As the average age of the U.S. population increases, the need for social services is likely to grow. Ensuring our older adults are fed, protected and cared for falls to the hands of younger generations willing to help care for aging baby boomers. One caregiver role is a geriatric social worker. People who choose this career path should be empathetic, compassionate and patient and enjoy spending time with seniors. Learn why and how to become a geriatric social worker. 

Below, we list some common steps to become a geriatric social worker. This pathway may look different depending on your background, current education, and ultimate career goals.

The foundation for licensure as a gerontology social worker is to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or related degrees such as a sociology or psychology degree. Courses might include human behavior and social welfare policy and research. As an undergraduate student, you will also gain experience through an internship.

During your internship and post-grad, you may choose to gain experience working with older populations. This may help with earning credentials later (see Step 5). 

If you choose to pursue licensure at the master’s or clinical level, a Master of Social Work (MSW) may be required. Requirements vary by state. You may be able to find entry-level social work positions with a bachelor’s degree. Some MSW programs may offer a specialization in gerontology.

Whether you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree or master’s level licensure, requirements vary by state; most usually require an exam and at least 3,000 hours or two years of supervised clinical experience. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) offers five different social work exams. The state and level of social work licensure in which you want to practice will determine the necessary level of exam.

The National Association of Social Work (NASW) offers two geriatric social work credentials: Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) for bachelor’s level social workers with at least three years of experience, and Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G) for master’s level social workers with at least two years of experience. Be sure to refer to the NASW for specific requirements.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

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Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

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Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

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Before you start your social work journey, ask whether this path is right for you. Should you become a social worker? Geriatric social workers provide services to older adults to help combat challenges they face as a result of aging. If you’d feel comfortable supporting the well-being of older people as they progress through life, becoming a geriatric social worker may be a career for you. 

If you decide a geriatric career is not for you, you can choose from several other social work careers and social work degrees. 

A geriatric social worker helps older adults, usually people over 65, deal with and overcome many challenges and helps connect their clients to resources and services they need. In geriatric social work, you may address financial issues, mental health problems and healthcare needs by working with the client, the client’s family, friends, healthcare providers, attorneys and those in the community such as banks, utility companies and government agencies. 

When licensed, a geriatric social worker holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, has some on-the-job experience, and can be hired by a facility, organization, agency, family or the client.

As you begin your search for the right gerontology program, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. To become a geriatric social worker, you will need to invest some time toward licensure. Although a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree may be a minimum requirement for some roles, licensure may require post-degree experiences. Be sure to check with your state for licensure requirements.

If you are seeking a master’s level degree in social work, several CSWE-accredited institutions offer MSW advanced standing programs that take less time to complete for students with an undergraduate social work degree. In addition, there are many online MSW programs with no GRE requirement. Other education options include online or on-campus Master of Social Work degree programs, a graduate certificate, and a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW). Here is a look at each program:

Successful geriatric social workers may possess skills beyond compassion, empathy and patience. Some suggested skills include:

A geriatric social worker cares for adults over the age of 65. Your daily activities while in this role may vary. However, the following responsibilities are typical:

Since the field of social work is so broad, you can find positions in diverse settings. That holds true for specializations like geriatric social work. Not only can you find jobs in various areas, but depending on the client, circumstances, and work environment, your social work requirements might change. Typical places you may find a geriatric social worker include:

The average pay for all social workers was $51,760 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), although pay can vary depending on education, job experience and geographical location. Projected social work job growth through 2029 is 13%, much faster than the average rate for all occupations. With all baby boomers reaching 65 in less than a decade, pressures on healthcare and social services could have the potential to push the job growth even higher. 

As mentioned above in the steps to become a geriatric social worker, you may choose to pursue an NASW credential:

Information on this page was last retrieved in June 2021.