The University and program policy is to maintain written agreements with institutions, organizations and agencies that provide supervised practice sites where students meet competencies required by ACEND. Periodic evaluation of adequacy and appropriateness of sites is completed at least every five years or sooner as required to renew the affiliation agreement which delineates the rights and responsibilities of both the sponsoring organization and the university. Representatives of the organization and administrators from the university sign the written document.
Students are assigned to supervised practice locations by the Rotation Placement Committee, which is composed of the Clinical Coordinator (who chairs the committee), the CPMA Program Director, and clinical faculty who teach clinical-related courses. The goal for student placement is not convenience of travel or housing, but matching the right student with the right learning environment. The Rotation Placement Committee considers many factors when making assignments, including but not limited to the student’s career goals, performance in related courses, characteristics and preferences of the preceptor, and availability and capabilities of facilities. Students are strongly encouraged to communicate with the faculty on the Rotation Placement Committee about their career goals and interests, so that informed decisions may be made. This communication may be done in-person by making an appointment or over e-mail. The Rotation Placement Committee makes an effort to accommodate student preferences in location of practicum experiences, but student preferences on location will not override the ultimate goal of a good learning experience. Students must be aware that travel to a more distant facility is a possibility, and should plan financially for this possibility during the first year of the program. Students should also be reassured that every site used by OUHSC is staffed by capable preceptors who are able to guide a student through completion of all necessary competencies.
Supervised practice occurs in each of the following semesters:
Spring I – There are two supervised practice rotations during this semester. NS 7121 Counseling Practicum will primarily take place at the College of Allied Health Building. NS 7412 Food Preparation Practicum takes place at the College of Allied Health Building in room 3055.
Fall II – There is one supervised practice rotation during this semester, NS 7542 Medical Nutrition Therapy Practicum. This will take place at hospitals in the OKC metro area, where students will work in small groups with a supervisor.
Spring II and Summer III – NOTE: For the practicums in Spring II and Summer III, students will be placed individually in facilities state-wide. The Rotation Placement Committee will make assignments in late Fall II. Students are cautioned not to sign leases or housing contracts for spring or summer prior to that time. Students may be placed in Tulsa or elsewhere in the state for these practicums.
Note: having a lease or housing contract in place will not be taken into consideration for student placement.
