ISU Treasure Valley Social Work Program Connects Passion with Impact

At the heart of the social work education is a rigorous, real-world practicum model that places students directly into their communities where they work under the supervision of a practicing social worker. Each student completes between 400 and 900 hours of supervised practicum hours, gaining hands-on experience in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, in-patient psychiatric units, substance use programs, legislative offices, and more.

Katie Bettinger, LCSW, Lecturer and MSW Practicum Director, emphasizes that the program has students “who are making a huge difference in clients’ lives.”

“This practicum experience is the longest job interview of your life,” Bettinger often tells her students. Those 9 months often lead directly to job offers and long-term careers, as many students receive job offers from their practicum placements. 

Two recent graduates, Haylie Andrews and Samantha Schrank, both now work at Boise-based agencies after having previously completed their practicum placements. 

The program also cultivates partnerships with numerous agencies across the Treasure Valley, which include traditional and unique placements (e.g., veterinary social work, hospice, legislative advocacy). ISU alumni are now working at these agencies, creating a feedback loop of mentorship and community. 

“Treasure Valley has an incredible network of social workers,” Bettinger said. “Connecting students with that network is so important—not just for their education, but for the impact they’re able to make in the community.”

In addition to fieldwork, students participate in practicum seminar courses, where they reflect on their experiences, support one another, and apply classroom learning to real-world practice. These courses provide additional supervision and support to students engaged in a practicum placement, ensuring that clients who work with ISU students receive the highest quality of interactions.

Bettinger emphasizes her love for the collective learning the Practicum Seminar classes offer, “I get to see a lot of ‘aha’ moments as students connect classroom theory to real-world practice. Even if only one student is in hospice care, everyone in the class learns from that perspective.”

The program also actively supports student engagement in policy and macro-level change, with students attending Legislative Education Advocacy Days (LEAD) sponsored by the National Association of Social Work - Idaho chapter. Bettinger says, “We have students who are making a huge difference in clients’ lives”. One example is that a student placed with the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund brought shaken baby syndrome education to multiple agencies. Bettinger praises, “One of our core competencies is engaging in policy practice. Many students take the opportunity to speak with representatives from their districts.”

The practicum program is guided by Bettinger’s blend of academic expertise and clinical experience. A licensed clinical social worker, she joined ISU in 2023 and continues to see clients in the community while overseeing student practicums. Her journey into education was inspired by both family tradition and personal purpose. Coming from a long line of educators and having watched them growing up, she thought “no way” of ever becoming one. Bettinger says, “The irony that I somehow found my own way to education is not lost on me.”

She adds, “For me, passion came down to interest plus skills plus service to others. Social work was where all of those intersected.” Bettinger also believes that ”Students can make a great difference because they’re working in their interests and are passionate about the area.” 

While ISU’s MSW program serves online students across the state, the Meridian campus offers a critical in-person hub—especially valuable for those from rural areas who benefit from local faculty support, campus resources, and regional partnerships.

“Having physical representation for a large number of students in the area brings a sense of personal connection that you may not get otherwise in fully online programs,” said Bettinger.

Looking ahead, the program plans to expand its practicum presence in North Idaho starting next semester, strengthening ISU’s commitment to growing a workforce that is locally grounded and community-oriented.

“Our students come out of the educational experience prepared to be employed and feeling confident,” Bettinger said. “That’s very important.”