COVID-19 and Social Work Field Education: A Descriptive Study of Students’ Experiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT In March 2020, the federal government declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with public health guidelines, social work programs rapidly decided whether students could continue, modify, or suspend their field placements. The current study (N = 1,522) describes these events from the perspective of Bachelor of Social Work (n = 632) and Master of Social Work students (n = 890). Data were collected through a nationwide survey administered in March and early April 2020. The findings include students’ experiences with remote service delivery and abrupt terminations, and their insight into the role of social work in an unprecedented crisis. Implications for social work education include the need for contingency and continuity planning, and the importance of emotionally supporting students.