Practicum learning
Some of our programs (nursing, social work, child and youth care and education) include a mandatory practicum, a directed work experience in your field of study.
Practicum experience gives you the opportunity to put theory into practice. You'll get a sense of the real-world responsibilities you'll face after graduation and find the perfect niche within your field.
Your practicum placement could be local, national or international. A practicum gives you opportunities to work in diverse settings relevant to your professional discipline.
You'll enhance your professional experience and broaden your understanding of policy, practice, therapeutic work and community development. If you're a student teacher you'll have an opportunity to do field experiences in both schools and alternative field placements.
Contact your program of interest for more information about their practicum requirements.
Johanne Roy (nursing): "Practicum opened my eyes to aspects of nursing that I wasn't aware of. I did a practicum at "First Square" with women who are pregnant with substance issues. It helped me move away from my comfort zone and gain more insights."
Cathy Butler (nursing): "Practicums were incredible. Being a health care nurse you sometimes have a narrow view of health care. I was able to branch out and experience a lot of other avenues: public health, a methadone clinic, high-risk infants, children's aid societies. I got to understand the community picture instead of just the hospital portion and how it all ties together."
Kristin Brattebo (child and youth care): "My practicums were done at a group home and Ministry of Children and Families Child Welfare. Both experiences were very intense but very amazing experiences."
Clair Brown (child and youth care): "I did two practicums, both in Vancouver at the Infant Development Program and BC Children's Hospital. I was lucky to have had these experiences. I feel really lucky to be in a program that offers great work skills that are very relevant. The child life program hired me right after graduation."
Tammy Thielman (social work): "I arranged my placement at a non-profit agency that offers a wide array of programs for families. On a whim, I volunteered there during winter break. I found it such a positive, welcoming environment that I inquired about practicum possibilities. My practicum will span over 400 hours. Along with it, I'll be completing my two final fourth-year electives. I can hardly say how excited I am to be in a workplace setting and look forward to getting to know everyone and spending time with different clinicians, helping with different programs." Read more about life as a distance student on Tammy’s blog.
Cyril Indome (secondary education): "I did my practicum at Oak Bay Secondary School, teaching physical education and social studies. The best part of my practicum experience was the ability to be fully immersed in the Oak Bay Secondary School community as a teacher, coach and volunteer. I was able to build professional relationships with students and staff while working towards becoming a better educator in my own creative manner. Working through the rigors of the practicum, I really was able to appreciate and enjoy the funny moments that would happen each day. I believe this overall experience will be valuable for my first teaching job in Cairo, Egypt, at British Columbia Canadian International School."
Krista Conrod (elementary education): "I was extremely fortunate to have amazing practicums that ranged from Kindergarten to Grade 8. My mentor teachers were inspiring, knowledgeable and very supportive. Throughout my practicums, my mentor teachers created opportunities for me to become a part of the school community, build my confidence, practice and explore different teaching styles and technology, work with different learning needs and abilities to create inclusive environments and build on my professional development. I loved going into classrooms and interacting with the students and staff because it allowed me to bridge theory with practice."
Will I get paid?
No. Unlike co-operative education, practicum is an unpaid course requirement.
Will I have a supervisor?
Yes, you’ll be supervised by qualified professionals. They’ll monitor your progress and support learning outcomes. They’ll also help match you with practitioners or mentors for more training opportunities.
Will I do more than one practicum?
It depends on your program.
Who offers practicum at UVic?
At UVic, students in child and youth care, nursing, social work and education experience practicum learning as part of their programs. It’s also called field experience in education and practice placement in nursing.
Get more information on practicum from program websites:
School of Child And Youth Care
School of Nursing
- Undergraduate practicum
- Post-diploma practice placement
- Graduate practicum: