Significance & Background: Black patients are underrepresented in oncology research due to poor racial considerations in study methodology, medical mistrust, and structural healthcare injustice. Despite this inequity, nurse practitioner (NP) students receive limited training to promote health equity in oncology research and practice. By collaborating with a research team led by a nurse scientist to improve physical activity (PA) among Black patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), NP students develop research and health equity advocacy skills, potentially enhancing the translation of evidence-based practice. Purpose: To develop and evaluate a research practicum for NP students to gain direct training in research and health equity in a research study targeting Black patients with CRC under an NCI-Designated Cancer Center. Interventions: NP students in a master's program enrolled in a research practicum over one to two academic semesters, which included 60 hours of hands-on experience in a health equity research study and a final critical reflection using the Describe, Examine, and Articulate Learning (DEAL) Model, under the mentorship of nursing faculty with expertise in health equity and oncology. The 60-hour practical training included: ◼ Health equity training. ◼ Immersion into the research protocol. ◼ Recruiting and screening Black patients. ◼ Informed consent. ◼ Engagement with local advocacy groups. ◼ Adapting research methods to the unique needs of Black patients. One critical reflection was done at the end of the practicum using the DEAL Model. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes in the critical reflection data. Results: We identify themes representing NP students' observations on health equity research, interactions with underserved patient populations, research study protocols, advocacy group engagement, application of research skills to future clinical practice, and their overall professional development. We also identify the screening, consent, enrollment, and refusal rates of the research study in addition to the reasons for refusal and eligibility. Discussion: The health equity research practicum is a testament to the power of collaboration in professional development. It directly immerses NP students in collaborative research and advocacy efforts, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between students and nurse scientists. This collaboration enhances NP students' ability to engage with study participants through a health equity lens, improve research outcomes, and advance evidence-based practice. Looking ahead, future studies could expand to include practicums focused on additional underrepresented oncology patient populations such as Hispanics and Adolescents & Young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]