Overview
A supervised capstone practicum in an approved clinical, public-health, or diagnostic laboratory setting. Students apply patient-centered and evidence-based approaches to STI assessment, sexual-history taking, risk assessment, informed consent, specimen collection and handling, point-of-care testing, result review, referral, prevention counseling, and follow-up.
Clinical and laboratory activities may include syndromic assessment, microscopy, culture, nucleic acid testing, serology, antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation, and treatment planning. Instruction emphasizes confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, health equity, trauma-informed care, infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, accurate documentation, and interprofessional communication. Students work within their scope of practice, distinguish independent from delegated tasks, and comply with relevant clinical, laboratory, ethical, and legal requirements under supervision.
Learning Outcomes
- Obtain an appropriate, inclusive sexual and exposure history using informed consent and nonjudgmental communication.
- Recognize common STI syndromes and identify urgent complications requiring escalation or referral.
- Collect, label, handle, and process specimens in accordance with clinical and laboratory protocols.
- Perform or observe diagnostic procedures accurately and document relevant quality-control activities.
- Interpret diagnostic findings in clinical context, including antimicrobial susceptibility results where applicable.
- Communicate results respectfully and develop evidence-based care, prevention, referral, and follow-up plans under supervision.
- Apply confidentiality, infection-prevention, antimicrobial-stewardship, and scope-of-practice requirements in clinical activities.
- Evaluate personal performance through case logs, structured feedback, case review, and supervised competency assessment.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Practicum | 6 hours | Weekly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Capstone | Supervised clinical competency assessment covering patient-centered assessment, diagnostic practice, communication, and professional conduct. | 40.00% |
| Deliverable | Clinical case log and documentation portfolio. | 20.00% |
| Test | Practical diagnostic assessment covering specimen handling, procedures, and interpretation. | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Reflective practice report based on supervised feedback and case review. | 10.00% |
| Attendance | Professional participation and completion of required supervised clinical hours. | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
