Social workers play an important role in the lives of thousands for people across the U.S. who are unable to properly care for themselves. They ensure they are treated fairly and humanely while getting all of their needs met. Becoming a licensed social worker can give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these individuals, and you can even get the degree you need online.
Instructions
1. Complete your bachelor's degree online. More and more colleges and universities are expanding their options for bachelor's degrees online, and this works to your benefit. Choose a bachelor's program in social work, sociology or a similar field.
2. Find a master's degree program in social work online. The Council on Social Work Education is responsible for accrediting any college or university offering a social work program at the master's level, and states require a degree from an accredited program to get a license as a social worker. You can visit the council's website to find schools in which you're interested, and then contact them to find out whether or not they offer the program online.
3. Apply for admission to the program. You need to apply to the graduate school at the college or university you plan to attend, as well as apply to the social work department. To do so often requires an application, application fee, essay, transcripts from your undergraduate program and sometimes an interview with faculty members.
4. Complete courses for your degree online. Starting out in a social work degree program, much of the content will be done online as you learn and discuss theories, helping strategies, counseling techniques and ethical and legal issues. Be prepared to contribute to class discussions via a message board or chat room, as well as write papers or take tests to prove you know and understand the content being discussed.
5. Participate in clinical duty and contact hours. These allow you to practice what you've learned over the course of your LSW degree program. Each college or university requires students to obtain a minimum number of contact hours working with actual patients in social service settings before they can graduate. You need to discuss with your instructor at the beginning of the program a place for you to obtain these contact hours in your local community.
6. Prepare to get licensed. Once you've completed your LSW degree online, you can then apply to be officially licensed as a social worker. You need to submit an application to your state licensing board, as well as pass the national licensing exam.
Tips Warnings
Online continuing education courses can be found through the National Association of Social Workers. You are required to take a minimum number of hours to maintain your license as a social worker.
Some states require a temporary license for students who will be completing contact hours in a social service agency. Your instructor should be able to advise you on whether or not this requirement applies to you.
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