How Fast Can I Become a Social Worker?

Social workers make a difference in the lives of individuals who need help managing their daily challenges. They help people adapt to life changes, respond to mental health and abuse emergencies, and advocate for healthcare and community resources. It's a rewarding profession worth pursuing.

Anyone who wants to become a social worker needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work; however, some employers require master's degrees. Licensure could also be necessary depending on the state. While starting a social work career typically takes four to five years, you could speed up the process with an accelerated degree program, CLEP exams, transfer credits, and other resources.

Below, we'll review great online accelerated social work degree programs designed to help you reach your career goals in a fraction of the time. We'll also explore additional steps you can take to quickly become a social worker including securing licensure, networking with social work professionals, and pursuing internships.

Tips for Quickly Becoming a Social Worker

If you've chosen a career path as a social worker, you might wonder how long it takes to get a social work degree. You can complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in two or fewer years or an online Master of Social Work (MSW) in one year with an accelerated program. Transfer credits, CLEP exams, networking, and internships can help you start a social work career even faster.

1. Find an Accelerated Online Degree Program

Accelerated online BSW and MSW programs help you complete your studies and prepare for a social work career in less time than traditional programs. Some social work degrees can be completed in one year Here are some great BSW programs to consider.

Temple University's Online BSW

Temple University offers a BSW program for students interested in entry-level social work careers. The program is available in person under a four-year format; however, its online option lets full-time students complete their studies in just two years. Students can take advantage of fieldwork and intensive internship options to get hands-on experience in the field.

Briar Cliff University's Online BSW

Briar Cliff University's online BSW prepares students for entry-level careers as case managers, school social workers, substance abuse social workers, and social services employees. Enrollment in this program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), requires an associate degree in human services, social work, or general studies and at least 62 transferable credits. This degree requirement helps you finish the program in less time.

Misericordia's University's Online BSW

The BSW from Misericordia's University is a CSWE-accredited program offering most classes online. Coursework in this degree program explores social work theory and fieldwork involves practical experience in a social welfare agency. Students can complete this social work program in two years and become eligible for licensure in Pennsylvania and other states. They will be prepared for social work careers or can pursue a master's in social work.

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you earned credit hours while attending a college or university, you could transfer them to a BSW or MSW degree program. Transfer credits help you avoid retaking courses by giving you credit for what you've already learned. This is a great way to expedite your degree completion.

3. Test Out of Courses With CLEP Exams

Students who want to become social workers quickly can use the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams to earn college credits for what they already know.

CLEP offers 34 tests covering math, science, composition, business, and social science topics (e.g., human growth and development, psychology, and educational psychology. Students can earn three or more college credits per exam. These credits are accepted at 2,900 colleges and universities nationwide.

4. Gain Relevant Social Work Licensure

Many states require social workers to possess licensure. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides license details by state. However, the following are licenses and certifications to consider when pursuing a social work career.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), students must complete a master's program in social work with a supervised internship or practicum. Students interested in clinical social work must also fulfill state licensing requirements for Advanced Generalist Practice or Clinical Social Work Practice. LCSWs often focus on specializations like individual, couple, family, or group social work.

Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)

Certified social work case managers are professionals working at the BSW level. Individuals with the C-SWCM credential focus on the biopsychosocial state and the state of the social system operating case management. Earning a C-SWCM credential requires a bachelor's degree in social work and at least three years and 4,500 hours of paid, supervised post-BSW work experience.

Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

The certified school social work specialist (C-SSWS) credential is designed for professionals providing case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, conflict mediation and resolution, and consultation. They typically work with individuals, groups, and families. Eligibility is open to individuals with a master's degree in social work, two years or 2,160 hours of work experience, and licensure or certification.

5. Create a Disciplined Study Routine

You can complete your degree programs at an accelerated pace with a disciplined study plan that helps you excel in your coursework. You'll need the same study routine to pass licensure or certification exams. Some tips for creating a disciplined study routine include creating a structured study schedule, effectively managing your time, and avoiding procrastination.

6. Network With Social Work Professionals

Social work professionals have a wealth of insight and experience to share. Networking with them can help you find the best degree programs, certifications, and employment opportunities. Conferences, workshops, online forums, and professional social media platforms like LinkedIn are great places for networking.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

Some social work degree programs offer internship opportunities. Internships often provide students with supervised work experience in social service agencies or clinical settings. If your program doesn't offer internships, speak with your academic department or your local government for social work internships.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Social Worker

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work is a fast-growing career. Employment for social workers is projected to grow faster than average at 7% from 2023 to 2033. If you're ready to jumpstart a social work career, review these FAQs about quickly becoming a social worker.

How Long Does It Take To Become an LCSW?

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) require a master's degree and licensure. Traditional BSW programs take four years to complete and MSW programs take about two years. However, accelerated programs help students earn the BSW in as few as two years and the MSW in as little as one year.

Can I Become a Social Worker Without a Degree?

You can't become a social worker without a degree. You must have a bachelor's degree in social work to start in the field. With this degree, you can find roles as community outreach workers, rehabilitation case workers, behavioral management aides, social work assistants, and juvenile court liaisons.

What Is the Minimum Degree for a Social Worker?

Social workers must, at minimum, possess a social work bachelor's degree from a CSWE-accredited program to secure an entry-level nonclinical social worker position. A master's degree is required to become a clinical social worker.