3 answers
Jasmine
Student
New Brunswick, New Jersey
2
Questions
Updated
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I want to be an LCSW what do I need to do?
I am a senior in college studying psychology to become a LCSW. I do not have any internships, and my GPA IS 2.6. I am trying to bring that up as close to 3.0 as possible before I graduate next semester. Is there anything else I should have to bolster my application? I also am in a service organization and work with underserved populations and. I have a brother with severe intellectual disability, so I have experience around people with challenges. I am considering taking a fieldwork class next semester to get more experience with developmentally challenged individuals.
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3 answers
Raquel Davis
Registered Nurse, premed student
148
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
I am not well versed in the specifics of social work programs, but upon a quick search most schools won't accept less than a 3.0 GPA. GPA is an important metric for how knowledgeable you are as well a view into your ability to study, time management, and organizational skills. If you're applying to competitive programs having a high GPA would be important. So definitely try to get that up as high as you can, but don't let it deter you from applying.
Having a good reason for wanting to become a social worker is also important, and you have that with your brother and work experience. That will stand our on your application, especially if you can talk about it and how it has influenced your desire to be in social work.
Other things you could look into to make yourself a better applicant are getting some volunteer time in and trying to shadow a social worker. It can be really insightful to see what the actual day to day work is, as well as get you contacts in the field.
Having a good reason for wanting to become a social worker is also important, and you have that with your brother and work experience. That will stand our on your application, especially if you can talk about it and how it has influenced your desire to be in social work.
Other things you could look into to make yourself a better applicant are getting some volunteer time in and trying to shadow a social worker. It can be really insightful to see what the actual day to day work is, as well as get you contacts in the field.
Grace K. Smith LCSW, LISW-CP
Clinical Director | Licensed Psychotherapist
1
Answer
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Grace K. Smith’s Answer
Hi Jasmine! That is so awesome that you are looking beyond the present to what you want to do down the road. To be an LCSW, these are the progressional steps:
1- Complete a graduate degree, MSW (Master of Social Work);
2- To engage in the practice of clinical social work, you would have to first apply to become licensed at the associate level (LCSWA) where you may practice under appropriate supervision (issues for 2 years and may be renewed).
3- After documentation of 2 yrs of clinical practice to the Board, the Board will then grant you eligibility to take the licensing exam.
4- Clinical supervision is required until LCSW licensure is obtained. During this time, at least 3000 hours of appropriately supervised clinical practice over a period of time no less than two years or more than six years are required for LCSW eligibility.
5- Finally, once the 3000 hours of supervision are completed plus a pass in the license exam. You will then have the title and licensure as an LCSW.
I hope this helps!
All the best Jasmine!!
1- Complete a graduate degree, MSW (Master of Social Work);
2- To engage in the practice of clinical social work, you would have to first apply to become licensed at the associate level (LCSWA) where you may practice under appropriate supervision (issues for 2 years and may be renewed).
3- After documentation of 2 yrs of clinical practice to the Board, the Board will then grant you eligibility to take the licensing exam.
4- Clinical supervision is required until LCSW licensure is obtained. During this time, at least 3000 hours of appropriately supervised clinical practice over a period of time no less than two years or more than six years are required for LCSW eligibility.
5- Finally, once the 3000 hours of supervision are completed plus a pass in the license exam. You will then have the title and licensure as an LCSW.
I hope this helps!
All the best Jasmine!!
J Huff
46
Answers
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Updated
J’s Answer
Hi Jasmine,
You might want to consider helping your social work instructors with a project/research. Getting some experience in research and program development may help bolster your application. Also, Keep up the service work. Your volunteer experiences will help convey to graduate programs your passion for helping others.
You might want to consider helping your social work instructors with a project/research. Getting some experience in research and program development may help bolster your application. Also, Keep up the service work. Your volunteer experiences will help convey to graduate programs your passion for helping others.