Develop Your Clinical Expertise

We’ve designed our curriculum to focus on experiential education—hands-on learning that allows you to put theory into practice in simulated and real situations.

At SMU, we believe that clinical and practical applications—grounded in the basic sciences, social sciences, and humanities—provide a critical foundation for the health professions. That’s why you’ll see students in every discipline, at every level, participating in hands-on learning experiences—from participating in classroom labs and simulations to providing supervised care to patients in the community.

Through these real-world learning opportunities, SMU students gain the confidence and technical and interpersonal skills they need to become highly sought-after health professionals.

Range of Opportunities

SMU students have plenty of ways to experience hands-on learning, from working through live-action scenarios with peers to conducting research with accomplished faculty members. You’ll likely spend time in our Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC), the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC), in addition to various clinics on campus and in the community.

Opportunities for hands-on learning and clinical experience vary by program and may include: lab simulations, research, clerkships, residencies and rotations, internships and practicums, fieldwork, research projects, community service, medical service trips, and student employment.