What qualifications do you need to be a health and social worker?

The steps to becoming a health and social worker are:

• Complete a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or related field

• Pursue a master's degree in social work (MSW)

• Complete fieldwork hour requirements

• Become licensed and maintain licensure

Candidates who earn a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field such as psychology or sociology have an advantage in getting their foot in the door with entry-level positions.

These positions are few and far between and may be limited in the scope of duties. Many hospitals and other medical settings require candidates to have a master's degree with a clinical focus.

Most MSW programs provide concentrations in health care or medical social work. Students do not necessarily need to concentrate in medical social work during their MSW program to qualify for roles in health care settings.

Fieldwork requirements for traditional MSW programs include 16 to 20 hours of field placement for about two days a week for the first year and three days a week during the second year. Overall, candidates can expect to complete 450 to 1000 hours of fieldwork.

Earning a clinical level of licensing, the highest level of licensing, is typically required for medical social workers.

Candidates who earn an MSW must pass the ASWB exam and work 2 to 3 years under the supervision of a licensed clinician, who will consult on subjects such as clinical practices and ethics before making a recommendation for licensure.

Only once the recommendation is reviewed can a candidate sit for the ASWB clinical examination.