Non-Teacher Certification Field Experiences in Undergraduate Education

• Course: KHP 489
  • Credit Hours Required for Degree: 6
    • Students may complete 6 credit hours in one semester, or 3 credit hours in two semesters. Consult with your advisor the best option for you.
  • Observation Hours Required: 300 Hours
    • Students taking 6 credit hours must complete 300 observation hours of observations in one semester.
    • Students taking 3 credit hours must complete 150 observation hours each semester.
  • Practicum Sites

• Course: CED 430 (Spring only course)
  • Credit Hours Required for Degree: 5
  • Observation Hours Required: 200 Hours
  • Practicum Sites

• Course: KHP 577
  • Credit Hours Required for Degree: 6
    • Students may complete 6 credit hours in one semester, or 3 credit hours in two semesters. Consult with your advisor the best option for you.
  • Observation Hours Required: 300 Hours
    • Students taking 6 credit hours must complete 300 observation hours of observations in one semester.
    • Students taking 3 credit hours must complete 150 observation hours each semester.
  • Practicum Sites

• Course: KHP 578
  • Credit Hours Required for Degree: 6
    • Students may complete 6 credit hours in one semester, or 3 credit hours in two semesters. Consult with your advisor the best option for you.
  • Observation Hours Required: 300 Hours
    • Students taking 6 credit hours must complete 300 observation hours of observations in one semester.
    • Students taking 3 credit hours must complete 150 observation hours each semester.

Practicum Site

UK Athletics: Olympic Strength & Conditioning

John Spurlock
john.spurlock@uky.edu
859-323-5772
Visit website

Big Blue Strength

Melissa Kamphake
bigbluestrength@gmail.com
859-537-8032
Visit website

• Course: EDL 480 (Spring only course)
  • Credit Hours Required for Degree: 3
  • Observation Hours Required: 150 Hours
  • Practicum Sites

• Course: KHP 577
  • Credit Hours Required for Degree: 6
    • Students may complete 6 credit hours in one semester, or 3 credit hours in two semesters. Consult with your advisor the best option for you.
  • Observation Hours Required: 300 Hours
    • Students taking 6 credit hours must complete 300 observation hours of observations in one semester.
    • Students taking 3 credit hours must complete 150 observation hours each semester.
  • Practicum Sites

Before starting a practicum experience, students need to: 

• Enroll in the practicum course required for their major
• Communicate with the instructor and identify a potential practicum site
• Communicate with the practicum supervisor and get any documentation signed by your practicum supervisor (agreement forms, etc.) 

Practicum experiences must utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained from your major. This opportunity should enhance your resume for graduate programs or prepare you for the next phase of your career. Therefore, a wide range of experiences may be considered for your practicum experience and should align with your major and career goals.   

No. It is the student’s responsibility to contact potential practicum sites and supervisors to secure a practicum position.

Students should seek respected professionals in their field with appropriate education, training, and experience. Supervisors should have an educational level greater than or equal to the degree a student is pursuing (unless otherwise approved by the course instructor). Additionally, supervisors should have current licensure or professional certifications as appropriate for their discipline. Students should avoid practicum experiences with family members or friends to avoid nepotism. Students should clearly delineate the qualifications of practicum supervisors and previous relationships on the supervisor agreement form.

Students are allowed a maximum of two practicum sites each semester to provide a variety of practicum experiences.

Securing a practicum site early is essential for success in this course. Students should contact potential practicum supervisors several weeks before the start of the semester in which they are completing practicum. If students have not secured a site by the second week of the semester, it is unlikely they will be able to complete the in-person contact hours required for this course.

For students to be covered by university liability insurance, observation hours may only count toward practicum when a student is actively enrolled in their practicum course. Due to the reflective nature of the academic assignments for this course, students should not start their practicum experience before the start of the semester.

Failure to complete all your required practicum hours will negatively affect your final grade. In the event of extenuating circumstances, students may not be able to complete all their scheduled hours. In accordance with Senate rules 5.2.5.2.1, students who miss more than 20% of required practicum hours for excused absences may request an “Incomplete grade” (or “I” grade) for the semester. The instructor will issue a grade change if all practicum course requirements are met within 12 months. Students requesting an “I” for extenuating circumstances will be required to provide appropriate documentation in accordance with Senate rules.

Students are NOT permitted to carry practicum hours over from one semester to the next.

Students are not required to complete their practicum at the same location. We encourage students to explore new practicum sites for each semester to expose them to a greater variety of experiences. 

Yes. Students may be paid for their practicum experience. However, students are encouraged to seek the best practicum experience for their professional development rather than try to use their current paid job as a practicum site. This should be seen as a chance to pursue new professional experiences rather than a mechanism to make money in the short-term.

The practicum list is created to give you locations within Lexington, as well as a variety of places that fit your career goals. Students are welcome to pursue practicum locations that are not on this list or are outside the Lexington area. You need to contact the practicum coordinator to confirm that your practicum location will satisfy course requirements.