How to Become a Medical Social Worker

Medical social work is a highly specialized field of social work that focuses on the physical and emotional needs of individuals and families struggling with serious medical issues. Despite the difficult emotional challenges they face, medical social workers approach their work in a compassionate and understanding manner, working to provide the best care possible for people in their time of greatest need. Becoming a medical social worker requires tremendous dedication and commitment, but the rewards of this meaningful profession extend far beyond the patients hospital bed.

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

To begin a career in medical social work, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). During this program, you’ll learn the basics of professional social work, such as how to ethically and effectively respond to social welfare issues, evaluate diverse populations, and honor client confidentiality. Your coursework may include child welfare and family social work, counseling and psychological foundations, and social welfare policies, among other courses.

Step 2: Get Professional Experience

Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, most employers prefer candidates who have already gained extensive professional experience in the social work field. Internships or field placements are an excellent way to gain that experience, allowing you to develop your skills as a medical social worker in a real-world setting. You may also consider volunteering with local healthcare agencies to get the most meaningful experience and demonstrate your commitment to the medical social work field.

Step 3: Pursue a Master in Social Work (MSW) Degree

In addition to a BSW, you must pursue a master’s in social work (MSW) degree to become a certified medical social worker. With an MSW, you’ll learn how to effectively diagnose, plan, and evaluate a range of medical social work issues, advocate for clients, and collaborate with other professionals. A typical MSW curriculum includes courses such as health and mental disorders, aging and chronic illness, research and assessment, case management, and bioethics.

Step 4: Submit an Application for the Medical Social Work Exam

Once you’ve earned your MSW, you’re eligible to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) medical social work exam. You’ll need to submit your exam application, pay the associated fees, and wait until you’ve been approved to take the exam. After passing the exam, you’ll receive an official, state-issued social work license, allowing you to practice in any state as a certified medical social worker.

Step 5: Keep Up With Technological Advances

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are transforming the medical industry, and medical social workers need to stay up to date with the latest advances in technology. From interpreting data to generating reports and making medical interventions, AI is changing the way medical social workers do their jobs. To stay on top of trends, medical social workers should pursue continuing education courses and attend conferences focused on technology and data-based approaches to patient care.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a medical social worker is an incredibly rewarding and emotionally demanding profession. It requires dedication, commitment, and the ability to stay on top of the latest medical developments. By earning a BSW, gaining experience in the field, and pursuing an MSW and state license, you can establish yourself as a certified medical social worker and make a difference in the lives of those in need.