What is the practicum placement process?

February 17, 2023
Categories: FAQs, Practicum Placements FAQs

The Practicum Placement process is made up of 6 phases:

  • Pre-Placement Phase: Students attend pre-practicum meetings and/or review a recording of the meetings. The Practicum Office prepares for the upcoming practicum placement process.
  • Application Phase: Students will submit online practicum applications by the outlined deadline. The Practicum Office reviews all applications.
  • Interview Phase: Students interview at a practicum agency after receiving approval and directions from the Practicum Office. The Practicum Office works with students to obtain an interview. Based on the interview, the Agency may decide to offer the student a placement or not accept the student. It is strongly encouraged that students also do research on the agency before interviewing. Students are only permitted to interview with one agency at a time. Many, but not all practicum placements require an interview. Some agencies have formal interview processes and some are more casual.
  • Compliance Phase: Students submit outlined compliance (e.g., drug screen, immunizations, TB proof) required by the agency by the outlined deadline. The Practicum Office provides students with compliance requirements after they have been accepted at an agency.
  • Clearance Phase: Students are cleared to start practicum on the date indicated by the Practicum Office. Students may also be required to attend additional orientation/training by the agency. The Practicum Office sends official clearance by email to students.
  • Practicum Experience Phase: Students begin the practicum experience for the academic year. The Practicum Office supports students throughout the practicum placement experience.

For currently enrolled students, the Pre-Placement Phase begins in the Fall semester before placement begins. For example, if you will begin practicum in Fall 2025, you will begin the Pre-Placement phase in Fall 2024 and submit your practicum application in January 2025.

For newly admitted students in the 1-Year Advanced Standing MSW (On-Campus and Online) and 2-Year Traditional MSW (On-Campus), it is strongly recommended to make it a priority to begin the practicum placement process and submit your practicum application materials as soon as you can once you are accepted for admission. The earlier in the process you submit, the more availability of options for placements.