{"id":5086,"date":"2025-03-06T11:37:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T16:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/?page_id=5086"},"modified":"2025-03-12T09:11:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T13:11:40","slug":"internship-practicum-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/krss\/internship-practicum-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Internship & Practicum FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the internship & practicum FAQs!This resource is designed to answer common questions and provide guidance as you navigate your internship or practicum experience. Whether you need clarity on requirements, site supervisor expectations, evaluations, or professional conduct, you’ll find helpful information here. Our goal is to support you in making the most of this opportunity and ensuring a smooth, successful experience.<\/p>\n

General Information<\/h2>\n
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<\/svg> What is the purpose of a practicum or internship?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
A practicum or internship provides students with hands-on experience to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and explore career paths. It helps shape their professional identity, enhances employability, and offers networking opportunities with industry professionals. Through real-world practice, students gain valuable feedback, refine their skills, and build confidence in their chosen field. <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/svg> Is the practicum\/internship a requirement for my degree program?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
Yes.<\/p>\n

If you are a Kinesiology major, KNS 260N is a required course for graduation; however, KNS 426 is optional and will satisfy a departmental elective, a professional elective, and\/or an unrestricted elective requirement.<\/p>\n

If you are a Sport Management major, RSM 290N, RSM 390N, and RSM 490N are all required courses for graduation.<\/p>\n

If you are a Therapeutic Recreation major, RSM 294N, RSM 394N, and RSM 494N are all required courses for graduation. <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/svg> Why are there two sections of KNS 426, RSM 490N, and RSM 494N?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
One section is reserved for students completing their internship in the Knoxville area and\/or will be using on-campus resources during the semester. The other section is reserved for students completing their internship outside of the Knoxville area.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/svg> How long does the practicum\/internship last?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
All undergraduate practicums and internships in the KRSS department will span from the beginning to the end of the enrolled semester. All hours must be completed by the due date listed in the course syllabus.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/svg> Can I choose my practicum\/internship site, or will one be assigned to me?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
You are required to find your field experience site.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/svg> What if I need help finding a site?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n

If you have done everything you can and given a valiant effort to finding and securing a site but are still running into difficulties, there are a few options available to you:<\/p>\n

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  1. Check your major’s Canvas page. There are lots of opportunities regularly posted there as they come across our desks.<\/li>\n
  2. Ask your colleagues!<\/li>\n
  3. Email KRSSinternships@utk.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

    <\/svg> How can I make sure that my site will be approved?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    Email KRSSinternships@utk.edu to have your site reviewed.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

    <\/svg> Can I split my practicum\/internship between more than one site?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    Kinesiology and Therapeutic Recreation majors may only complete their practicum or internship hours at one location. Likewise, Sport Management majors enrolled in RSM 290N or RSM 390N may only use one site to satisfy the requirements of their practicum.<\/p>\n

    Sport Management students enrolled in RSM 490N are permitted to use two sites to satisfy the requirements of their internship.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

    <\/svg> Can I complete my practicum\/internship somewhere other than Knoxville?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    Yes, placements can be completed all over the country and even internationally!<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

    <\/svg> Can I use the same site more than once?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    It depends. If you wish to use the same site a second time, you must work with your site supervisor to develop a proposal outlining how the second experience will differ from the first. You may use this link to submit your proposal<\/a>. The field experience coordinators and course instructors will review your proposal at their earliest convenience and either approve or reject the proposal. In either case, the site must continue to meet the course requirements.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

    <\/svg> Does my practicum\/internship have to be paid or unpaid?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    Your experience can be paid or unpaid. That is between you and your site.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

    <\/svg> Will hours completed before the semester begins count toward my practicum or internship?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    Hours completed before the semester starts will not be permitted to count toward the hour requirement in the course. Likewise, hours completed before the student has received approval from the field experience coordinators will not be permitted to count toward the hour requirement in the course, regardless of whether the semester has started.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

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    Qualifications and Requirements<\/h2>\n
    <\/p>\n

    <\/svg> What are the prerequisites for participating in a practicum\/internship?<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
    <\/p>\n

    For Kinesiology majors:<\/p>\n