Become a Social Worker in Washington

Table of Contents

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

Washington law recognizes four classes of social workers: Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Social Work Associate & Advanced (LSWAA) and Licensed Social Work Associate & Independent Clinical (LSWAIC). The requirements are as follows:

Washington LASW (Licensed Advanced Social Worker)

Washington LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)

Washington LSWAA (Licensed Social Work Associate Advanced)

Washington LSWAIC (Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical)

In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Washington, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Washington can only be reached after earning a Master of Social Work. We are committed to keeping updated information on Washington 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.

Washington Social Worker Salary

Washington Social Work Salary
Washington Social Work Career	Average Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers	$50,540
Healthcare Social Workers	$61,050
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$54,980
All Other Social Workers	$68,180
Salary Increase from BSW to MSW	+9000

Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Washington is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.

Washington Social Work Scholarships

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.


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