Applied Practice Experience (APEx)
APEx Link Tree
Info & Resources for the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health’s MPH Applied Practice Experience (APEx) and Integrative Learning Experience (ILE).
View Link TreeWhat Is The Applied Practice Experience (APEx)?
Starting summer 2026, the title of the Practice Experience (PE) changed to Applied Practice Experience (APEx). Students admitted prior to summer 2026 will register for and complete a PE, while students admitted in summer 2026 or later will register for and complete an APEx (PUBH 590). The requirements for the PE/APEx remain unchanged.
The Applied Practice Experience (APEx) is intended to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate and apply their competency-based learning in a practice setting. Therefore, your registration in the APEx must occur towards the end of your time in the MPH degree program. This timing allows you to apply newly gained skills, as well as the opportunity to reflect on your strengths and areas of needed development as you enter the field of public health.
Prerequisites & Planning
Before You Register
Learn about how you can prepare for your APEx, eligibility requirements, and important dates and deadlines.
PrerequisitesFind Your APEx
APEx Opportunities
Recommendations and important information to consider when finding your Applied Practice Experience.
Find APExAPEx Requirements
After You Register
Information about the requirements for your APEx, deadlines, definition, and important documents for download.
See RequirementsAPEx & ILE Event Calendar
Benefits of the Applied Practice Experience (APEx) for MPH Students
- Pivot your learning into practice.
- Demonstrate competency attainment.
- Explore work places, which will help you decide where you want (or don’t want) to work
- Grow your professional network.
- Lead to paid employment – either at the place of your APEx or by the connections made through the program or project you worked on.
- Cultivate professional references (in addition to MPH Faculty) that will be important for a future job and/or PhD applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions about the Applied Practice Experience (APEx), and Integrative Learning Experience (ILE).
Frequently Asked Questions
Applied Practice Experience (APEx) Contacts
If you have questions please reach out to one of the Applied Practice Experience contacts below.| APEx/ILE Administrator | Andrew Wyman | wymaa@pdx.edu |
| Director of Applied Learning | Jamie Jones | jljones@pdx.edu |
| Biostatistics Culminating Experience Faculty | Byung Park | parkb@ohsu.edu |
| Epidemiology Culminating Experience Faculty | Eric Hall | halleri@ohsu.edu |
| Environmental Systems & Human Health Culminating Experience Faculty | Tawnya Peterson | petertaw@ohsu.edu |
| Health Management & Policy Culminating Experience Faculty | Neal Wallace | nwallace@pdx.edu |
| Health Promotion Culminating Experience Faculty | Jamie Jones | jljones@pdx.edu |
| Public Health Practice Culminating Experience Faculty | Erin Kenzie | kenzie@ohsu.edu |
Become a APEx Preceptor
Preceptors provide guidance and mentorship to public health students both at the onset and throughout their Applied Practice Experience. Fill out our form to become a preceptor and host an OHSU-PSU School of Public Health MPH Student.