How To Stay Current in Social Work

After earning your social work degree, it’s important to stay current in the field. You’ll be better able to serve communities, families, and individuals if you understand new regulations, apply current research, or complete additional training. Discover five ways to stay current in social work.

1. Stay informed. You can read articles, watch the news, or listen to podcasts to learn about regulations and research that impact your social work practice. One podcast to try is The Social Work Podcast. You can also look for social work thought leaders to follow on social media.
2. Network. Talk with your peers, online or in person. Speaking with other social workers can be cathartic and educational as you learn about the issues they face and how they deal with them—while also sharing your own experiences. Organize a monthly get-together with your co-workers or look for a group on sites such as Facebook, Meetup, and LinkedIn.
3. Check in with your state social work board. The website for your state’s or province’s social work board will list changes to local laws and regulations that could impact your practice. Visit the site from time to time to check for updates, or join the email list if your board maintains one.
4. Join an association. By becoming a member of an organization such as the National Association of Social Workers, the largest such organization in the U.S., you’ll gain access to news, publications, networking, and social work career opportunities, all in one spot.
5. Continue your education. Some states require social workers to complete continuing education units (CEUs) in order to renew their social work license. Even if your state doesn’t require you to earn CEUs, you may want to expand your knowledge by pursuing an advanced social work degree. Your studies will help you learn about the latest issues in social work while also enabling you to remain licensed or move up in your field.

If you’re wondering how to become a social worker or if you want to advance your social work career, education is the first step. Walden University offers two accredited social work degree programs: the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW). Both online degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and Walden itself is an accredited university. If you want to earn a terminal social work degree, Walden also offers programs for a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree online and a PhD in Social Work.

Walden’s online social work degree programs are excellent choices for busy adults looking to start a new career, switch jobs, or move up in their field. The online learning platform allows you to learn from any place that’s convenient to you, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, at any time of day that suits your schedule. You won’t have to hassle with a commute, parking, or rigid class schedule times. You can start your education right away and prepare for a career helping others as a social worker.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a CSWE-accredited online BSW degree program and an online MSW program. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

Walden University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing standards that define competent preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.

Note on Licensure
Walden University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program meets the academic requirements to obtain the required credential to practice as licensed social workers in all states.

State licensing boards are responsible for regulating the practice of social work, and each state has its own academic, licensure, and certification requirements for practice as a social worker. Walden recommends that students consult the appropriate social work licensing board in the state in which they plan to practice to determine the specific academic requirements for licensure or other credentials. Walden enrollment specialists can provide information relating to the state-by-state requirements for licensure. However, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all licensing requirements for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantees that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to achieve state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state licensure or credential.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.