Approximately 10-15 days after you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the Board and you will be notified if you have met the requirements for becoming an RSW. Unlike other levels of social work credentialing in Louisiana, the RSW does not require an exam. The Board provides instructions for this step, which requires you to pay a fee of $38-$48 dollars (depending on the method you use and as of February 2019). In addition to submitting a completed application, you must provide fingerprints for a criminal background check. During this step, you should also have your BSW program send an official copy of your transcript to the Board. You will be required to upload a photograph of yourself and pay a $53 application fee (as of February 2019). Submit an application to the Board.Īfter receiving your BSW, complete an online application through the Board’s website. They do not need to be supervised after becoming registered but must work within an agency or organization. RSWs are able to provide general social work services such as case management, supportive counseling, and advocacy. The Registered Social Worker (RSW) credential is available to individuals who have completed a CSWE-accredited BSW program. Continue reading to learn about the different requirements for each credential and the type of practice they allow to determine which one is right for you. The Board offers three social work credentials: the Registered Social Worker, the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In order to practice social work in Louisiana, you must be licensed by the Board. Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in Louisiana Most MSW programs also offer “advanced standing” for students who hold a BSW, which allows them to complete the MSW program in one year instead of the two years it generally takes. You should review these factors to determine which school is right for you. Different schools may offer specialty areas and/or varying electives. There are four schools in Louisiana that have CSWE-accredited MSW programs. As with BSW programs, the MSW program must be accredited by the CSWE in order for you to qualify for licensure. In Louisiana, a social worker must have a master’s in social work (MSW) to become licensed and practice social work independently. With a BSW, you may become credentialed as a Registered Social Worker in Louisiana. Many social workers with this level of education work in positions such as case management or advocacy. Individuals with BSWs will take courses in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, research, social work practice, and field education. BSW programs prepare undergraduates for professional social work practice through classroom and field experience. There are seven CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Louisiana.
If becoming a Louisiana social worker is in your plans, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program. Keep reading to learn about the differences between a BSW and an MSW. However, a master’s degree is required for higher levels of licensure and may increase your job options and earning potential. Earning a bachelor’s degree will allow you to become licensed and provide general social work services. To practice social work in Louisiana, you must have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in social work to practice. Visit Site How to Become a Social Worker in Louisiana Educational Paths