Social Work Practicum education is central to the development of competent, humane, knowledgeable, skilled, and effective social workers. The UWSP Social Work practicum helps students connect the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom with the practical world of the practice setting.
All social work students must complete at least 400 hours of a practicum in an approved agency. We simplify the process for students, working directly through our established partnerships; your practicum director assists you in a placement that meets student preferences.
Gain practicum experience working with diverse client populations. Develop confidence and hone skills in a quality learning environment.
Student Benefits of Social Work Practicum:
- Supportive supervisors who are ready to help you grow and learn.
- Answers to questions. Practicum education supports two-way learning by agencies and students.
- The unique experience of working with social work professionals.
- A chance to grow outside of your comfort zone. Learn where you thrive the most!
- Build professional connections to guide you after graduation.
Practicum Placement Process
Students will observe and practice social work under the guidance of cooperating practicum supervisors in an approved social service agency. The Department connects students with agencies in their areas of interest.
Learn about the steps in the placement process!
Apply for Practicum Placement
- Students should plan to attend a Social Work Practicum informational meeting prior to submitting the application. These are held every semester, and all majors receive email announcement from the practicum director at the start of the semester.
- When should students apply for their social work practicum? Social work students complete a practicum as seniors in their final two semesters in our program. Students will apply the semester before they intend to start. Academic advisors and the practicum coordinator can help you determine the semester you will apply.
- Students will complete the practicum application. Students should apply by the announced deadline, and only students planning to start their practicum the following semester should apply. (Please see your academic advisor if you are not sure when to apply.)
- What is needed for the application?
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Degree Progress Report
- National and State of WI caregiver background check
- Practicum preferences
All potential practicum students will undergo a background check prior to placement, as required by the Wisconsin State Department of Justice.
Find a Perfect Match
The Social Work Practicum Director will review each student’s preferences. We want to ensure a great fit between our students and agency needs. The Practicum Director will reach out to potential sites on behalf of the student and will be in touch with students once an agency is interested in an interview. No need to go it alone!
Have a Successful Interview
We want you to be successful in your match! The practicum director will provide resources for the interview process, so students will be prepared to successfully secure a practicum placement.
Prepare for Licensure
In the state of Wisconsin people with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) are able to pursue certification and/or licensure. While certification/licensure is not a requirement for certain types of jobs, it is required for any position titled ‘Social Worker’ and to refer to yourself as a Social Worker in professional settings.
Certification as a Social Worker (“CSW” or “Basic-Level Social Worker”) requires a Bachelor’s or higher degree in social work, passage of Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination, and passage of the basic level national exam (ASWB Bachelor’s Examination).
a. How to Apply: Go to https://license.wi.gov/. If you don’t have an account, register for an account. If you do have an account, sign in.
b. Click Apply for a License.
c. Select ‘Social Worker’ from the ‘License Type’ drop-down menu.
d. On the next page, if you are a first-time applicant, you should select ‘Licensure by Examination’ (or other appliable option).
e. Next, you will complete the application. Be sure to complete each page fully and accurately. On the ‘Supporting Documents’ page you, as the applicant will be expected to upload the following documents: Convictions and Pending Charges (Form #2252), if applicable, If requesting equivalency of your military training and experience, Veteran Request Application Addendum(Form #2996), certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, Malpractice Suits or Claims (Form #2829) and WI Dept of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Voucher Code.
f. NOTE: For all forms being submitted by a third party be sure to provide them with your Application Number so that they can submit document(s) on your behalf.
g. You will pay the application fee on the Payment page by clicking on the ‘Pay and Submit’ button. This will take you to the ‘e-Payment Services’ page where you’ll be able to pay using a debit/credit card or using a checking or savings account.
h. Additional Resources
State of Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services website
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Your Practicum Director with Any Concerns
Variety of Community Placements
The Social Work Practicum is central to the development of competent, humane, knowledgeable, skilled, and effective social workers. Our student interns contribute across a host of partnering human services agencies. Areas of practice include:
- Child Welfare
- Social Justice
- Persons with Intellectual or Physical Disabilities
- Family Crisis
- Older Adults
- Schools
- Criminal Justice
- Health Care
Social Work Practicum Handbook
Much of the UW-Stevens Point Social Work Practicum experience is covered in our handbook.
Practicum Contact
Chris Hanten
Assistant Professor of Social Work
BSW Practicum Director
chanten@uwsp.edu