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Students who wish to have a career in Social Work must have the necessary educational background to pursue such a goal.  Social work is all about assisting people including individuals, families, whether adult or children, in various aspects of human life.  People would generally need assistance in social, medical, interpersonal, and even financial issues.  A social worker’s job is to assess and determine what can help people live happy and productive lives.

Social work degree programs range from an associate degree to a doctorate degree although there are also certificate courses being offered.  The completion of an Associate’s Degree in Social Work prepares students for entry-level positions in the industry such as social and human services assistant.  An entry-level social worker however is required to have finished a bachelor’s degree.

Social and human services assistants usually take charge of determining what social programs can assist the person or persons seeking help.  Social workers’ responsibilities are wider in scope since it involves providing emotional support and counseling clients on what suitable social programs to participate in.  Social workers are required to have a valid license to practice in the state where they work.

Positions in the health and clinical setting would require higher educational attainment particularly a Master’s degree and/or a Doctorate degree, depending on the position.  Master’s degree holders in social work are given administrative and managerial tasks of creating program policies and procedures including ensuring that these are followed.

Many professional workers would not want to stop working to pursue higher education.  They can still pursue career goals by enrolling in online social work degree programs which will not require them to report to traditional campuses and yet offer the chance to continue their studies.  The online environment makes it much easier to fulfill educational and experiential requirements desired from people holding managerial positions.

There is much sense in pursuing social work educational degrees because of the expected increase in demand for qualified social workers as the older generation grows in number.  The educational activities of a social worker do not end with licensure since continuing education is a must to maintain it.

About the Guest Blogger

Ronald is a nurse turned social worker who took advantage of the online social work degree programs to shift career.