MSW: Practicum FAQ

This information is intended to give you an overview of the social work Practicum (TSOCW 524 and TSOCW 525) and answer some of the most commonly asked questions. It should be used as a quick reference and is not an exhaustive explanation of the practicum process. You will begin meeting with Tom Diehm, Interim Director & Practicum Coordinator during Winter Quarter of your first year to start the field placement process. While you should certainly be thinking about field placement options during your first quarter, you do not need to focus on it extensively.

What is Practicum?

Practicum is the internship experience of the MSW program. You register and receive credit for Practicum, but it does not meet as a class. Your "classroom" is a human service agency in the community that has agreed to accept students as part of its commitment to the education of future social workers.

Why are there two practicum placements?

Placements are divided into two types: Foundation and Advanced. The Foundation placement (TSOCW 524) can take place at any human service agency with which the MSW program has a contract for internships and is not restricted to working with any particular type of client or social problem area. It is, however, geared to practice skills and provision of direct service. The Advanced placement (TSOCW 525) should take place at a human service agency which works primarily with children, youth, and/or families (broadly defined) and may include direct service provision, or may focus on policy, research, or administrative tasks related to these populations.

How many hours do I have to put in?

Foundation practicum consists of 360 clock hours spread out over Summer, Fall, and Winter quarters following your first year of classes. You receive a total of 9 credits that are spread out over those quarters. Your actual work schedule at the agency is determined between you and the agency staff. Advanced practicum consists of 720 clock hours spread out over Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters of your final year, for which you receive a total of 18 credits.

Do I get paid for my practicum?

Probably not. Some agencies provide a stipend to student interns, but the vast majority does not. Practicum is simply an extension of the classroom into the community and class attendance is not a paid activity.

I work full time. How will I be able to do my practicum?

Practicum sites offering evening or weekend hours are very rare. Please keep in mind that most work happens during regular business hours and evening or weekend placements may not be quite as rich an educational experience. Therefore, if you can make arrangements with your employer to rearrange work hours (e.g., doing four 10-hour days) to free you up some it may be to your benefit educationally. The Practicum Coordinator will work with you closely to accommodate your work and field placement, but ultimately you may need to make significant changes in your work schedule.

I've been working in human services for a very long time. Can I test out of practicum or get credit for what I've already done?

No. While we know that many of our students bring extensive human service experience with them to the classroom, the standard of the Council on Social Work Education (our accrediting body) requires both of the field placements for the degree.

If I work in a human service agency, can I use my job as my practicum site?

While we strongly encourage experienced students to move outside their comfort zone and explore new areas of human service, we also recognize that sometimes a workplace field experience can be rewarding. You may do one of your two placements at your place of employment. There is a special procedure and special criteria for this and you will need to meet with the Practicum Coordinator to discuss it. DO NOT assume that you will be able to use your workplace as a field placement site.

What if I want to do my placement at an agency that UWT does not have a contract with?

We're always open to establishing new placement sites! We encourage students to let us know about programs and agencies that might provide a good opportunity for students. We will be more than happy to talk to agencies about becoming part of your education. Please note that there MUST be an agency staff member with a Master of Social Work degree to provide Practicum supervision in order for us to contract with that agency.

How do I get placed for my practicum?

You will meet with the Practicum Coordinator during Winter quarter of your first and second years to establish your field site for the following summer. This is a collaborative process where the student and Practicum Coordinator discuss past experience, future goals, current work/school/family situations, and develop possible placement sites. The student then interviews with prospective agencies to determine whether there is a "fit" for both the student and the agency (remember, they will be investing a lot of time and energy in your education and want to make sure their efforts will be worthwhile). While we encourage creativity in field placements, please remember that there are some basic goals and objectives that you must be able to accomplish at the agency.

Are there any special requirements for field placement in particular agencies?

Depending upon your field setting, there may be special eligibility requirements. If you plan to work in a Chemical Dependency setting, you must register with the State as a Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Intern, which requires taking some special classes outside of what UWT offers. Placement in healthcare settings requires demonstration of certain immunizations and CPR training. Field placements with minors (including schools) usually require a background check by the agency that is more extensive than that done by UWT. Students are often responsible for the costs related to these special requirements. If you are thinking about these placement settings, please speak with the Field Coordinator about what you might need to do to prepare yourself.

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