Preparation for Practicum

Quality Practicum Experiences

The Faculty approves only those practicum placements that provide a quality learning and educational experience, and are sufficiently flexible to meet individual student learning objectives.

The Faculty also expects that the agency supervisor will:
  • have appropriate qualifications
  • provide day-to-day guidance and supervision in an environment that inspires and promotes learning
  • provide an opportunity for you to observe and learn about the whole organization, beyond your job description

You're expected to ask questions, research specific areas thoroughly, and be fully engaged in your practicum to fulfill your assignments and requirements.

All students in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation will enroll in their respective practicum courses (BARST - RLS 441/447/449, BKin & BScKin - KIN 490/492 or 491/493) during their final year of study. It's important for you to acquire as much related experience as you can during your university tenure.

If students do not meet the academic expectations of their degree program and are required to withdraw, their practicum will be cancelled until they are permitted to continue with their undergraduate program.

Degree-specific considerations below:

  • BARST
    The professional practicum experience offers a wide range of opportunities in many occupational fields. Students are encouraged to begin considering possible practicum areas of interest in years two and three of their program. Prerequisite coursework may be required for specific practicum placements within your undergraduate degree. Please see your academic advisor for more information on planning your practicum experience.

    - Academic courses - RLS 447 (Professional Practicum 15 credits) is limited to BARST students and are required courses in the degree program.

  • BKin
    In your second year of study, you will select an area of concentration. You will have both required courses as well as optional courses to complete.

    The majority of practicum placements are for full-time students. Students seeking part-time placements will need to do research on which agencies will take students less than full time. 

    — If you would like a practicum placement in exercise rehabilitation (either in a rehabilitation clinic or physiotherapy clinic) there are specific prerequisite courses that must be completed as well as fitness certifications.
    — Academic Course: KIN 492 (9 credits) or KIN 493 (15 credits) and KIN 491 (12 credits) or KIN 493 (15 credit) are limited to BKin and BScKin students. KIN 490/492 & 492/493 include the work experience component, the seminars, and the written assignments. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis. No stanine grade is awarded. 
    — Students enrolled in KIN 492 may take up to three other three-credit courses concurrently with the practicum however approval MUST be received from the practicum supervisor first.
    — It is strongly discouraged for student enrolled in KIN 493 to enroll in a three-credit course concurrently with their practicum. If the student still wishes to add an additional course, approval must be received from the practicum supervisor.
  • BScKin
    You will have both required courses as well as a selection of other courses to complete, including courses with designated lab hours, to be eligible for certification in the Alberta Kinesiology Association upon graduation. If you would like a practicum placement in exercise rehabilitation (either in a rehabilitation clinic or a private physiotherapy clinic) there are specific pre-requisite courses are recommended. Fitness certifications may also be required.

    It is strongly advised that BScKin students wanting community-based practicums consider completing full-time practicums. Many agencies will not accept half-time placement students. In particular, most agencies in the exercise therapy and exercise rehabilitation area cannot accept half-time students since students must be available on a full-time basis in order to work with their clientele.

     

    — Academic Course:  KIN 492 (9 credit) andKIN 493 (15 credit) are limited to BKin and BScKin students. KIN 492 & 493 include the work experience component, the seminars and the written assignments. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis. No stanine grade is awarded. 
    — Students enrolled in KIN 4492 may take up to three other three-credit courses concurrently with the practicum however approval MUST be received from the practicum supervisor first.
    — It is strongly discouraged for student enrolled in KIN 491/493 to enroll in a three-credit course concurrently with their practicum. If the student still wishes to add an additional course, approval must be received from the practicum supervisor first.

Recommendations for clinical practicum placements in Exercise Rehabilitation

If you're a BKin or BScKin student and you have an interest in securing a placement in either a rehabilitation clinic or a physiotherapy clinic, you must have completed prerequisite courses prior to the commencement of your placement.

In addition, you may also be required to have completed specific certifications, such as first aid, CPT, CPR and/or AFCLA required for your practicum placement.

Please refer to the following document:
Practicums in Exercise Rehabilitation (PDF)

All students are strongly advised to meet with your respective student advisor early in your program to ensure you are prepared to enrol in courses that are highly recommended prior to your practicum (e.g., KIN 400 and KIN 440).

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