How to Become a Social Worker in Pennsylvania
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A career in social work opens doors to meaningful opportunities to help individuals and communities overcome challenges. Earning a graduate degree in this field allows you to develop specialized expertise, broaden your impact and prepare for leadership roles that thrive on compassion.
Widener University’s online Master of Social Work (MSW)/Master of Education (MEd) in Human Sexuality Studies Dual Degree program merges social work education with in-depth knowledge of human sexuality, equipping students with the skills to pursue AASECT certification and a Licensed Social Work (LSW) credential in most states. This comprehensive approach can be constructive for those seeking to become empathetic advocates in diverse human services settings.
Social workers serve on the front lines of societal challenges, offering direct support, counseling and policy advocacy. According to Indeed, these professionals are “compassionate advocates for individuals and communities, working to help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. In addition to supporting families living in poverty and improving child welfare, they play a critical role in many different settings.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% job growth through 2033 for social workers, which is faster than the projected growth across all sectors, signaling that social workers will remain in demand for years.
Pennsylvania Social Work License Requirements: Becoming a Social Worker in PA
To become an LSW or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania, you must have a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Once you have fulfilled the educational requirements, you must gain approval to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam.
Upon taking and passing the exam, you can apply to your state board for licensure (LSW). After a few years of clinical practice and supervision, you can apply to your state board to take the clinical exam for the LCSW.
Social Worker Salary in PA
Compensation for social workers depends on experience, specialty area and geographic location. According to Talent.com, the median annual salary for social workers in PA is $75,000.
This amount grows with experience, with entry-level roles starting at $65,000 in PA, compared to $56,247 nationally. More experienced social workers can earn $97,184 per year in PA, per Talent.com. Those who become LCSWs in PA earn an average annual salary of $94,384, with the top 10% of earners nationwide making $144,000 annually, according to ZipRecruiter.
Why Pursue the Pennsylvania Social Work License
A professional social work license is a testament to your dedication and competence in helping at-risk populations, families and entire communities. Social work jobs in PA often emphasize clinical skills, advocacy and policy development, making licensure a critical step. By becoming licensed, you join the workforce better equipped to meet the psychosocial needs of diverse groups, whether they are coping with mental health challenges or navigating complex systems of care.
Completing Widener University’s MSW/MEd dual degree online program positions you for roles that integrate human sexuality studies into direct practice. This approach can be particularly valuable for social workers addressing issues like relationship dynamics, sexual health education or trauma-informed care. Indeed’s career guide on career paths aligned with a master’s in social work highlights the versatility of this advanced credential, offering insight into a range of settings, from healthcare clinics to government roles to community service organizations.
Advance Your Career in Social Work in Pennsylvania
Your path to becoming a social worker in Pennsylvania begins with a solid educational foundation, continues with hands-on training and culminates in licensure that validates your expertise. The online MSW/MEd dual degree program from Widener University gives you specialized knowledge to help you succeed in a rapidly evolving field. Bolstering that foundation with the unique human sexuality perspective offered through the program enables you to stand out as a comprehensive, client-centered professional.
By earning your PA social work license and leveraging advanced, research-based insights, you can engage in a fulfilling career that impacts the well-being of individuals and entire communities. Whether you aim to provide direct counseling, shape policy or lead community initiatives, the proper academic credentials and license can guide you toward meaningful, long-term success in social work.
Learn more about Widener University’s online MSW/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies Dual Degree program.