3 answers
Ny'eisha
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
620 views
How many years will I have to take in collage to be a Social worker?
My name is Ny'eisha and I'm a freashman in high school and I want to be a Social Worker when i get older. #social-work #high-school
Login to comment
3 answers
Vineeth Rua
Client Support
90
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vineeth’s Answer
People from any educational background can get into the field of social work. However, for a professional start, you will first have to complete your bachelor's degree in social work, followed by a master's degree. You may also pursue a programme in social work.
At the undergraduate level, there is no entrance test in the field of social work. However, if you want to do master’s in social work, there are some universities who conduct entrance exams for admission into their courses in social work.
Pros of becoming a Social Worker
* Social workers can choose to work in any field such as education, healthcare, military, etc.
* Social work offers a sense of fulfillment as it involves helping others.
* The job market for social workers is expected to grow by more than 10%.
Cons of becoming a Social Worker
* There are chances that you may get emotionally involved in some situations but have to keep it professional.
* Social work may not be a very lucrative career. In fact, it could take years for a person to establish his/her name in thus field.
Social workers contribute to the society by working for the upliftment of poor people, by working with children with special needs and promoting women empowerment.
At the undergraduate level, there is no entrance test in the field of social work. However, if you want to do master’s in social work, there are some universities who conduct entrance exams for admission into their courses in social work.
Pros of becoming a Social Worker
* Social workers can choose to work in any field such as education, healthcare, military, etc.
* Social work offers a sense of fulfillment as it involves helping others.
* The job market for social workers is expected to grow by more than 10%.
Cons of becoming a Social Worker
* There are chances that you may get emotionally involved in some situations but have to keep it professional.
* Social work may not be a very lucrative career. In fact, it could take years for a person to establish his/her name in thus field.
Social workers contribute to the society by working for the upliftment of poor people, by working with children with special needs and promoting women empowerment.
Jason Rechtman, MA, MBA, LPC
Manager of Clinical Quality
120
Answers
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Updated
Jason’s Answer
In addition to your research for becoming a social worker, you should at least take a look at the other related jobs in that field. Take a look at becoming a licensed professional counselor- the requirements are very similar but this takes a different approach.
You can also look at becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
The real question is why do you want to be a social worker? If the answer is inclusive of other potential careers you should give it a shot and look into them. It cannot hurt to do so.
You can also look at becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
The real question is why do you want to be a social worker? If the answer is inclusive of other potential careers you should give it a shot and look into them. It cannot hurt to do so.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
711
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Ny'eisha:
Although some Social Workers only need a bachelor’s degree in social work, clinical social workers must have a master’s degree and 2 years of experience in a supervised clinical setting after they’ve completed their degree. Clinical social workers must also be licensed by their state.
There are multiple educational pathways to becoming a social worker, depending on the specialty.
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common requirement for entry-level administrative positions. However, some employers may hire workers who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology or sociology.
A BSW prepares students for direct-service positions such as caseworker or mental health assistant. These programs teach students about diverse populations, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics in social work. All programs require students to complete supervised fieldwork or an internship.
Clinical positions require a master’s degree in social work (MSW), which generally takes 2 years to complete. MSW programs prepare students for work in their chosen specialty by developing clinical assessment and management skills. All programs require students to complete a supervised practicum or an internship.
A bachelor’s degree in social work is not required in order to enter a master’s degree program in social work. Although a bachelor’s degree in almost any major is acceptable, courses in psychology, sociology, economics, and political science are recommended. Some programs allow graduates with a bachelor’s degree in social work to earn their master’s degree in 1 year.
Best of luck to you on your journey!
~ Sheila
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-4
Although some Social Workers only need a bachelor’s degree in social work, clinical social workers must have a master’s degree and 2 years of experience in a supervised clinical setting after they’ve completed their degree. Clinical social workers must also be licensed by their state.
There are multiple educational pathways to becoming a social worker, depending on the specialty.
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common requirement for entry-level administrative positions. However, some employers may hire workers who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology or sociology.
A BSW prepares students for direct-service positions such as caseworker or mental health assistant. These programs teach students about diverse populations, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics in social work. All programs require students to complete supervised fieldwork or an internship.
Clinical positions require a master’s degree in social work (MSW), which generally takes 2 years to complete. MSW programs prepare students for work in their chosen specialty by developing clinical assessment and management skills. All programs require students to complete a supervised practicum or an internship.
A bachelor’s degree in social work is not required in order to enter a master’s degree program in social work. Although a bachelor’s degree in almost any major is acceptable, courses in psychology, sociology, economics, and political science are recommended. Some programs allow graduates with a bachelor’s degree in social work to earn their master’s degree in 1 year.
Best of luck to you on your journey!
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much
Ny'eisha