Licensed Social Workers Make a Difference in Their Communities
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Social work is one of the country’s fastest growing careers, with demand for licensed social workers set to rise 6% over the next decade. It’s a rewarding career filled with compassionate interpersonal communication and complex problem solving.
But how do you become a licensed social worker? Becoming a licensed social worker requires a combination of on-the-job clinical training and an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
Many MSW programs require an undergraduate degree but not a specific major, and usually take two years to complete (although students with a BSW enrolled in an accelerated program, like Pacific University’s advanced standing program, can graduate in just one year).
The MSW is perfect for those who want to make a tangible, personal impact in the lives of marginalized communities through social justice and advocacy. The pathway to licensure will depend on your specific state’s requirements, the type of licensure you are pursuing, and the prior experience and education you already have.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker?
Depending on the pathway you choose and what degrees you already have when you start, it can take anywhere from one to six years to become a licensed social worker.
At minimum, a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is required to begin a career as a social worker right out of undergrad. A BSW qualifies prospective social workers for entry-level careers in the field, supporting licensed clinical social workers and their teams.
For those who want more responsibility and a higher salary, a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) takes an additional two years to complete. However, Pacific University’s MSW program allows certain qualified applicants to enter the program with advanced standing, meaning that it only takes one year for them to earn their MSW.
To qualify for advanced standing you need to have earned a BSW from Pacific or another accredited program within the last five years.
Students without a BSW can still apply for graduate social work programs, and many applicants have bachelor’s degrees in subjects like sociology, disability studies, and psychology.
In order to become a licensed clinical social worker, 3,500 hours of on-the-job training and supervised counseling is required (Pacific’s MSW program provides 900 of those hours).
How Do You Become a Licensed Social Worker in Oregon?
Licensure requirements vary by state and Pacific University’s online MSW program can be from wherever you are. However, participants in the in-person BSW or MSW programs will likely pursue licensure in Oregon.
There are multiple types of licensure in Oregon that you might consider, depending on what education you are pursuing and what your career goals are.
Oregon has four different licensing options: the RBSW for those with a BSW degree, the LMSW for those with an MSW who do not need a clinical licensure and the LCSW and CSWA as clinical licensure pathways.
| Licensure | Requirements | What License Allows |
| Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW) |
|
Supporting individuals, families and communities without diagnosing or providing therapy |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) |
|
Supporting individuals, families and communities without diagnosing or providing therapy |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) |
|
Provide clinical social work services including therapy, diagnosing and treating mental health issues |
| Clinical Social Worker Associate (CSWA) |
|
Provide clinical social work services including therapy, diagnosing and treating mental health issues |
What is the Difference Between an LCSW vs LMSW?
A MSW can have two different endpoints, depending what you do after graduation. These include becoming a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Those interested in becoming an LMSW only need to have completed a MSW program, but they will only be qualified for nonclinical jobs that spend less time working with individuals.
Those that are interested in becoming an LCSW are required to complete 3,500 supervised hours of clinical social work after graduation, after which they can take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and begin to work in their community.
LCSWs can make up to $15,000 or more annually than their colleagues without clinical licenses.
How do you become a school social worker in Oregon?
Pacific University has one of three programs in Oregon that lead to a school social work credential. To become a school social worker, you need to complete an MSW or higher degree program and apply for licensure through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
A school social worker works in schools to support children, teenagers and families with mental and social health. They help students to navigate systems, access resources and ensure adequate support through their educational journeys