Social Work Field FAQs

 

FAQ: Can I complete my field practicums in North Georgia?
Yes. Prospective students often have questions about the location of approved practicum placements. The Office of Field Instruction and Field Education at Valdosta State University is committed to high quality field supervision and field education for all MSW students. In some cases, students may have to drive up to one away from their city of residence to complete a practicum placement.

FAQ: When does practicum begin?
The answer to this question is….it all depends on which program you have chosen.

  • Foundation Practicums begin in mid-September
    Full Time - First year in program
    Part Time - Second year in the program
    Web Based - Second year in the program
  • Concentration Practicums begin in mid-August
    Full Time - Second year in program
    Part Time - Third year in program
    Web based - Third year in program
    Advanced Standing - First year in program

FAQ: When does practicum end and how many hours are required?
All practicum continue through the end of the second semester which is usually the last week in April or first week in May.

  • Foundation students will be required to complete 16 hours a week in practicum.
  • Concentration and Advanced Standing students will be required to complete 18 hours a week in practicum.

During the foundation year students are required to attend practicum seminar which is a course that helps to bridge practicum with their course work. This class meets for 2 hours a week for full time and part time students and meets once a month for web based students.

FAQ: Can a student set up their own practicum?
No. Students should not contact any agency to set up or inquire about practicum placements. The Office of Field Instruction has a list of approved agencies that meet CSWE requirements. Each year the Director of Field Instruction makes new site visits and adds new agencies to the existing list.

Students will be placed by the Director of Field Instruction their foundation year of practicum and are able to chose their concentration practicum placement.

FAQ: What will I need to begin practicum?
There will be an orientation for all students who are in the program that will cover all specifics but a few items needed are:

  • Students are required to join NASW as a student member: $45 a year
  • Students are required to have liability insurance from NASW: $23 a year
  • Students are required to fill out the appropriate paperwork and applications and turn them in by the deadline.

FAQ: Can I do my practicum where I work?
Please see Tips for Negotiating work-site placements and Work Site Policies. You can request a work-site placement for only one practicum.

 

 

 

Home > Colleges & Departments > Division of Social Work > Field Instruction

Updated: 17 January 2013