Unfortunately, I don't have any experience in this area specifically. My master's program did have a thesis requirement. However, I'm sure someone on this board may be able to offer some insight. I imagine when it comes to students entering MA/PhD programs they don't always have research experience and many times have not even attempted to publish anything as that's not usually a requirement in undergraduate programs. I'll keep looking out to hear similar stories. However, your practical experience is going to be very important in the application process. I encourage you to keep impeccable records of the practical experience you will have going into the application process and begin drafting ideas of how your practicums can be viewed as previous research experience.
Hope that helps a bit. If not, sorry :-(.