How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker?

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Looking at a timeline for career path is extremely difficult when considering the ins and outs of life’s unexpected occurrences. Death of a parent, spouse, or sibling may cause a lag in that particular semester, sometimes forcing a do-over in the middle of a well-established plan. It is particularly prudent to go into career planning with a reality check that anything can happen, and usually will.

Becoming a Licensed Social Worker

Becoming an LSW is many times a middle of the stream career change. Often times, an individual may experience a need for a social worker, fall in love with the profession, and make the declaration to become one. Other well informed individuals know from high school that this is the job for them.

Depending on the public school or home school background and availability to college level prerequisites, there may be an opportunity to jump start the degree work required to become a licensed social worker. An aspiring social worker typically starts preparing for his or her career by earning a bachelor’s degree. Many students obtain a degree in social work, but programs in sociology and psychology can also provide the necessary education.

A need to be introduced to different type of social work can be met through some of these areas. Standard courses in diversity, human behavior, welfare, social policy and research methods are all applicable. As with most counseling and resourceful occupations, a lengthy internship or “clinical” type of training is required.

Master’s Degrees are often mandatory for healthcare and pediatric positions. There is also a requirement for field education in the Master’s Degree training programs. Depending on the student and the student’s tenacity, a Master’s Degree may take from 4-8 years to complete in its entirety.

Venues and Online Education: Factors That Matter

Some venues will consider a candidate with a Bachelor’s Degree, but a Master’s Degree is the most marketable degree to become a licensed social worker. A supervised internship is required anytime licensure is pursued. Usually a 24 months span, along with 3,000 to 3,500 hours for the internship must be completed in order to acquire a permanent license. A person should stringently study the licensure requirements of their particular state, so that nothing is omitted in the educational process.

One of the easier ways to accomplish deadlines is online education. There are many programs now that offer prerequisites online for student’s convenience. It is however, extremely important to check on transferability of transcript. The programs must be accredited with the Council on Social Work Education in order to be considered transferable and equitable.

Some jobs in social work may also include even further training after the Master’s Degree is completed. There may be a need for intense continuing education during the first two years out, depending on the position and what is required.

Usually, undergraduate degrees in areas other than social work are accepted as undergraduate prerequisite. It is always wise to check with counselors to find out what is acceptable in this regard.