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What schooling is required to be any type of social worker?

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Kimberly’s Answer

This is a great question. As with so many professional careers today, there are many types of social workers. A "basic" social worker is the type most associate with what is seen on television. All social workers are licensed, so you must obtain a master's degree and a license in your state. First you must earn a BSW, or Bachelor of Social Work, then go on to graduate school and earn a MSW, or Master's in Social Work. Upon graduation you must take a state exam to become licensed. Additionally there are internships you must complete as part of both undergraduate and graduate work while in school. This means you must go, on your own time, and under supervision, to a school-approved agency and learn the duties of a social worker. This is an important consideration as many students must work while in school, and internships are part of coursework are therefore are unpaid.

Kimberly recommends the following next steps:

Learn about universities that offer social work programs.
Look at degree programs for social work; undergraduate and graduate. Pay close attention to the time requirements for internships
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Susan’s Answer

To be a professional Social Worker one needs a college degree from an accredited, 4 year bachelors degree program, in social work (BSW). With this degree, a person can sit for the State licensing test at the basic level (LSW). Entry level positions at public service agencies will be possible to obtain. You need to get on job seeker web sites and look up these positions; many require an advanced degree, a Masters degree in Social Work.

If you wish to secure a job in a counseling center, working within a hospital, visiting nurse agency, nursing home, school, a Supervisor/ Department head position, or working in State agencies setting public policy; for these positions a Masters Degree is usually required from an accredited (MSW) program. This advanced degree allows you to sit for licensing at an advanced clinical level (LCSW, LICSW) and with the highest licensing level, you can supervise other social workers, have a private counseling practice, and bill insurance companies. Every state is a little different but the basics are the same.

Some colleges with a BSW program also have a Master’s program, and offer a “Bridge Degree Program” where once you have earned your BSW, you can go an extra year and get your Masters Degree (MSW).

If you wish to teach at the college level, or government policy positions require a Doctorate degree in Social Work or sometimes a Masters degree with extensive experience is accepted.

At the risk of sounding dramatic.... Social Work is TRULY A CALLING... most positions involve regularly dealing with people who are in CRISIS. Not everyone has the temperament for social work; burnout is real! It is not an easy profession, and you will NOT get rich, but it can be very personally rewarding.
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Jim’s Answer

Hi Kennedy. At minimum, you will need a BSW, and a licensing exam. Many social workers complete a masters degree and become licensed master social workers by completing an MSW and a licensing exam, but this is definitely not a requirement to work in the field.
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