Allied Health – Practicums with a Purpose: Developing Professionals While Fostering Community Engagement

Posted Feb 18, 2021

Master of Science in Allied Health (MSAH) students at Otterbein have the opportunity to complete either a capstone practicum experience or a thesis research project in conjunction with engaging coursework to complete the MSAH degree. The practicum can be completed over one or two semesters and allows our students to have access to fields they may not have otherwise been exposed to. 

John Putnam had an excellent experience this fall working with the American Lung Association. He helped coordinate efforts to create a reimagined Fight for Air Climb slated for later this spring. He also created a voice thread educational presentation for the American Lung Association on vaping. His work is used in local schools to educate students on the effects of vaping and smoking. 

We are thankful for partnerships with the American Lung Association, Ohio Health, several local community centers, and Dr. Paul Longenecker’s continued collaboration with the American Summer Institute in Hungary. Thanks to these partnerships, MSAH students have continued to be engaged advocates for health in the community, despite COVID limitations, and are gaining professional experience.

While work may be virtual at times, students are still engaged and making a valuable contribution. As alumni or interested community partners, we want to invite you to work with our Otterbein students. If you are a healthcare administrator or exercise and health professional that are interested in having a student work alongside you in a practicum experience and assist in actively mentoring a young professional, we welcome the opportunity to work with you!

You can view past capstone projects in the Otterbein Digital Commons. Follow our social media to see current program updates on student projects, research and MSAH happenings: