Dr. Okuda Shares her Philosophy on Field/Practicum Education in Social Work with International Audience

Prof. Kanako Okuda from BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) recently delivered an international presentation on evolving field/practicum education practices in social work education in the United States, hosted by the Kawasaki Branch of the Kanagawa Prefecture Association of Psychiatric Social Workers in Japan. Her presentation, “The Role and Education of Social Workers in the United States” provided a thorough exploration of field work preparation, including insight into the importance of combining academics and hands-on training for ethical, evidence-based, and community-centered practice. 

In her discussion, Dr. Okuda focused on engaging Japanese colleagues in knowledge sharing in order to strengthen a global understanding of how U.S. field education practices create a collaborative and inclusive healthcare practice. Highlighting the U.S. MSW curriculum, her presentation leveraged insights that included academic pathways, field education, licensure readiness, and the evolving scope of roles within the social work profession.

Prof. Okuda’s research focuses on broadening the role of social workers in a multitude of practice setting and emphasizes the growing need for trained professionals in areas such as healthcare, behavioral health, and child and family services.

Learn More About Prof. Okuda’s Research