Social Worker Requirements for Continuing Education
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Social workers come from a vast array of backgrounds and possess diverse perspectives, life experiences and areas of expertise. However, the most successful professionals in this challenging field tend to have a few qualities in common. These include a deep sense of compassion for others, strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to wear many different hats. Additionally, the most capable social workers in the field are passionate about the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Best practices in social work constantly evolve as more effective strategies for serving people and communities emerge, and it’s essential for professionals in the field to keep up with the latest recommendations. This is what makes lifelong learning essential for this profession and why continuing education is included in social worker requirements for license renewal in most states. Below, learn more about how to become a licensed social worker and explore the career benefits of continuing education.
Earning Initial Social Worker Credentials
Each individual state sets the social worker requirements for license to practice within its borders. The qualifications candidates must meet also depend on the type of license they choose to pursue. In Montana, professionals seeking employment in the field of social work can earn their initial credential and become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) after meeting the minimum social worker education requirements, which include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- 2,000 hours of supervised work experience
- A passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) bachelor’s licensing exam
However, to qualify for the highest paying careers in social work, many professionals choose to pursue advanced licensure by earning a master’s degree in social work (MSW). In Montana, those who have earned an MSW and completed additional supervision and practice requirements may be eligible to earn Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials.
With an LCSW credential, professionals may qualify for roles such as licensed clinical social worker (salary: $66,3501) and medical social worker (salary: $58,0602). For a master’s degree that prepares you to enter the field and work towards licensure while pursuing positions such as these, learn more about the University of Montana’s online MSW program.
To explore the requirements for initial social worker credential in other states, visit the Social Work License Map.
The Career Benefits of Continuing Education
States also have specific requirements for renewing your social worker credential. This typically includes the completion of a minimum number of continuing education hours each year. In Montana, social workers are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education per year in order to keep their licenses in good standing. Visit the ASWB website to check the requirements in your state.
Most social workers also find that continuing education enhances their ability to improve the lives of clients and find success in their careers. Five benefits of continuing education include:
1. Keeping your expertise up-to-date
Social workers provide a wide range of services to many different populations. Whether you work in child welfare, mental health, criminal justice, healthcare or another area of the field, it’s essential to keep your knowledge current. Continuing education helps social workers stay up to date on effective strategies, updated regulations, legal changes, issues in the profession and more.
2. Building knowledge in social work specializations
After working in the field for a few years, many social workers find that they’re interested in learning more about a social work specialization, such as mental health, substance abuse or veteran’s affairs. By focusing on continuing education opportunities in the area of social work you’re interested in, you can build the expertise you need to guide your career in the direction you’re most passionate about.
3. Earning additional degrees and licenses
Continuing education may lead you to pursue a certificate, master’s degree or even a doctoral degree to take your career to the next level. You may also choose to pursue licensure in a specialized area of social work that aligns with your professional interests. In Montana, you might become a Licensed Addiction Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which is among the highest paying careers in social work.1
4. Growing your professional network
Engaging in continuing education can lead you to meet other professionals with interests similar to your own. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your professional network, which can lead to new career options, friendships, creative problem-solving, advancement opportunities, increased confidence and more.3
5. Learn about new technology
Much like other aspects of the social work profession, the technology utilized in this field often changes at a rapid pace. Continuing education requirements offer the benefit of helping social workers keep up with new software, devices and other technologies in order to utilize these tools to their fullest advantage.
Types of Continuing Education
Many types of continuing education are available to social workers, and professionals in this field often find it helpful to include a variety of options in their education plans. Below, learn more about how to find engaging in-person events, online education programs and professional reading resources to pursue continuing education in the social work topics you’re most interested in.
In-Person Events
One way to fulfill continuing education requirements is by attending in-person events that are approved to provide professional education to licensed social workers. These may include conferences, workshops, presentations, symposiums and more. Search the NASW-Approved CE Courses page for approved in-person events near you.
Online Continuing Education
Continuing education for social workers is also available online through various sources. You can search for webinars, broadcasts, online courses and more via the following resources:
- NASW-Approved CE Courses page
- Social Work Online CE Institute
- Special Practice Section Webinar Catalog
Online degree programs may also help you fulfill continuing social worker education requirements. For example, the University of Montana’s online MSW program supports students with flexible courses, so they earn their degree while working full time. UM students also often pursue their clinical social worker (LCSW) credential after graduation.
Professional Reading
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Press features a list of books that are approved for continuing education credits. View the book list to choose a title that aligns with your professional interests.
Continue Your Education at the University of Montana
Completing your continuing education in social work is about more than checking another item off your to-do list. It’s an essential practice to keep your expertise up to date, pursue new knowledge in social work specializations, earn a new degree or even pursue a license in some of the highest paying careers in social work.
You’ll be empowered to accomplish all of these goals in the University of Montana’s online MSW program. This CSWE-accredited degree program is taught by supportive faculty members who teach a curriculum designed to prepare students to support the needs and dignity of all people. After graduation and once state requirements are met, you can earn your licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential and help meet the rising demand for highly qualified social workers.*
UM’s online MSW program has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best School for Social Work.4 Request more information about this 100% online MSW today.
Disclaimer and Sources
*Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) requirements vary by state. Check the Social Work License Map to learn more about requirements in your state.
- Payscale. “Average Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary.” Retrieved July 20, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Licensed_Clinical_Social_Worker_(LCSW)/Salary.
- O*NET OnLine. “Montana Wages: Healthcare Social Workers.” Retrieved July 21, 2024 from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/21-1022.00?st=MT.
- Miller Cole, Bianca. “10 Reasons Why Networking Is Essential For Your Career.” Forbes. Mar. 20, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2024 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancamillercole/2019/03/20/why-networking-should-be-at-the-core-of-your-career/.
- U.S. News and World Report. “Best Schools for Social Work.” Retrieved July 2, 2024 from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings.