Become a Social Worker in Rhode Island

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Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Rhode Island, contact the Rhode Island Social Work Licensing Board.

Rhode Island law recognizes two classes of social workers: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The requirements are as follows:

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School Program Description
University of Denver
  • Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
  • Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
Fordham University
  • Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
Simmons University
  • Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
  • Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
Case Western Reserve University
  • From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
University of Southern California (USC)
  • Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
  • Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student’s own communities
Baylor University
  • Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
  • Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

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Rhode Island LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)

Rhode Island Education Requirement: A doctorate in clinical social work from a duly accredited college or university or a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited school

Rhode Island Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination

Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of supervised experience over two to six years; 1,500 hours must be spent providing clinical social work services directly to clients 

Fee: $70 application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: A statement documenting the required hours of post-master’s supervision under an LICSW is required; two professional references required

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of cross-cultural practice and the alleviation of poverty and 3 hours in ethics, and payment of a $100 renewal fee.

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Rhode Island LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Rhode Island Education Requirement: A doctorate in clinical social work from a duly accredited college or university or a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited school

Rhode Island Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $70 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: Two professional references required

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of cross-cultural practice and the alleviation of poverty and 3 hours in ethics, and payment of a $100 renewal fee.

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Rhode Island, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Rhode Island can only be reached after completing an on-campus or master in social work online program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Rhode Island 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. Last updated 09/06/2018.

Rhode Island Social Work Salary

Rhode Island Social Work Salary
Rhode Island Social Work Career Average Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers $61,530
Healthcare Social Workers 52,090
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 47,780
All Other Social Workers $75,710
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 Rhode Island is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.

Rhode Island Social Work Scholarships

For social work financial aid options, check out our social work scholarships page.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
School Program Description
University of Denver
  • Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
  • Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
Fordham University
  • Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
Simmons University
  • Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
  • Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
Case Western Reserve University
  • From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
University of Southern California (USC)
  • Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
  • Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student’s own communities
Baylor University
  • Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
  • Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

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.