Field Practicum: Bridging Theory and Practice
The field practicum is a vital part of your professional development in both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. It aligns with the program mission, foundational curriculum, and advanced concentrations in direct practice and management and community practice.
This hands-on experience is required of both bachelor’s and master’s students and is mandated by the accrediting body Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students at the UNLV School of Social Work have gained experience at practicum sites across Clark County including clinics, schools, nonprofits, and family services.
Practicum Outcomes
Practicum experiences provide you with opportunities to apply your academic knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Through practical, community-based interactions with clients and professionals, you will:
- Be supervised and mentored by agency field instructors and School of Social Work faculty.
- Develop and refine skills that integrate social work values, ethics, and theoretical frameworks.
- Gain experience addressing the diverse needs of at-risk populations while emphasizing social justice and cultural competence.
Bachelor and Master Practicums
The key difference between field practicum at the BSW and MSW levels lies in the depth of practice, scope of responsibilities, and focus on skill development. In essence, the BSW practicum establishes foundational social work skills, while the MSW practicum refines and deepens those skills, preparing students for specialized and advanced roles in the profession.
Bachelor of Social Work Field Practicum
- Generalist Practice Focus: The BSW practicum introduces students to generalist social work practice, emphasizing foundational skills across multiple settings (e.g., individual, family, group, organizational, and community work).
- Skill Development: Students focus on building core competencies such as client engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation, using a person-in-environment perspective.
- Supervised Learning: Tasks are closely monitored and guided, allowing students to gain confidence while working with clients and communities.
- Preparation for Entry-Level Roles: The practicum prepares students for entry-level social work positions and provides the foundation for pursuing a Master of Social Work degree.
Master of Social Work Field Practicum
- Advanced Practice Focus: The MSW practicum builds on the BSW foundation, with a focus on advanced skills and specialized practice in Direct Practice (e.g., therapy, clinical interventions) or Management and Community Practice (e.g., policy advocacy, organizational leadership).
- Increased Responsibility: Students take on more complex cases, higher levels of responsibility, and leadership roles within their practicum placements.
- Integration of Advanced Knowledge: The practicum emphasizes integrating theoretical frameworks, evidence-based practices, and advanced critical thinking into real-world applications.
- Preparation for Advanced Careers: The practicum equips students for licensure and prepares them for leadership roles in social work practice, policy, and management.
Faculty Field Liaison
Faculty field liaisons serve as the critical link between students, the UNLV School of Social Work, and their assigned agencies. Their role is to support students in their practicum experience and ensure that both students and agency field instructors have the resources and guidance they need.
How Faculty Field Liaisons Support Students and Agencies
Liaisons play a pivotal role in ensuring that students successfully bridge academic learning with real-world practice while fostering strong agency partnerships. This includes:
- Guidance and Consultation: Liaisons provide support for students and agencies when field issues arise, ensuring a productive and meaningful practicum experience.
- Regular Agency Visits: Each semester, liaisons conduct two face-to-face visits with the student and their agency field instructor. These visits focus on:
- Developing and refining the student’s Learning Contract.
- Addressing any concerns or challenges in the practicum.
- Clarifying evaluation processes.
- Responsive Support: In cases requiring immediate attention, liaisons will make additional visits or phone consultations to address concerns promptly.
Agency Field Instructors (AFIs)
Agency field instructors (AFIs) are key partners in the education and training of social work students, providing mentorship, supervision, and hands-on learning experiences. With the support of the Field Education Program, AFIs guide students in applying social work theory to professional practice, ensuring their growth and readiness for the field.
Getting Involved
If your agency or nonprofit is interested in hosting a social work student, we welcome you to join our network of dedicated agency field instructors. Please contact the Field Education Program for more information on becoming an AFI and submitting your application.
Benefits of Hosting a Social Work Student
- Contribute to the development of the next generation of social workers.
- Gain fresh perspectives and ideas from motivated students.
- Strengthen your agency’s connection to the School of Social Work and its resources.
Requirements for Agency Field Instructors
- Hold a MSW degree with at least two years of post-master’s experience.
- Have at least six months of experience at their current agency.
- Be licensed to practice social work in Nevada (preferred).
- Exhibit professional competence, respect for students, and a commitment to teaching and mentorship.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of their agency’s mission, policies, and procedures.
- Complete the mandatory agency field instructor orientation and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities.
Required Forms
Visit our Practicum Forms page for more information.