Applied Practice Experience (APEx)

Practice Explained

Gaining real-world experience in public health is critical for rounding out the MPH experience.  Almost all MCH students will take part in a Practicum, which is a type of Applied Practice Experience (APEx), in fulfillment of a graduation requirement.*

The Applied Practice Experience is designed to help you apply the knowledge, skills, and theories learned in the classroom to real-world public health issues outside of the classroom. During the Practicum, you will have the chance to build relationships, collaborate on multidisciplinary teams, and jumpstart your public health career (or career transition.)

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“On student surveys, one thing we consistently find is that students rate the practice opportunities in the Washington, D.C. area as a major reason for selecting GW for their MPH program. Over the years, we have built numerous relationships with public health agencies and community-based organizations that are providing MCH students with excellent opportunities to learn-while-doing and make connections.”

Katie Fernandez, MPH
Public Health Practice Manager for MCH Students

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For the latest information on the Practicum guidelines, please refer to the Department's list of resources for students here.

MCH Student Practicum Opportunities

Our MCH students have a variety of possible places at which to pursue experience in the MCH field. Our department's Practice Director works with our students to identify appropriate worksites and develop work plans that address MCH core competencies.

Because of our location in Washington, D.C., we can offer experiences at federal government agencies; state, county, and D.C. departments of health; nonprofit organizations; health-related associations; and hospital and healthcare systems.  Students often utilize our community partners for their practicum experiences. Other sites in the past have included:

• Girl Rising
• The George Washington University Hospital
• Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Law Program
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
• Management Sciences for Health
• Falls Church Healthcare Center
• DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
• Children's National Health System
• Save the Children International
• Safe Kids Worldwide
• DC Diaper Bank
• Sunshine Early Learning Center
• Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC, Inc.
• NASTAD
• Truth Initiative
• U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
• Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation

And many more!