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3.3.2 Faculty of Social Work - Field Practicum

Field practicum courses provide an opportunity for the student to learn through direct social work practice. Practica are typically completed in-person, close to the student’s home community, anywhere in Canada. In the BSW program, students are required to complete a number of core and option courses before registering in the final field practicum (Social Work 590). It is the student's responsibility to review and follow the curriculum plan specific to their program option and entry route. For program specific requirements, see Program Details.

The field practicum courses are Social Work 390, 392 and 590. Students will have placements in the field practicum based on availability, student interest, and agency choice.

Students are expected to be in practicum for a specific number of hours per week for the duration of their scheduled term. The practicum represents a significant time commitment. Students must ensure that they are aware of field requirements, and available for field placements as scheduled, in order to complete their practicum within the appropriate terms.

Notes:

  • Students must maintain concurrent registration in the Final Practicum (Social Work 590) and related Final Integrative Seminar (Social Work 592). University Transfer students must complete the Community Engaged Practicum and Preparation (Social Work 390) and Community Engaged Practicum and Integration (Social Work 392) in two consecutive terms.

  • Students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in Social Work 390 to proceed with Social Work 392.

  • Social Work 390 and 592 are not eligible for CG grade.

  • Students registered in the field practicum courses, Social Work 392 and 590, in the Fall or Winter Term are not required to continue in practicum during that session’s Term Break. If, in consultation with the agency and field instructor, the student decides to continue the practicum through the Term Break, the practicum end-date is adjusted accordingly.

  • International students must have a valid work permit for their practica in Canada. The work permit must be presented to the Field Education Office in the Faculty of Social Work prior to the start of the practicum.

  • Students who fail or withdraw from a field practicum course (Social Work 590) will fail or be required to withdraw from the corequisite course (Social Work 592). In addition, the student may be required to withdraw from the program. Students may register in practicum courses a maximum of two times as per 3.2.7 Repetition of Courses.

Refer to the Field Education Manual for detailed information on policies and procedures related to field education courses.

Police Information Check

Students are advised that agencies that offer social work practicum placements may require a current Police Information Check (PIC) prior to acceptance into a placement. The placement agency has the discretion to refuse a placement based on a Police Information Check. Registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) also requires a Police Information Check. Students who are concerned about the presence of a criminal record should contact the police department to discuss the process for eliminating or erasing such a record. Students are obligated to inform the Faculty immediately of any change in status of their criminal record. Alberta Health Services (AHS) requires the Faculty of Social Work to document a PIC for all students placed in AHS practica.

Immunization Requirements

Many practicum settings require students to be immunized prior to a practicum placement, e.g., Alberta Health Services see albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/hp/cdc/if-hp-cdc-ipsm-std-imm-post-sec-stud-08-302.pdf.

Students must meet immunization requirements prior to the start of all practicum courses if required by their practicum agency.

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