Become a Social Worker in Nebraska

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 6,670 social workers in Nebraska. This work has the priceless reward of helping people cope with challenges like poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Social workers in Nebraska can work in child, family, and school social work, healthcare social work, mental health and substance abuse social work, or other fields of social work.

This guide for how to become a social worker in Nebraska explains educational requirements, certification and requirements to practice social work in the state, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Nebraska, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Cornhusker State.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Common Steps to Become a Nebraska Social Worker

Nebraska does not require you to become a mental health practitioner first in order to be a “social worker” by title. Social work activities do not require certification or licensure, but you must hold the appropriate Nebraska social work certification (such as CSW/CMSW) if you want to represent yourself as a Social Worker in Nebraska. Nebraska primarily distinguishes between social work certifications (for use of the Social Worker title) and mental health practitioner licensure (LMHP/LIMHP) for regulated mental health practice. If you plan to provide mental health services under the Mental Health Practice Act, you may need LMHP/LIMHP in addition to any social work certification.

According to Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services, social work activities do not require certification (or licensure); however, you must be certified in Nebraska to represent yourself as a Social Worker in Nebraska.

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To use the title Social Worker in Nebraska, you generally pursue Nebraska social work certification (such as Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)). A CSWE-accredited social work degree is an important step for social work certification, but LMHP/LIMHP is a separate mental health practitioner license pathway that requires a qualifying graduate degree and supervised mental health practice hours.

2. Complete social work supervised experience and pass a national exam

Nebraska’s DHHS issues social work certifications (CSW/CMSW) and mental health practitioner licenses (PLMHP/LMHP/LIMHP). If your goal is regulated mental health practice, you’ll follow the PLMHP → LMHP or LIMHP path and meet supervised experience and exam requirements.

• Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP): Nebraska law requires 3,000 hours of supervised mental health practice, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact in a setting that offers mental health services. Supervision must meet Nebraska’s statutory/rule requirements (which commonly include a qualified physician, licensed psychologist, or appropriately credentialed mental health practitioner).
• Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP): Nebraska requires 3,000 hours of supervised mental health experience, including at least 1,500 hours with clients diagnosed with a major mental illness or disorder, under an approved supervisor (such as a qualified physician, licensed psychologist, or LIMHP, per state requirements).

After earning LMHP or LIMHP, you may also pursue Nebraska’s Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) credential if you meet the state’s requirements (including an approved ASWB exam for the CMSW pathway). Nebraska’s official credentials are CSW/CMSW (certifications) and LMHP/LIMHP (licenses), and the state’s credential names don’t always match the “LCSW/LICSW” titles used in other states.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Nebraska.

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Nebraska

Across the United States, social work degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). As of 2026, Nebraska has six CSWE-accredited bachelor’s (BSW/BSSW) programs and two CSWE-accredited MSW programs. (Always confirm current status in the CSWE Directory.)

With a CSWE-accredited BSW, some students qualify for advanced standing MSW tracks, which can often be completed in about 9–16 months full-time (timelines vary by school and pacing). A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. There are six universities offering accredited BSW programs in Nebraska:

• Chadron State College
• Creighton University
• University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Union College
• University of Nebraska at Kearney

In Nebraska, the key credentials are social work certifications (CSW/CMSW) and mental health practitioner licenses (LMHP/LIMHP). A graduate degree (often an MSW) is required for CMSW and for pursuing LMHP/LIMHP, while a CSWE-accredited BSW can qualify you for the CSW certification.

Online MSW Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska offers an online MSW option through the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) also offers a hybrid MSW format that combines online coursework with in-person evening classes in Lincoln.

Learn more about advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs, online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers and online master’s in social work programs.

Social Work Salaries for Nebraska

Information on the above social work salaries in Nebraska was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Nebraska in February 2026.

Learn more about social work salaries.

Nebraska Social Work Scholarships

Nebraska social work scholarships are offered both state-wide and locally. They include:

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Loan Repayment Program
• University of Nebraska Kearney Artice Miles Scholarship
• University of Nebraska Kearney Margaret A. McMullen Memorial Scholarship
• University of Nebraska Omaha Social Work Scholarship

Learn more about social work scholarships.

Nebraska Social Work Organizations

There are a variety of state and national organizations that Nebraska social workers and students can join for networking, continuing education, advocacy, and professional development, including:

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Nebraska Chapter: Nebraska-based section of the NASW that supports local social workers.
• School Social Work Association of Nebraska (SSWAN): A state professional association that supports school social workers through professional development, networking, and advocacy for the role of school social work in Nebraska.
• Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care (SSWLHC), Nebraska Chapter: A local chapter of the national SSWLHC that connects and supports health care social workers through chapter activities and national member resources.
• University of Nebraska Kearney Student Social Work Organization (SSWO): UNK-based organization supporting social work students.
• University of Nebraska Kearney Phi Alpha Honor Society: UNK-based organization supporting social work, students.