Overview – Gerontology Practicum Course(s)
Field Education is an integral part of the curriculum and a core requirement for the SDSU Gerontology Undergraduate Program. The undergraduate practicum learning experiences consist of two courses, three units each (Gero 400A and Gero 400B), scheduled over two semesters. The practicum placements are in different agencies with different field instructors, each of which must be eligible and meet the School approved gerontology criteria, curriculum, and standards. During both courses, gerontology students conduct their internships under the professional supervision of qualified agency Field Instructors.
Planning One Semester Ahead for Gero 400 A or B
Planning for the Gero 400 A or Gero B practicum course requires finding and confirming a placement one semester before you register for the course.
Students must reach out to schedule a meeting with the Director of Field Education at least one semester before they intend to register for the course. Students will be oriented to planning for their practicum experience during this meeting with the Director of Field Education. Following the meeting, the student will receive a list of authorized gerontology practicum agencies from the Director of Field Education
Deadlines for Gero 400 A or B
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- Students who plan to register for Gero 400 A or Gero 400 B in the Spring semester, must confirm their placement by the last day of classes in the Fall semester of the previous year. For example, if a student plans to register for Gero 400 A or Gero 400 B in Spring 2024, the placement must be confirmed by the last day of classes in the Fall 2023 semester.
- Students who plan to register for Gero 400 A or Gero 400 B in the Fall semester, must confirm their placement by the last day of classes in the Spring semester of the same calendar year. For example, if a student plans to register for Gero 400 A or Gero 400 B in Fall 2024, the placement must be confirmed by the last day of classes in Spring 2024.
- Summer semester internships are not available.
Once a student confirms their placement, they will need to notify the Director of Field Education by email and complete the Gero 400 A or B Practicum Confirmation Form by the deadlines listed above.
Questions: Please contact Amanda Lee, Director of Field Education, by email: amanda.lee@sdsu.edu or swfield@sdsu.edu.
Objectives and Competencies for Practicum Course(s)
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By the end of the field practicum courses, students will be able to:
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Student Eligibility for the Gerontology Practicum Course(s)
To qualify for the Gerontology Undergraduate Practicum Courses, students shall meet the follow criteria prior to enrolling in Gero 400A or Gero 400B:
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Course Requirements for Gero 400 A or B
The following is a brief overview of course requirements. Please refer to the current course syllabus for further detailed information.
Identifying Practicum |
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Experience and Confirmation |
Refer to steps in PowerPoint presentation posted as part of these materials. For additional assistance, please contact the Director of Field Education. |
Practicum Hours/Units |
Refer to course syllabus and University calendar for attendance policies, University break periods, and holidays. |
Supervision |
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Seminar/Class Meetings |
Practicum Course Assignments will include completion of the following:
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Assignments
Please refer to current course syllabus for grading policies and additional course requirements.
Steps to: Select, Identify, Interview, and Confirm Your Field Practicum Experience
Step 1: Review Gero 400 A or B documents listed on the Field Education website.
Step 2: Make an appointment with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor once you have completed at least two out of the three required prerequisite courses (Gero 310/350, Gero 360 and Gero 370).
Step 3: Once the Undergraduate Academic Advisor has verified your eligibility to take Gero 400 A or Gero 400 B, reach out to the Director of Field Education to schedule an informational meeting on preparing for your practicum experience. Following the meeting, you will receive a School-approved Gerontology Agency List from the Director of Field Education.
Step 4: Begin your selection process by consulting with fellow peers regarding their practicum experiences; speak with gerontology faculty; review agency websites, etc. Consider attending the Annual Agency Fair, typically held at the end of January or early February.
Step 5: After selecting practicum agencies from the list, reach out to these agencies as soon as possible by phone or email. Identify yourself as a “gerontology undergraduate student from San Diego State University” and explain that you are requesting an interview for your professional practicum experience. Tell the agency contact which semester you plan to complete the practicum experience. Ask if they have internship slots available for you and if you would be able to schedule an interview. It helps if you are flexible in scheduling the date and time of your interview. Ask if there are documents that the agency requires and remember to bring these along for your interview. Begin preparing a professional resume and inform your references of your upcoming interview. Utilize SDSU Career Services to assist with interviewing skills and resume writing. Write down questions that you may have for the agency during the interview. For example, does the agency require screenings (drug test, background check, etc.) as part of their onboarding process?
Step 6: If you have been approved and accepted by the agency for your practicum experience, complete all agency requirements on time for final confirmation. Review your class schedule with your prospective Field Instructor for the upcoming semester to arrange and finalize your practicum schedule (days, hours, supervision time, etc.).
Step 7: Complete the Gero 400 A or B Practicum Confirmation Form when your agency is confirmed and prior to the deadline stated above.
Step 8: Enroll in Gero 400 A or Gero B (whichever is applicable) and attend seminar as scheduled. Note: This is a mandatory class meeting.
See also…
- Presentation: Planning and Orientation for Practicum in Gerontology (Gero 400 A or B) Courses (pdf)
- Gero 400 A or B Overview and Curriculum Course Requirements (pdf)
- Gero 400 A or B Practicum Confirmation Form (Google Form)
- Gerontology Undergraduate Field FAQ (doc)
Contact Information
- Gero 400 A or Gero 400 B Practicum Course Questions: Amanda Lee, LCSW, Director of Field Education, HH-117, amanda.lee@sdsu.edu
- Gerontology Curriculum Chair: Dr. J. Min, HH 119B, jwmin@sdsu.edu