Social Worker

Written By Polleen Coates

Definition: A social worker is an individual who is professionally trained to assist people and communities in challenging situations that they face in everyday life.

The care that patients receive in the healthcare field doesn’t always stop in clinics, hospitals, or laboratories. At times, care may be extended to individuals who specialize in the improvement of people’s well-being.

But how do I get there? 

To become a social worker, you must (typically):

  • One must obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW).

    • Although not always necessary, many individuals pursue further education and earn a master's degree in social work (MSW), a prerequisite for more advanced practices.

BSW courses teach the foundation of human behavior in different contexts:

  • Intervention tactics

  • Evaluation

  • Research

It typically takes four years to complete your BSW. Completing this program with an associate's degree or other credits/prerequisites may reduce the time.

Once these degrees have been obtained, many programs will align individuals with internships and field placements, in which they will shadow licensed professionals.

  • These programs may likely follow state requirements that have a specified number of supervised clinical hours over several years.

Lastly, it is required that individuals pass an exam that proves they know all the skills that come with social work.

  • Licensing requirements vary by state but typically involve passing a board-certified exam and completing supervised clinical hours, and obtaining experience.

Overall, social work is a rewarding and honorable career in the healthcare field. Not only does it enhance people's problem-solving skills, but it also assists individuals in ways they may have never been able to help themselves, providing an everlasting effect on their lives. 

Let’s talk about location.

Social workers work in many different areas, such as:

  • Hospitals

  • Schools (all levels)

  • Prisons 

  • Senior facilities 

  • Mental health clinics 

  • Substance abuse clinics 

  • Government agencies (local, state, and federal levels)

What do they do? 

The role of social workers is to:

  • Assess the needs, strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances of the individual(s) who need assistance. 

  • Promote social welfare

  • Personify the social work code of ethics

  • Advocate for the social and economic justice of individuals.

  • Create a plan to help the person overcome their challenge or unfortunate circumstance.

  • Help people adjust to changes in life (death of a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness, unemployment, etc). 

  • Monitoring people’s situations and keeping case files and records.

Specialization? 

There are multiple types of social workers who specialize in various areas. A few examples of social work specialities are:

  • Healthcare social workers: Professionals who help patients learn about and adjust to their medical diagnosis. They explain what this diagnosis will mean in the patient's future, and assist in any personal, medical, and housing needs that the patient may require. This healthcare worker can further specialize in other fields, like geriatric or cancer care.

  • School social workers: Professionals who assist families, teachers, and students in their academic performance and social life. They may get involved if the student has had many absences, or may suffer from different kinds of bullying (cyber, physical, verbal, etc).

  • Clinical social workers: Professionals who have special training that allows them to diagnose and treat mental illnesses and behavioral conditions. Clinical social workers are similar to therapists and psychologists.

  • Mental health and substance abuse social workers: Professionals who assist individuals with mental health illnesses and substance use disorders. They often refer and enroll individuals into rehab centers and support groups.

Work Cited

“How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker?” CORP-MSW1 (OMSWP), www.onlinemswprograms.com/careers/how-to-become-a-social-worker/how-long-does-it-take/.

“Online Social Work, B.S.W. | Georgia State.” Georgia State Online, 2021, online.gsu.edu/program/social-work-bsw/. Accessed 10 July 2025.

University at Buffalo. “What Is Social Work and What Do Social Workers Do?” Socialwork.buffalo.edu, 2022,

Polleen Coates
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Registered Nurse