what is practicum

A practicum is an undergraduate or graduate-level course, often in a specialized field of study, that is designed to give students supervised practical application of a previously or concurrently studied field or theory. It is a work placement that allows students to apply what they have learned in class to their field of study. Practicums are common in fields such as education, nursing, medicine, psychology, and social work. During a practicum, students are supervised and gain experience in their field by observing and documenting how working professionals perform their job responsibilities. The process is similar to an internship, but a practicum focuses more on observation than work experience. Practicums can be tied to certain courses and are often required for certification in certain academic programs. The specific demands of a practicum can vary from field to field, but generally involve limited assistance in a closed environment for less than ten hours per week.