SPH Applied Practice Experience

Undergraduate Internship Approval Process

Step 1: Secure an Internship

• Students can secure an internship at any time, but approval is required to start counting hours.


• Students have two options to receive course credit:
  • Option 1: Students can register for internship course credit the same semester they receive internship approval.
  • Option 2: Students can register for internship course credit the following semester after they receive internship approval.


• Paid Position: Students employed in a public health role may receive course credit
  • Clinical roles, such as medical assistants, nurses or office staff positions do not qualify. However, students may be able to develop a project at their job to qualify.
  
  For guidance or questions on the types of projects or responsibilities that would get approved, contact the Applied Practice Advisor.

Step 2: Understand Criteria and Requirements

• Make sure the internship or work role meets the criteria and requirements for credit:
  • Undergraduate Requirements

Step 3: Receive Service Learning Agreement (SLA) or Employer Verification Approval

• Required Only for Students in Unpaid Internships: All field sites must have an SLA on file with SDSU prior to the student starting the internship. This agreement ensures that the student is covered for liability.
  • If an SLA is not on file, one will be initiated by the Applied Practice Advisor. Keep in mind this can take weeks, sometimes longer and therefore students should plan accordingly.
  
  A list of SLAs on file can be found on the Service Learning Agreements page.


• Required Only for Students Seeking Course Credit in their Place of Employment: Students must complete the Employer Verification form and receive approval BEFORE requesting for an internship approval.
  
  Please follow the instructions below to complete the form:
  • If you have worked with your employer for less than 6 months and your duties and/or project align with the BSPH Competencies, then you can complete the form.
    • Check off the box to indicate you have worked less than 6 months with your employer. You do not need to fill in the bordered section, but you do need to have your supervisor sign it.
  • If you have worked with your employer for 6 or more months, you will need to work on a project or have responsibilities OUTSIDE of your regular work duties that align with the BSPH Competencies.
    • Check off the box to indicate you have worked for more than 6 months with your employer. You will need to complete the bordered section of the form by outlining your current paid duties and new duties. Your supervisor must sign it.
  
  Once complete, send the Employer Verification form to the Applied Practice Advisor for approval.

Step 4: Request for Internship Approval

• After confirming the site has an SLA on file or receiving approval, submit the Request for Internship Approval no later than two weeks before the add/drop deadline for the respective semester.
  • Undergraduate students must select the Applied Practice Advisor on the drop down menu.
  • Internship approvals received close to the add/drop deadline, students run a risk of not getting approved on time for course registration.
  • Internship approvals received after the add/drop deadline will receive course credit the following semester.

Step 5: Request for Schedule Number

Step 6: Receive Access to CANVAS PH 497 Homeroom

• On or around the first day of the semester in which the student is registered, an invitation will be sent to the student’s sdsu.edu email to access the appropriate course (PH 497 Canvas Course). This is where additional assignments and information will be provided.

Step 7: Submit Documents for Course Credit

• Students are required to submit the following assignments in CANVAS by the general due dates listed below (actual dates provided at the start of the semester):
  
  Prior to Starting Internship and/or Registering for Credit
  • Release of Liability
  • Internship Agreement
  Final’s week
  • Final Log of hours (incomplete grades will be given to those who do not complete the hours)
  • Student Evaluation of the Experience
  • Supervisor Evaluation of the Experience
  
  Incomplete grade: An incomplete grade will be given to students who do not complete the required hours by the last day of finals week. To receive course credit, hours must be completed within a year of the semester they registered and contact the Field Placement Experience Advisor.

See the PH 497 FAQ Sheet for more information