Applied Practice Experience (APEx)

Public health students complete an APEx which is similar to an internship to apply classroom learning, develop practical skills, and demonstrate public health competency attainment.

 The APEx is a 120-hour (minimum) work/volunteer experience enabling students to develop and demonstrate public health competencies while contributing to projects that benefit the organization. The APEx site is selected by students based on their career and educational goals. 

The APEx contributes an important professional preparation dimension to public health programs. Students can actively integrate theory and concepts with practical experience in a variety of locations and settings.

Faculty are dedicated to public health outreach and strongly believe in the value of experiential-based graduate education. Through the individualized APEx, students benefit by developing their skills and competencies outside the classroom setting; and the precepting agencies receive the benefits of the students’ enthusiasm, knowledge, and expanding skills.

Applied Practice Experience Information and Forms

• APEx Preceptor Guidelines (.pdf) –An overview of preceptor responsibilities and the requirements for supervising MPH students during their APEx.
• APEx Student Guidelines(.pdf) – A summary of student requirements, responsibilities, and expected deliverables for the APEx.
• APEx Handbook(.pdf) -A detailed guide outlining the roles and responsibilities of the student, university, and field site throughout the APEx process.
• APEx Learning Agreement – This agreement, completed jointly by the student and preceptor before starting APEx hours, confirms your placement and outlines expectations. This can be found on the ACHE Connect portal.
• APEx Student Activity Log – Use for logging in APEx hours and projects. This can be found on the ACHE Connect portal.
• APEx Competencies(.pdf) – Documentation detailing the required competencies—at least five total (three foundational and two concentration-specific)—that your APEx deliverables must demonstrate, resulting in a minimum of two tangible products useful to the host site.
• Tips for Finding an APEx (.pdf) – Practical advice and strategies to help you identify and secure an appropriate APEx placement.