Master of Social Work Programs in Florida

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Related Field

Don’t fret if you hold a bachelor’s degree in something other than social work. Top MSW programs in Florida accept bachelor’s degrees in related subjects, such as those in the humanities. Contact school admissions representatives to learn which degrees they accept.

A bachelor’s in social work may offer advantages when enrolling in an MSW program. Many CSWE-accredited programs offer advanced standing, letting you graduate up to a year sooner than your peers. Degree-seekers in traditional and accelerated tracks complete the same core curriculum Florida requires to become a registered clinical social worker.

Step 2: Earn a CSWE-Accredited Master’s Degree in Social Work

You’ll need to earn a CSWE-accredited master’s in social work to seek licensure in Florida. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, admission requirements often include GRE scores, recommendation letters, personal statements, and resumes. After applying to an MSW program, contact your school’s admissions department to make sure they received all of your required materials.

Typical two-year programs feature coursework in evidence-based social work practice, clinical interventions, and social welfare policy and services. You’ll also complete field placements or practicums, gaining hands-on experience in the field. The classes and hands-on experiences of accredited programs meet Florida’s social work licensure requirements.

Some programs let you choose a specialization, concentration, or track. Your choice may affect your future career prospects. Work with academic advisors to select the one that best aligns with your career goals.

However, you need more than a master’s degree to pursue an advanced career and social work. In many ways, your education and training have just begun.

Step 3: Pursue Postgraduate Experience

MSW programs in Florida provide you with at least a year of supervised experience. However, following graduation, you must pursue an additional two years of supervised experience to meet Florida CMSW licensing requirements.

Responsibilities vary by your specialization and employer. Professionals working in family counseling interview patients, lead group sessions, and maintain paperwork. They also refer patients to outside resources, such as therapists or psychiatrists.

You receive regular feedback from your licensed supervisor. Regular one-on-one meetings let you reflect on your strengths and areas of improvement. Your supervisor also acts as an important resource when dealing with unfamiliar situations, such as when you believe patients’ lives are in danger.

Step 4: Take and Pass the Required Licensing Exams

A master’s degree and two years of post-master’s supervised experience qualify you to sit for the Association of Social World Boards (ASWB) clinical exam. You register and pay on the ASWB website before making an exam appointment with Pearson VUE. Candidates must pay a $230 exam fee.

The ASWB clinical exam covers many content areas, such as human growth and development, human behavior in the social environment, and diversity and discrimination. Take advantage of the comprehensive content checklist and recommended readings to create a study plan.

The 170-question computerized exam includes 20 pre-exam questions that do not count toward your final score. The exam does not tell you when these questions appear. All states use the same passing score.

Step 5: Submit Your Application for Social Work Licensure

Congratulations on passing the ASWB clinical exam! You can turn your previous education, experience, and passing exam score into a license by applying on the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work’s website. This process only takes a few minutes once you’ve gathered all of the required materials.

Your application must include official transcripts, a practicum letter, ASWB exam scores, and up-to-date contact information. Florida charges an initial application fee.

Florida issues initial licensure determinations within 30 days of receiving your completed application. A file number helps you track your application through this process. Use the resources on the Florida board website if you have questions.

Step 6: Complete Required Post-Licensure Coursework

Becoming a social worker in Florida also involves taking three state-mandated CE classes. Florida requires these classes for initial applicants and professionals relocating from another state. You have six months after receiving your license to complete them.

An eight-hour laws and rules class trains you in Florida state laws applicable to social workers. The HIV/AIDS class prepares you to work with people with this disease. Finally, the two-hour domestic violence class helps you identify and assist victims of domestic abuse.

Authorized CE providers offer convenient class times and locations. Providers send your certificates of completion to the state board. However, retain CE paperwork for your records.