Become a Social Worker in Iowa
Table of Contents
- Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
- Iowa Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Iowa Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
- Iowa Social Work Salary
- Iowa Social Work Scholarships
Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Iowa, contact the Iowa Social Work Licensing Board. External link
Iowa law recognizes three classes of social workers: Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). The requirements are as follows:
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
Iowa LISW
Iowa LISW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from a CSWE-accredited or approved college or university
Iowa LISW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination
Field Requirement: Two years (full-time equivalent) or 4,000 hours of post-master’s social work experience at the master’s level performing psychosocial assessment, diagnosis and treatment over a minimum two-year and maximum six-year period; at least 110 hours of supervision over a two-year period; no more than 60 Hours of group supervision with groups of no more than six supervisees.
Fee: $120 license fee, $260 ASWB examination fee
Additional Information: None
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. No continuing education is required for first renewal. Requirements for second and subsequent renewals are the successful completion of 27 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $144 renewal fee.
Iowa LMSW
Iowa LMSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from a CSWE-accredited or approved college or university
Iowa LMSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $120 license fee, $230 ASWB examination fee
Additional Information: None
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. No continuing education is required for first renewal. Requirements for second and subsequent renewals are the successful completion of 27 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $120 renewal fee.
Iowa LBSW
Iowa LBSW Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited or approved college or university
Iowa LBSW Exam Requirement: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Exam
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $120 license fee, $230 ASWB examination fee
Additional Information: None
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. No continuing education is required for first renewal. Requirements for second and subsequent renewals are the successful completion of 27 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $72 renewal fee.
In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Iowa, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Iowa can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online MSW program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Iowa social work licensure policies available to you.
Disclaimer: There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information.
Iowa Social Work Salary
| Iowa Social Work Career | Average Social Worker Salary |
|---|---|
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | $43,060 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $47,490 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $45,750 |
| All Other Social Workers | $61,340 |
| Salary Increase from BSW to MSW | +$9,000 |
Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Iowa is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 08/27/2018.
Iowa Social Work Scholarships
Iowa PRIMECARRE Loan Repayment Program
Type: Loan Repayment
Amount: Provides up to $50,000 per year for full-time and $25,000 per year for part-time
Description: The PRIMECARRE supports local efforts to recruit and retain qualified health care practitioners to provide primary care services in Iowa. Awardees are provided up to $50,000 during a required two-year practice commitment in a public or non-profit clinic located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
Additional scholarship information is available on the national page of social work scholarships.
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.