HLTH 4551 - Directed Studies Practicum in Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders

Course Description

Students will develop further understanding of the relationships between theory and practice in the treatment and prevention of problematic substance use and mental health disorders during the practicum. Students will expand their knowledge by having an opportunity to observe services and supports within prevention and treatment systems. Over the course of this class students will spend 12 days (typically 90 hours) in a practice setting, while concurrently completing a series of directed online readings, assignments and experiential learning exercises. Where appropriate, students will be provided the opportunity to demonstrate foundational competency in prevention and treatment practice.

Learning outcomes

• Develop foundational and/or basic competency in applicable technical and behavioural skills as defined in the competency profile for Canada's Substance Abuse Workforce.
• Develop practical understanding of a variety of interventions used in the prevention and treatment of substance use and mental health disorders in Canada.
• Recognize codes and guidelines for ethical and professional practice by members of Canada's Substance Abuse Workforce.
• Develop and apply skills in the synthesis and delivery of evidence-based knowledge to persons/families/colleagues and communities affected by substance use and mental health disorders.
• Demonstrate effective time management and organizational skills in the practice environment.
• Gain first-hand experience in the challenges, struggles, successes, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of persons attempting a behaviour change.
• Develop an appreciation of the challenges faced by persons attempting to overcome substance use and mental health disorders.
• Appreciate the role of other health professions in the provision of care and the importance of interprofessional collaboration.

Course topics

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Practicum
• Lesson 2: Orientation and Goal Setting
• Lesson 3: Experiential Learning
• Lesson 4: Midpoint Practicum Evaluation and Realignment of Goals
• Lesson 5: Building Organizational Competency—Interprofessional Collaboration and Beyond
• Lesson 6: Endings, Final Practicum Evaluation, and Capstone Project

Required text and materials

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

1. Drolet, J., Clark, N., & Allen, H. Shifting Sites of Practice: Field Education in Canada. Pearson, (2012).
   Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-13-701341-8

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory final project.

Prerequisites

HLTH 4411

or

HLTH 4511 and HLTH 4421

or

HLTH 4521 and HLTH 4531 and HLTH 4541

or

HLTH 4441