Online Experience
What drew you to the online Master of Social Work program?
I selected the St. Leo University Master of Social Work program after careful consideration of several accredited online options. A trusted colleague’s positive experience initially brought the program to my attention, prompting further review. Upon conducting a thorough evaluation of curriculum structure, accreditation, and delivery format, St. Leo emerged as the strongest fit for my professional and academic goals. The synchronous learning model was particularly compelling, as it aligns with my learning style and supports engagement through real-time dialogue, collaboration, and peer interaction. This format offers the academic rigor of traditional classroom instruction while maintaining the flexibility necessary for working professionals.
How did the online format fit into your lifestyle and responsibilities?
The availability of evening courses allowed me to continue operating my business while fulfilling my responsibilities as a father and husband. Additionally, the program’s structured scheduling model, which offers multiple course options across different days of the week, provided the flexibility necessary to balance academic demands with professional and family obligations. This thoughtful design made pursuing graduate education both feasible and sustainable.
What aspects of the online learning experience stood out to you the most?
I was particularly impressed by the continuity and intentional organization of the curriculum. The program began with a comprehensive and foundational introduction to social work, providing a robust overview of theory, ethics, and professional identity. This strong academic framework was then reinforced through hands-on practicum experiences, allowing for the integration of classroom knowledge with real-world application. The progression from foundational concepts to applied practice felt purposeful and well-structured, supporting both competence and confidence in clinical settings.
Practicum Placement
Can you share a bit about your practicum placement and the type of work you were involved with?
My first practicum placement was at a local acute psychiatric facility, where I developed foundational clinical competencies in crisis stabilization and acute care case management. I gained extensive knowledge of the Baker Act and its application within the state of Florida, including assessment criteria, documentation standards, and interdisciplinary coordination. During this placement, I worked with diverse patient populations and participated in clinical assessments, discharge planning, and coordination of care, which strengthened my understanding of acute psychiatric presentations and systems-based practice. For my clinical year, I completed my practicum at a trauma-informed nonprofit organization serving first responders. This experience deepened my clinical skill set and exceeded my expectations in terms of professional growth. I transitioned into providing direct services, implementing evidence-based interventions, and integrating theoretical knowledge into practice. I became proficient in clinical documentation, including SOAP and DAP note formats, and developed increased confidence in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic rapport-building. The progression from foundational learning to applied clinical work felt intentional and well-supported. Overall, the experience provided a structured and closely supervised transition into professional practice, allowing me to build competence in a thoughtful and developmentally appropriate manner.
How did the program prepare you for your practicum experience?
To suggest that I initially felt fully prepared would not be accurate. At the outset, I experienced uncertainty and questioned my readiness to assume the clinical role. However, as the days and weeks progressed, I began to recognize that I possessed far more knowledge and skill than I had initially credited myself for. The discrepancy was not a lack of preparation, but rather a developing sense of professional confidence. I came to understand this as a natural and expected part of the learning curve associated with emerging practice. Through continued supervision, repetition, and applied experience, my confidence steadily increased, strengthening my sense of self-efficacy. This process not only solidified my clinical competence but also reinforced my ability to adapt, learn, and grow in professional settings. Ultimately, the experience laid a strong foundation for my continued development and long-term success in the field.
What impact did your practicum have on your professional growth or career goals?
When I first entered the acute care setting, I gained substantial professional and personal insight. The experience was invaluable in developing crisis-management skills, understanding interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening my ability to function in high-acuity environments. At the same time, I began to question whether acute psychiatric care was the long-term professional setting best aligned with my strengths and interests. Transitioning to a trauma-informed practicum, where I conducted individual sessions with mandated clients, brought a renewed sense of clarity and professional alignment. In this setting, I felt more at ease and more connected to the therapeutic process. The depth of clinical engagement, relationship-building, and ongoing intervention work resonated with me in a way that acute stabilization had not. This contrast reinforced a meaningful realization: the field of social work is remarkably broad, offering diverse pathways for practice. The experience encouraged me to remain open to exploration and growth, recognizing that professional fit often emerges through exposure, reflection, and experience.
Faculty Support
How would you describe the support and guidance you received from the faculty?
Overall, the faculty exceeded my expectations in both their depth of knowledge and breadth of professional experience. Beyond their academic expertise, they demonstrated a genuine commitment to student development through consistent communication, mentorship, and both professional and personal support. Professors clearly understood their role not only as educators, but as facilitators of critical thinking and professional identity formation.
Were there any specific professors or staff members who made a lasting impression on you?
There were four professors that made a lasting impression on me. In no particular order, Dr. Senger, Dr. Scotland-Coogan, Dr. Reugg, and Dr. Anyikwa.
Program Impact
How has this program helped you to grow personally and professionally?
This program resonated deeply with me, particularly after hearing the professional journeys of many of the professors. Learning that several of them were “career changers” was especially empowering. Their experiences normalized the process of beginning again and demonstrated that meaningful professional transitions are both possible and valuable. As an adult learner pursuing a career change, this gave me a sense of permission to grow, to learn at a different stage of life, and to accept mistakes as part of the developmental process rather than as evidence of inadequacy. It reframed my perspective from one of self-doubt to one of intentional growth.
What skills and knowledge have you gained that you’re excited to apply in your career?
I have learned that maintaining a calm and professional demeanor is essential in clinical social work practice. Remaining composed, warm, and empathetic creates a sense of safety and stability for clients, particularly during moments of distress or emotional intensity. I have come to understand that clients may at times test boundaries, or alternatively, rely heavily on the clinician to model regulation and professionalism. In either case, it is the clinician’s responsibility to bring consistency, emotional steadiness, and appropriate levity when needed. This presence not only strengthens the therapeutic alliance but also reinforces trust and psychological safety within the clinical relationship.
How has earning your MSW impacted your career opportunities?
For starters, I secured employment less than two weeks after submitting my first job application. That experience reinforced something many of the educators in this program consistently emphasized: the field of social work is expensive, and professional growth often requires embracing discomfort, particularly in the early stages of one’s career. Feeling challenged does not indicate that a graduate is unprepared; rather, it reflects active engagement in the learning process. For me, this realization affirmed that I was exactly where I needed to be in order to continue developing professionally and expanding my competence. I am currently the primary IOP therapist at one of the most respected addiction facilities in the Tampa Bay area.
Overall experience
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in this program?
If I were speaking to someone preparing to enter the MSW program at St. Leo University, I would tell them to “buckle up.” By that, I mean to prepare for a rigorous academic and personal journey that demands introspection, discipline, and sustained commitment. Many individuals enter the field of social work with a strong desire to help others yet may not initially consider the importance of understanding their own values, motivations, and personal growth. This program challenges students to engage in deeper self-examination.
I would encourage them to step outside of their comfort zone and embrace the discomfort that often accompanies meaningful development. There will likely be moments of fatigue, stress, and feeling overwhelmed, but these experiences are part of the transformative process. In the end, the growth gained, both professionally and personally, makes the journey worthwhile.
If you could sum up your experience in one sentence what would it be?
If appropriate, I would like to reference the work of the influential psychologist Carl Jung, who stated, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
