HBNS Practicum Enrollment Information

If you are a Health Behavior Science major and seek to do a practicum experience, you will need to follow the steps outlined below:

1. Identify an agency, site, department, organization in which you would like to complete a practicum experience.
2. If you have a specific site in mind, please talk to the course instructor who will be overseeing the practicum (HBNS 263) in the semester you are wishing to do it.  If you do not know who the professor will be then review the Practicum Course Information tab here. If you need ideas or suggestions about possible practicum experiences/sites, please contact the course instructor and they can provide you with a list of approved sites and contact information.
3. Once you have identified a site, please reach out to that site to ask them if they would be willing/able to allow you to do a practicum with them. In talking with them you should identify who you are, what academic program at UD you are in (HBS), and the number of hours you wish to do with them (for each credit it is 40 hours, so a 1-credit practicum will require 40 hours, 2-credit practicum 80 hours, and 3-credit practicum 120 hours).  You cannot do more than 3-credits.  NOTE: All HBS majors must do a minimum 1-credit practicum as part of their academic program requirements. 2 and 3 credit practicums are optional based on the needs and desires of the student.
4. If the practicum site/supervisor agrees to allow you to do a practicum with them, then you will need to complete and have them sign the Practicum Destination Form.  You can access this form by clicking on the SYLLABUS link for the specific semester in which you seek to do your practicum.  If they do not agree, then you will have to continue reaching out to other sites.  NOTE: many sites are accepting students from multiple academic programs and multiple Universities/Colleges, so the longer you wait the lower your chance of being accepted for a given semester.  So, the impetus is on you to seek a practicum in a timely manner.
5. You can find the Syllabus link under the HBNS 263 Enrollment Information section of the Practicum/Internship Enrollment Information webpage located at: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/hbns/student-resources/bhan-advising/practica-enrollment/
6. Once a representative/supervisor from the agency signs the Practicum Destination Form, you must then complete the Online Enrollment Request Form which can be found via the link provided under the HBNS 263 Enrollment information section of the Practicum/Internship Enrollment Information webpage located at: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/hbns/student-resources/bhan-advising/practica-enrollment/   Attach your signed and completed Practicum Destination Form.  Be sure to click the link that corresponds to the semester in which you want to do your practicum. 
7. Once you submit the Enrollment Request form the professor overseeing the course will review your enrollment request and decide to enroll you in the course.  NOTE: Common reasons why you would not be enrolled: the site is inappropriate; the enrollment request form is lacking information; the practicum destination form is not attached or is not signed by the site supervisor; you have a financial hold on your account that needs to be taken care of first.
8. If everything is in order, then you will be registered for the HBNS 263 for the number of credit hours indicated on the enrollment form.  NOTE: You cannot register for HBNS 263 on your own, it can only be done by the instructor after you have completed all of the necessary forms.
9. Once you are enrolled you will receive a confirmation email asking you to double check that a) you are enrolled, and b) the number of credit hours is accurate.
10. Prior to the start of the semester in which you will do your practicum look for emails, communications from the professor and regularly check the  CANVAS site for updates and important information related to the practicum course.  It is your responsibility to make sure you are following the requirements, and completing all assignments as outlined in the course Syllabus.
11. Some sites require students to meet specific clearance requirements before they will allow them to start their practicums.  Please read the Clearance Information for Practicums section located on the Practicum/Internship Enrollment webpage to see what may pertain to you.  This section provides clearance information for common practicum sites used by HBS students.  This is not an exhaustive list.  If you are doing a practicum in a clinical/medical setting, or in a site that works with individuals under 18 years of age, you may be required to obtain certain clearances prior to beginning your practicum.  It is your responsibility to reach out to the Academic Support Coordinator, Jodi Allen (joallen@udel.edu) who will assist you in the facilitation of your clearances with the Office of Clinical Studies who records clearance results. Clearance Procedures are here:  It is your responsibility to make sure clearances are taken care of in a timely manner prior to the start of the semester.

NOTE: some clearances may take up to 4 weeks to obtain.  So, plan accordingly.

This includes all Delaware Schools & clinics or any site that works with minors.

1. Locate the site you will work with
2. Have your site supervisor sign your Form A or Practicum Destination Form
3. Submit for enrollment in your Practicum/Internship course
4. Obtain clearance information here: General Clearance Information
5. Receive emailed clearance approval from the Office of Clinical Studies
6. For questions, please see https://www.ocs.udel.edu/clearances/ or email clinicalstudies@udel.edu

• Students interested in a site with Christiana Care please note that all CC sites require current vaccinations and immunizations as well as clearances. 
• Students taking 1 credit /40 hours will not need to complete clearances

Christiana Care Procedure:

1. Email Anne Smith, the Christiana Care representative, of your interest in working at the Christiana Care site. 
2. Submit for enrollment in your course
3. Clearance information found here: Christiana Care Clearance Requirements
4. Begin obtaining these immediately
5. Christiana Care's placement representative, Anne Smith, will reach out to you with any questions and to let you know when you are approved to work with your Christiana Care site. 

1. Please ask your site supervisor what clearances are required to work with their facility.
2. Please complete all requirements given
3. Please have your site supervisor email Jodi Allen at joallen@udel.edu stating that you have completed all state and facility requirements and are approved to work with the facility
4. Submit for enrollment in your course as soon as your Form A or Practicum Destination Form is signed. 

Students interested in a site with Christina School District need to know that due to CSD’s recent policy changes

• Students may not contact any CSD employee directly
• Students are not guaranteed placement at any CSD site
• OT shadow hours are not guaranteed, however you may be placed with a  teacher of IEP students who has an OT visit the classroom on a regular basis which allows for a limited number of OT hours
• Child Protection Registry clearance is counted by CSD as valid for one year (if you had one previously, you will need to create a new log in to submit for  a new CPR)

*If you are interested in working with a CSD site: Please email Jodi Allen  joallen@udel.edu and Include in your email:

1. Your practicum/Internship course HBNS 263, HBNS 403 or HBNS 464
2. Record the semester or session you are intending to take the course (summer, fall, winter, spring) and credit hours
3. Name the school or program at CSD such as Brennan school, Reach Program etc…)
4. Name the age group, student population that you prefer to work with
5. Specify the position you are interested in (Para, Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist hours)

CSD Process steps:

1. Email Jodi Allen with all specified information listed above joallen@udel.edu
2. School official will send in a placement form to CSD with your information and preferences
3. Follow CSD information to obtain your clearances:  Christina School District Clearance Information
4. Once you have obtained all clearances and the Office of Clinical Studies approves you
5. Email OCS at Clinicalstudies@udel.edu  and request that they send your clearances on to CSD
6. After CSD receives your clearances you will then receive your supervisor’s contact information via email - This can take approximately two weeks from CSD receiving your clearances
7. You may email your supervisor and request they sign your Form A or Practicum Destination form located in the course syllabus
8. Submit for enrollment in the practicum course intended

    

HBNS263 – Health Behavior Science Practicum

2024 - 2025 Academic Year Information

Purpose: To provide the student with early experience in careers available for Health Behavior Science majors. The primary determination is to enhance the student’s decision-making process in choosing the location for the required senior internship and beyond.

Setting: Health Behavior Science related environments include, but are not limited to, non-profits, corporate wellness sites, health management organizations, medical facilities, local and state health departments, etc.

Syllabi Below: 

Winter Syllabus  - Please read thoroughly

Spring Syllabus - Please read thoroughly

Enrollment Information

Students will have the following options to complete the HBNS263 practicum requirement (variable credit):

1. Remote hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.

2. On-site hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.

3. A combination of remote/on-site hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor. 

Hours required per credit: 

• 1 Credit = 40 hours
• 2 Credits = 80 hours
• 3 Credits = 120 hours

Only 1 credit is required for graduation. For specific requirements for each option please refer to the information provided in the course syllabus.

Enrollment Forms

To register for HBNS263: Health Behavior Science Practicum, ALL students MUST submit a completed and signed Practicum Destination Form (found in the course syllabus above) attached to their HBNS263 Enrollment Request Form.

• Winter 2025 - Enrollment Request Form
  
• Spring 2025 - Enrollment Request Form

Please allow 3-5 business days to process your registration request.

Questions

WINTER 2025: Please email Dr. Lodyga at mlodyga@udel.edu with any questions.

SPRING 2025: Please email Professor Peterson at pmpeter@udel.edu with any questions.

HBNS403 - Practicum in Adapted Physical Activity

2024 - 2025 Academic Year Information

Purpose: Supervised learning experiences in designing, implementing, and evaluating appropriate physical activity programs and interventions for individuals with special needs participating in a variety of clinical settings. Additionally, this course is an opportunity to enter into a professional service position to learn through experience and/or accumulate clinical hours necessary for graduate school admission.

Setting: After-school programs, community centers, fitness centers, school classrooms, hospitals, or other therapeutic settings (students must work with at least 3 individuals with a disability).

Syllabi Below:

Winter Syllabus - Please read thoroughly

Spring Syllabus - Please read thoroughly    

Enrollment Information

Students will have the following options to complete the HBNS403 practicum requirement (variable credit):

1. Remote hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.
2. On-site hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.
3. A combination of remote/on-site hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor. 

Hours required per credit:

• 1 Credit = 40 hours
• 2 Credits = 80 hours
• 3 Credits = 120 hours

For specific requirements for each option please refer to the information provided in the course syllabus.

*Students with a major in Health Behavior Science with a concentration in Health and Disability and students with a minor in Health, Physical Activity and Disability are required to complete 3 credits of HBNS403.

Hours must be completed with a site chosen by the student and approved by the teaching faculty member, Dr. Iva Obrusnikova (Winter/Summer Courses) and Dr. DH Lee (Spring/Fall Courses).

Once the enrollment request is submitted, Dr. DH Lee or Dr. Obrusnikova will approve, and staff will complete the registration process. 

Enrollment Forms

To register for HBNS403, Practicum in Adapted Physical Activity: ALL students MUST submit a completed and signed Form A (found in the course syllabus above) attached to their HBNS403 Enrollment Request Form. 

• WINTER 2025 - Enrollment Request Form
• SPRING 2025 - Enrollment Request Form

Please allow 3-5 business days to process your registration request.

Questions

WINTER 2025: Please email Dr. Iva Obrusnikova at obrusnik@udel.edu with any questions.

SPRING 2025: Please email Dr. DH Lee at dhlee@udel.edu with any questions. 

HBNS464 – Internship in Health Behavior Science

2024-2025 Academic Year Information

Purpose: Internship is part of the pre-professional program in which students spend full time working in a cooperating agency with a supervising health professional. The period of the internship is a vital phase of the student’s professional preparation. It is during this time that the student is able to make practical use of principles, methods, knowledge, and skills that have been developed during their academic career.

FYI: Please be sure to use your UDel email account when securing Practica sites.  If pursuing multiple sites at the same time, please be sure to decline sites you have decided not to work with.

Internship Manual – please read thoroughly

Enrollment Information

Students will have the following options to complete their internship requirement - 9 credits (most students), or 6 credits (Health and Disability Concentration students ONLY):

1. Remote hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.

2. On-site hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.

3. A combination of remote/on-site hours at an internship site overseen by an internship site supervisor.  

Hours must be completed with a site chosen by the student and approved by the teaching faculty member, Dr. Michael Peterson, EdD. For specific requirements for each option please refer to the information provided in the Internship Manual, as well as additional information presented in your BHAN490 course. If you still have questions please contact Dr. Peterson, pmpeter@udel.edu.

Enrollment Forms

To register for HBNS464, Health Behavior Science Internship: ALL students MUST submit a completed and signed Form A (found in the internship manual above) attached to their HBNS464 Online Enrollment Request Form. 

• SPRING 2025 - Enrollment Request Form

Please allow 3-5 business days to process your registration request. 

Questions

Please email Dr. Peterson at pmpeter@udel.edu.