Steps in Earning Social Work Licensure in Florida

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Are you interested in pursuing a license in Florida? The steps in earning social work licensure in Florida seem to be more of a long haul map than a simple “how to.” In the end, it is as simple as taking a test, but to be eligible to take the test there are numerous things you should think about.

What do Licensure Organizations Look At?

If you want to be a licensed social worker, you will need to take either college prep curriculum or classes in psychology and sociology. You will need something to separate you from the crowd, so you may engage in volunteer service. Some social work schools consider volunteer service as essential as relevant work experience even at the undergraduate level. If your plans are to pursue a social worker education in Florida, you will need to enroll in a school with a program that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), if you hope to start with a bachelor’s degree.

As you begin your general studies and foundation courses, you should make an appointment with a program coordinator or advisor. This will help you prepare for admission to the social work program, missing some of the requisites can dash your hopes early on. You may need to take some social work foundation courses before formal admission to the program. After you have applied to the social work program, you will need to maintain a solid GPA, this will help you get accepted to the program you choose, the competition is always strong. Many programs require an application essay and references may also be required.

What Do I Do Next in My Career?

Since a bachelor’s degree is the foundation for licensed social work and not the destination, you should elect to attend a school that has a CSWE-accredited program that will prepare you for your intended practice area. If you are seeking a career as a clinical social worker, you must have 24 semester hours of clinical coursework. Some Florida MSW programs offer sub-concentrations or corresponding certificates in areas like children’s services or elder services. Others offer dual majors in areas like maternal child health.

If you do not have advanced standing, you will do the equivalent of two years of full-time study: one year of social work foundations courses and one year of coursework in your specialty.

It is a long process to achieve the goal, but many who have finished the journey think that it is well worth it. The knowledge and career latitude it gives you is broad and growing. There are few social work positions that this does not automatically qualify you for, and you can work independently, whether under contract or with individual clients. The license provides a range of options rare in today’s business world.