Field Experience

Maternal and Child Health Field Experience

The goal of the field experience is to provide an opportunity for Maternal and Child Health students to strengthen their philosophy and understanding of public health and to begin developing an identity as a professional in MCH.

This goal is achieved by working with MCH professionals in a field agency outside of the University of Minnesota to introduce the student to:

• The broad practice and philosophy of public health as it relates to MCH;
  
• The administrative and organizational framework for MCH programs and services at state and local levels; and
  
• The application of theory and skill to practice through work experiences with professional and community colleagues.
  

The field experience should increase the students’ confidence and ability to assess their strengths and weaknesses as members of a public health team. Field experiences provide opportunities for personal involvement in developing, planning, executing, and evaluating public health activities for MCH populations.

How to Meet the Field Experience Requirement

The field experience should be started after students have completed half of their required course work. Students are encouraged to begin seeking an appropriate site six months before they are prepared to begin.

Students should consult with their academic advisor in selecting a site appropriate for achieving their educational and professional objectives. A minimum of 2 semester credits in PubH 7696 is required. Each credit requires 60 hours of work with the agency/site.

• View additional field experience resources