There has been considerable discussion among students, field instructors, and faculty regarding whether the conceptualization and interpretation of the role of the student in the field practicum should be that of "volunteer," "trainee," "intern," or "social worker." The views of the faculty follow: The role of the student is certainly not that of a beginning "volunteer." Field placement is an educationally oriented program in which the "student" should be exposed to, and equipped to handle, more complex situations than those encountered by a beginning "volunteer."

The term "social work intern" is preferable to "volunteer" as it connotes to everyone (clients, agency staff, faculty, and students) that the student already has developed a certain level of skill and competence, and is at the agency to assume professional responsibilities under careful supervision. This term also emphasizes the educational focus of field placements.

Some of our field placement agencies have tried, with good success, to conceptualize and call social work interns "social workers" who (under close supervision) are expected to fulfill all the functions of social workers (at a reduced workload) at that agency. This includes filling out all necessary reports and forms.