All dairy students take part in practicum, which is supervised, practical work experience that provides students with the opportunity to apply laboratory skills learned in the classrooms at the Ohio State ATI dairy. Students are encouraged to think independently and to evaluate and solve farm problems under the guidance of the dairy manager. Students assist in the daily tasks of milking, feeding, record keeping, and health management of the herd.
Students in this program complete an industry internship of full-time employment. Ohio State ATI helps students find appropriate internship positions both in Ohio and in other states. Students are paid for their employment, graded on their job performance, and awarded academic credit. Most internships have been in Ohio but others have taken place throughout the U.S., as well as in Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.