Social Workers – Health Care

Health care social workers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health care, doctor’s offices, substance abuse facilities, rehabilitation facilities, other outpatient settings, and in community-based programs. Some may be self-employed.

Median annual salary: $60,634

Entry-level annual salary: $45,267

Health care social workers are expected to grow statewide by 25% between 2022 and 2032, with 3,167 average annual openings.

Social workers typically have a degree in social work from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker; however, majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies. A master’s degree in social work is usually required for positions in health care settings and is required for New York State licensure. Master’s degrees generally take 2 years to complete. All social work programs require students to complete supervised fieldwork or internships.

In New York State, there are 2 professional licenses for social workers, with different qualifications. Social work professionals licensed by New York may legally use the title Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LCSW may provide all social work services, including clinical services such as the diagnosis of mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and addictive disorders, the development of treatment plans, and the provision of psychotherapy. The LMSW may provide these clinical services only under supervision of an LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist. To be licensed in New York State, LCSWs and LMSWs must receive a master’s degree from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and pass a national licensing exam. LCSWs must complete their master’s degrees that includes clinical courses, have 3 years of post-degree supervised experience in clinical social work, and also pass a clinical licensing examination.

Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.