What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Social Worker?
Want to become a social worker? Here you’ll learn the fastest way to become a social worker, step-by-step.
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Discover the fastest way to become a social worker so you can embark on a career in this in-demand field that makes a difference in people’s lives.
Learn more about how long it takes to become a social worker, the steps you’ll need to take, along with salary and career outlook information.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker?
Depending on your career goals, becoming a social worker can take 4-8 years. Becoming a clinical social worker can take eight years or longer, allowing time for graduate school and required clinical experience hours.
However, in some states, you can become a licensed baccalaureate or bachelor’s-level social worker with just a four-year undergraduate degree. After getting your license, you can pursue case management, child welfare, and other non-clinical roles, connecting people with the resources they need.
Fastest Way to Become a Social Worker
The fastest way to become a social worker is to pursue a career as a licensed baccalaureate social worker. Here are the steps you need to take to become a social worker quickly.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step toward becoming a social worker is earning a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You can earn this degree in four years of full-time study. The program includes a supervised field practicum, which allows you to begin gaining skills and experience that will prepare you for your career.
- Step 2: Apply for Licensure with Your State Board
After earning your BSW degree, you can then apply for licensure with your state’s professional licensing board. Licensure requirements vary by state, so find out more about your state’s requirements. In most states, you cannot register for licensing examinations until you have submitted this application and received board approval.
- Step 3: Pass Your National Licensing Examination
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination is required for social work licensure in all states. You will need to pass the bachelor’s level ASWB exam before becoming fully licensed. Spend some time studying prior to the exam to ensure your success.
Alternative Pathways to Gain Experience in Social Work
Entry-level jobs are an alternative pathway to gain experience in social work. Case management assistant roles allow you to work alongside social workers, while community health workers work directly with community members, connecting individuals with local and state resources. You may also find an administrative position at a nonprofit organization that makes a difference in your community.
Volunteer opportunities with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Red Cross, and many others can also provide experience related to social work. As a volunteer, you can build skills like mentoring, interfacing with people in the community in need, and connecting people with local services.
Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook
The social work field encompasses many career paths that allow you to make a difference in a variety of settings. Explore education requirements, salary data, and job growth data for popular social work careers.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Child and family social workers serve to protect vulnerable children, often working in the child welfare system, foster care system, or at an adoption agency. They also help families in need connect with resources like food stamps, housing, and medical care. School social workers provide assessment and intervention for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Healthcare Social Workers
Healthcare social workers serve in hospitals and medical centers to help patients process their diagnoses, connect with the resources they need to adjust their lifestyle and manage their health, and advocate for their patients' mental and emotional well-being as part of the medical team.
Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers
Mental health and substance use social workers provide counseling to clients with mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, or substance use disorders. This role often requires a clinical social work license.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Way to Become a Social Worker
You can become a social worker by earning a bachelor’s in social work and completing the required hours of supervised experience for licensure. You can become a social worker at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
