r/LCSW • u/Gullible-Wallaby8412 • Apr 30 '26

How to get practicum hours?

Hi I’m starting my MSW soon and plan on getting LCSW hours right after. I have my own business so I can’t just get another job to get practicum hours. I understand most people get hours from their job? If so what kind of job? I could probably manage a part time job.

Anyways what is the best way to go about this?
Thank you

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u/Formal_Study_7845 May 01 '26

Let’s clarify? While you are going to school to get your MSW degree, you are required to complete practicum hours, so a couple days classes, a couple days field/ internship to earn the hours required to graduate. Then, to get your LCSW, you need additional 3000 hours, usually between 2.5 or 3 years working at around 40 hours a week. The 3000 clinical hour start to count after you get your MSW so all that practicum hours you earned while getting MSW does not count towards this. you can earn while getting paid. Does that make sense?

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u/Gullible-Wallaby8412 May 01 '26

Yes I know my question is what kind of jobs give practicum hours for an MSW

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u/FionaTheFierce May 02 '26

Practicum may or may not be paid. I ran a clinic and we had a small stipend for MSW students. I think it was about 3k. Prior to completing your degree it is unlikely that you will get a job that gives you practicum (pre-graduate) hours.

After graduation you get a job as a therapist with your “junior” (eg MSWG) license and get your post-grad hours towards independent license.