Practicum

All students will be selected for a practicum based on academic performance, professional suitability, volunteer community service and availability of practicum sites. At the time of practicum, students will be required, at their own expense, to obtain a Police Information Check and a Child Intervention Check. It is each practicum agency's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of police information or other background checks. Since both completion of course requirements and eventual employment in a field of study may be dependent upon the results of such checks, students who have concerns should discuss the matter with the department chair or designate prior to applying for admission.

Practicum occurs in the first, third and fourth years of the program. Giving you more than 700 hours of hands-on learning experience. You learn about agencies where social workers are likely to be employed and become familiar with workplace expectations while still in a student’s role.

Each practicum has an opportunity for integration and faculty supervision, using a group supervision model to encourage reflection. Practicum classes typically have smaller section sizes to enhance support of your learning and success.

During the Bachelor of Social Work’s final term, you enrol in both a 350-hour practicum and an advanced intervention course. 

Students who have chosen the Child Intervention concentration will have a specialized course and placement in an agency focused on child intervention and Indigenous child intervention, supporting families, and children and youth at risk of harm. 

Students not enrolled in the concentration will focus on areas of practice of interest to them or where they hope to find employment. Placements may include focusing on work with seniors, LGBTQ2S+ youth or adults, or with agencies that serve Indigenous peoples, newcomers or people with disabilities. 

Course work and assignments in the advanced intervention course strengthen the depth and breadth of your knowledge and practise skills in a specific area of practice. 

The design of this professional degree supports students’ transitions from post-secondary to work. It is often the case that students are offered employment before the completion of their credentials.

Professional Development and Networking

Students are encouraged to join the Alberta College of Social Workers as student members to be eligible for scholarships and to attend the annual conference at a reduced fee or as student volunteers. 

Speakers from the Alberta College of Social Workers present to students and student members are encouraged to attend social work professionals’ annual holiday gatherings.