be advised to withdraw from the program.

Students must be aware that:

1. If a criminal background check is required for placement at any internship or clinical facility, the expense for the check will be borne by the student or requesting
2. Student's responsibilities: Each student required to provide a criminal background check must provide documentation that they have completed the fingerprinting and criminal background check as required by the clinical facility. Students may need to provide this information prior to beginning a clinical or educational Students need to be aware of the requirements of their program and provide this information in compliance with the stated due date.
3. Results of a criminal background check will not be the property of The University and will not require the submission of results to the School of Public Health or the University.
4. If a student fails to pass a criminal background check they may be ineligible for enrollment and/or participation in the course/activity being
5. The School of Public Health or the University does not accept responsibility for any student being ineligible for coursework or continued enrollment in the School of Public Health for any reason, including failure to pass a criminal background.

Washoe County Health District

If you have already solidified an internship at Washoe County Health District (WCHD), you must attest that you have read and understood the terms of your field study agreement between the University of Nevada, Reno and WCHD. The terms of your internship as agreed upon for CHS 798 include the following:

• Students shall carry and have evidence of adequate group medical insurance prior to the participation in any educational experience at WCHD.
• Students will meet all vaccine and TB screening requirements prior to beginning an educational experience on-site at WCHD.
• Students will have obtained a background check prior to the participation in any educational experience at WCHD. Students are responsible for any costs associated with the background check. The results of these background checks may result in the removal of a participant from the program at the agency's discretion.
• Students are responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures of the agency including, but not limited to, Internet use, photography waivers, confidentiality of personal health records and/or research.

PLEASE DO NOT send any detailed documentation, records, or lab results directly to the School of Public Health or the Field Program Office. Signing the attestation form is proof you completed these activities. Be prepared to produce such documentation in the event WCHD asks for it.

To show you have met these prerequisites, you must also submit a signed WCHD Attestation Form claiming you understand the terms of the agreement. Submit one copy into Sonia and one copy to WCHD Human Resources.

Your HR representative at WCHD is Laurie Griffey, lgriffey@washoecounty.us, (775) 328-2403.

Renown Health

If you have already solidified an internship at Renown Health, you must have the following prerequisites completed before you can begin your internship:

Immunity, Vaccines and Drug Screen:

• Proof of immunity to mumps, rubella and rubeola. This requires two (2) doses of MMR vaccine or serological testing for immunity to mumps, rubella and rubeola.
• Proof of varicella immunity be verbal or written history obtained from the student, or titers.
• Hepatitis B series initiation OR declination and/or testing to document serologic response.
• Two-step TB Skin test or Quantiferon testing within the last 12 months.
• Completion of flu shot during flu season (as indicated by state regulatory agency).
• Proof of a negative drug screen.

Students in the past have used Concentra for the drug test, they just need to specify it needs to be a 9-panel drug screen. Backgrounds can be taken through National Background Information.

Criminal Background Check:

• Completion of criminal background check
  • Student: Has not been sanctioned or investigated by federal or state regulatory agencies
  • Is not under investigation or pending investigation be a federal or state regulatory agency
  • Has not been the subject of disciplinary action, probation or adverse action by Institution and is of good standing
  • Has not been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, assault or battery or a crime involving a minor

PLEASE DO NOT send any documentation, records, or results directly to the School of Public Health or the Field Program Office.

To show you have met these prerequisites, you must submit a signed Renown Attestation Form claiming you have completed the above requirements through Sonia.

In addition, Renown will ask you to submit a formal externship application. This should only be completed if you have already solidified a preceptor and internship.

Once these two things are completed, you should be able to begin your internship. You can reach an HR representative at Renown at students@renown.org. 

List of Internship Milestones and Dates

Internship Milestone	Due
Attend MPH internship orientation	Fall prior to internship
Complete all pre-internship academic modules and associated assessments	By January 1
Students will independently search for a viable internship project. Past project examples and internship resources will be provided by your instructor. Internships must meet CEPH internship criteria and be approved by Faculty Advisor and Internship Coordinator.	At least 12 weeks prior to internship
Once a suitable internship is identified, students will use doodle to schedule a virtual internship contracts meeting with the Student, Preceptor, Advisor, and Internship Coordinator.	At least 8 weeks prior to start of internship
Final Student Learning Contract with signature submitted, risk/legal paperwork submitted	At least 8 weeks prior to start of internship
Students must complete all pre-requisite courses with a C or better to begin internship	First day of internship
Timesheets, Internship Midterm Report, Midterm Student Evaluation, Midterm Virtual Site Visit with Student Presentation	At 75 hours completed
Timesheets, Internship Final Report, Final Student Evaluation, Site Assessment, Internship Presentation	At 150 hours completed

To identify and arrange for an internship requires the work of a team. In the MPH program that team includes you, as the student, the internship coordinator, and the faculty advisor. Once a site is approved and selected, the preceptor joins the team. This team will serve as your support system through the process of identifying, preparing for, and successfully completing the internship. Active communication is imperative in this process. It is important for you to include the entire team on all communications related to the internship to help ensure their active engagement.

Internship Coordinator

The MPH internship coordinator will be your key contact in this process. The internship coordinator assists you in identifying internship sites and preceptors. Throughout the internship, the coordinator will stay in contact with your team to discuss your progress. The internship coordinator determines what grade you will receive at the completion of the internship.

Faculty Advisor

Your faculty advisor discusses internship opportunities with you that match your goals and identified competencies. The advisor will approve your project and stay in contact with you to discuss internship progress and to resolve challenges that may arise.

Internship Preceptor

Preceptors play an important role in the overall success of the internship project. Your preceptor will serve as your day-to-day manager and supervisor of the overall project. The preceptor is also responsible for a significant portion of the internship grade. It is important that you feel comfortable with and supported by the preceptor.

Your preceptor also must meet the requirements of the program. Qualified preceptors will:

• Hold a minimum of a graduate-level degree
• Possess a minimum of two years of full-time public health experience
• Have the ability to provide a training experience that meets the needs of both the student's career goals as well as the academic requirements

Final approval of the internship preceptor is at the discretion of the internship coordinator and faculty advisor and must be in alignment with accreditation (CEPH) standards.

CEPH competencies set a baseline for skills that master students should be competent in upon graduation. The MPH Core Competency Model includes competencies in the five traditional core areas of public health and seven interdisciplinary/cross-cutting areas and applies to students upon graduation from a CEPH-accredited school or program of public health:

• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health Sciences
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Management
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Communication and Informatics
• Diversity and Culture
• Leadership
• Public Health Biology
• Professionalism
• Program Planning
• Systems Thinking