Social workers are at the front lines of helping people cope with problems affecting their well-being. Often, these problems are related to medical and health issues. While many social workers practice in schools and mental health clinics, those in a medical social worker role may find themselves in hospitals, community clinics and other healthcare settings.

1. Obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

For those who already have a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s in social work program may be completed in one year. Most master’s in social work programs take two years to complete. Online MSW programs are available for those seeking some flexibility in their coursework enrollment. The Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC) credential from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) does require a master’s degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

2. Choose a Focus Area – If Applicable
Focus on an area such as healthcare or medical social work. This prepares students for working in healthcare settings and with clients undergoing medical issues.

3. Apply for Licensure in Your State – If Applicable
Social workers must be licensed by their state to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) or equivalent. Licensure enables social workers to provide therapy and counseling services, to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, and to refer clients to resources and services. 

4. Gain Experience with Clients Affected by Medical Conditions or Physical Limitations – If Pursuing the C-SWHC Credential
The C-SWHC credential, if pursuing, requires at least two years of post-MSW employment in an agency or organization that provides treatment to individuals and families who are affected by medical or physical conditions.

5. Apply for the C-SWHC Credential
If you are seeking a credential to add credibility to your experience in healthcare as a social worker, apply for the C-SWHC credential from the NASW after completing your required master’s in social work, licensure, and post-MSW experience.

6. Apply for Medical Field Social Worker Positions 
Use your network to apply for jobs in the state where you’re licensed. Your social worker license must be renewed every two  years, and 30 hours of continued education must be completed before each renewal.

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

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

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. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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

Request more info from Simmons University.

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

Request more info from Howard University.

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

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Request more info from Case Western Reserve University.

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Medical social workers assist with clients who span the healthcare continuum. Medical social workers help individuals, families and communities lead the healthiest lives possible, through access to medical and health resources and counseling.

These professionals help clients who are undergoing health and medical challenges, such as illness, a disability or hospitalization for injury. Medical social workers also work within healthcare systems to advocate for policies that improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Many hospital social workers practice in specific environments and are assigned to clients based on diagnosis, age or gender. Medical social workers may specialize in areas including emergency/trauma, pediatrics, nephrology, transplant and oncology, for example. They can also specialize in areas including suicidality, medication management and adherence, end of life decisions, catastrophic disability, terminal illness, independent living resources, and homelessness.

Medical social workers must be confident decision-makers who can be assertive with clients and families while exhibiting empathy and compassion. They must also be extremely organized, since these professionals often juggle many clients at once and must complete paperwork for client updates.

Effective practitioners have the ability to contribute positively to the lives of individuals and families, as well as to bolster communities. They may help increase the number of medically insured, improve mental well-being, help decrease client recovery times and provide early intervention and prevention of child abuse. The clients you work with and the environment you work in will shape the impact you can make in this field.

Medical social workers help clients and families understand diagnoses and work through emotions. They provide clients and families with counseling for decision-making in the healthcare process, including addressing psychological, financial and social issues related to the diagnosis.

Medical social workers may also work with health professionals like doctors and nurses to help them understand the emotional and social aspects of a client’s diagnosis. They may be on teams that include physicians, discharge coordinators, physical therapists and administrative staff to ensure coordinated clients and family care.

They may also work in healthcare leadership roles, serving in administration or management for healthcare programs like community outreach, mental health and aging.

The job duties of a social worker may include:

As a medical social worker, you can make a direct impact on the lives of clients and families you interact with. You may also aspire to move up the leadership ranks in healthcare and work closely with doctors to improve social work in a healthcare setting. Others enjoy policy work, which can transform the healthcare opportunities for entire communities.

Many medical social workers practice in inpatient and outpatient medical facilities. According to the BLS, 14% of total social workers are employed by ambulatory healthcare services.

Other professionals work in clients’ homes, providing counseling services to individuals and families who are undergoing medical challenges. Some medical social workers work in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. Others work in specialized clinics, like dialysis centers. Medical social workers may also work in support group settings, providing therapy to clients and families in support groups. 

Finally, some work in offices, particularly in administrative, management or policy roles. These offices may be part of a healthcare setting like a hospital, or they may be within non-profit or government centers. Some work in public health environments, providing education in settings like classrooms.

If you’re interested in a career in social work, if you want to work in a fast-paced environment and if you enjoy learning about healthcare and medical issues, a career as a medical social worker may be for you. Use this guide for information. 

The BLS reports the median annual wage for healthcare social workers in 2020 was $51,760.

According to the BLS, the 2020 annual median wages for social workers in the top industries were as follows:

Medical social workers may work in all of these types of environments. The highest 10% of social workers in 2020 earned more than $85,820. View our social work salary page to learn more about the salary of a social worker.