To become a social worker, the path generally includes the following steps:
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Typically, this is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which usually takes about four years and includes supervised field practicum for hands-on experience. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in another relevant field may also be acceptable for entry into graduate programs.
- Consider Advanced Education: Many social workers pursue a Master's in Social Work (MSW), which usually takes 2-3 years. This is often necessary for clinical or advanced practice roles. Some master programs accept students with a non-social work bachelor's degree, and advanced standing may be possible for those with a BSW.
- Complete Supervised Experience: If pursuing clinical social work licenses, states usually require 1-2 years of supervised clinical experience post-graduation from the MSW program.
- Apply for State Licensure: Licensing requirements vary by state but generally require graduation from an accredited program, passing a national exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), and applying for state licensure.
- Pass Licensing Examination: The ASWB offers exams at different levels (bachelor's, master's, clinical, etc.), which candidates must pass to obtain licensure.
There are also alternative routes such as:
- Postgraduate social work degrees for those with non-social work bachelor's degrees
- Degree apprenticeships combining work placements and academic study
- Graduate training schemes and "Step Up to Social Work" intensive programs (varies by country, especially in the UK).
In summary, becoming a social worker requires at least a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, followed by licensure which includes passing a national exam and meeting supervised experience requirements. Many pursue a master's degree for advanced roles in the field.
