KSR Student Preparation for Practicum
Your practicum is a required academic course in your degree program. It is designed to provide a structured, supervised learning experience where you apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting while completing course requirements such as seminars and assignments.
The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation approves only those practicum placements that provide a quality educational experience and are sufficiently flexible to support individual student learning objectives.
Quality Practicum Experiences
To support a strong practicum experience, the Faculty expects that your agency supervisor will:
- Have appropriate qualifications
- Provide day to day guidance and supervision in an environment that promotes learning
- Provide opportunities for you to observe and learn about the organization beyond your specific role
As a practicum student, you are expected to be fully engaged throughout your placement. This includes asking questions, researching relevant areas, participating actively in the agency environment, and completing all course assignments and requirements.
Practicum Course Enrollment
All students in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation enroll in their respective practicum course during their final year of study.
- BARST students enroll in RLS 441, RLS 447, or RLS 449
- BKin and BScKin students enroll in KIN 490, KIN 491, KIN 492, or KIN 493
If a student does not meet the academic expectations of their degree program and is required to withdraw, their practicum will be cancelled until they are permitted to continue in their undergraduate program.
Degree Specific Considerations
The Professional Practicum offers a wide range of opportunities across many occupational fields. Students are encouraged to begin exploring practicum interests in years two and three of their program, as prerequisite coursework may be required for certain placements. Students should consult their academic advisor for support with planning.
RLS 447 (Professional Practicum, 15 credits) is limited to BARST students and is a required course in the program.The course is graded on a credit/no credit basis and no stanine grade is awarded.
BKin students select an area of concentration in second year and complete a combination of required and optional courses. Most practicum placements are designed for full time participation. Students seeking part time placements are responsible for researching agencies that are able to accommodate reduced hours.
Students interested in exercise rehabilitation placements, including rehabilitation clinics and physiotherapy clinics, may require specific prerequisite courses and fitness certifications.
KIN 490, KIN 491, KIN 492, and KIN 493 are limited to BKin and BScKin students. These courses include the work experience component, seminars, and written assignments. The course is graded on a credit/no credit basis and no stanine grade is awarded.
Students enrolled in KIN 492 may take up to three additional three credit courses concurrently, but approval must be received from the practicum supervisor first.
It is strongly discouraged for students enrolled in KIN 493 to take an additional three credit course concurrently. If a student wishes to do so, approval must be received from the practicum supervisor.
BScKin students complete required coursework and additional courses, including courses with designated lab hours, to support eligibility for certification with the Alberta Kinesiology Association upon graduation.
Students interested in exercise rehabilitation placements, including rehabilitation clinics and private physiotherapy clinics, are strongly encouraged to complete recommended prerequisite courses and may also require fitness certifications.
It is strongly advised that BScKin students seeking community based practicums consider full time placements, as many agencies do not accept half time practicum students. This is particularly common in exercise therapy and exercise rehabilitation settings, where students are typically expected to be available on a full time basis to support client care.
KIN 492 and KIN 493 are limited to BKin and BScKin students. These courses include the work experience component, seminars, and written assignments. The course is graded on a credit/no credit basis and no stanine grade is awarded.