A Practicum Curriculum in a Health Specialization: A Framework for Hospitals

Abstract

In schools of social work, specializations frequently provide an organizing philosophy and structure for program delivery. Health specializations increasingly are being offered. Components for a curriculum in health have been addressed by educators and practitioners, but the focus for discussion has primarily been on course content with little attention to a curriculum for the practicum.

This paper addresses the gap in the literature by presenting a framework for such a curriculum relevant to practica in other specializations. This framework is based on the roles associated with three domains of practice in hospitals. Each practice role serves as a broad objective for the student's knowledge and skill to be learned. In addition, the paper discusses educational issues that commonly arise in hospital practicum.