What’s the difference between a Bachelor of Social Work and a Licensed Social Worker? Is it the amount of education or experience? Many thanks for any answers to my question.
I don’t know much about social work, but since no one else has responded, here is my WAG. I believe we are talking about the difference between on the one hand, holding a degree in social work, and on the other, being licensed by the state as a social worker.
If a person holds a Bachelor of Social Work, it means he or she has a degree granted by a college or university.
If a person is a Licensed Social Worker, it means that he or she has met the state’s requirements to be licensed.
Yes, constantine is on the right track.
BSW is a college degree, while LSW is a professional designation. In order to be an LSW, in all states I am familiar with (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Mississippi) one must:
- Complete a Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree, which typically takes two years of study after earning a BSW.
- Complete a state-mandated number of hours of practical, clinical work experience, usually gained during intern- and externships completed during graduate school.
- Successfully complete a state licensing exam.
- Successfully pass a state background check, which looks for any indication that the applicant has a criminal record, allegations of abuse in their history, a history of drug use or alcohol abuse or other impediments.
Of course the standard varies from state to state, so specific criteria will need to be ascertained on that basis.
Thanks for the info!