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Social Worker Licensing Guide for the state of Wyoming
Doing social work is not for everyone. A career here means you need to focus on people and help solve various problems, especially for the most vulnerable in society. To be successful in this field, you need excellent communication skills. That means listening more than saying your piece. You have to understand the people you work with.
Wyoming Social Work License Options
Because this is a people-centric job, you need to enjoy working with others. You need a certain level of charisma and natural empathy to focus on the welfare of others. Passion for human rights is almost a must.
Most of all, you need to be able to control your emotions and stress. It is easy to be directly affected since you are immersed in the situation. Knowing that another person’s life hangs in the balance, you need to steady your wits to get the job done.
At the end of the day, social work is fulfilling. Seeing how you protect or change the lives of other people is rewarding. If this is a career that seems fit for your personality and goals, you can start by learning how to become a social worker in Wyoming.
The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board oversees the process for becoming a social worker in the state. The board reviews all applicants to see if they are eligible for a license. That starts with the educational attainment of the applicant.
Educational Requirement for Social Workers in Wyoming
To obtain a social worker license in Wyoming, you need to have one of the degree options below:
Associate Social Work
Associate degrees in human services are available in community colleges. These degrees usually take two years to complete when studying full-time. They include several human behaviors and social science courses that give you an idea of what to expect in this career. Some programs include practical placement in their curriculum as well.
You can earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Social Work, depending on the program. The degree coursework can be parlayed into credits with a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work.
While an associate degree can qualify you for jobs related to social work in Wyoming, you will need more than that to become a licensed social worker. It is a way to get your foot into the door in the field.
Bachelor of Social Work
A bachelor of social work degree, or BSW, takes four years to complete. It is designed to prepare the student for general social work services for individuals, families, and communities. It covers the basic principles and theories, laying the foundation for the career. The courses can include liberal arts topics like English, politics, and psychology. The final years contain cultural studies, social work theory, and human behavior.
Some BSW programs even have a field experience component. That is a crucial element in training to become a social worker.
When choosing a program, make sure to get one accredited by the Council on Social Work Accreditation or CSWE. They develop the proper standards to define the competent preparation of students to ensure social work programs are up to par.
Master of Social Work
To become an advanced generalist or clinical practitioner for individuals and groups, you need to complete the Master of Social Work degree. The MSW contains courses that cover policies, research methods, and advanced practice, among others. It also includes at least one field placement as part of the curriculum.
Typically, you will need two years to complete the degree. However, if you have a BSW from an accredited institution, you can qualify for advanced standing. That will allow you to complete the program in one year.
Similar to BSW, you need to enroll in an MSW accredited by the CSWE to be accepted for licensing.
The University of Wyoming is the only institution in the state that offers CSWE-accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. You do not need to complete your education specifically in this university to qualify for a license in Wyoming. You can find an accredited program outside of the state and then continue your application to become a social worker in Wyoming.
How to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Wyoming
To call yourself a social worker in Wyoming, you need to be licensed by the Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. There are two options for this. The Certified Social Worker allows you to practice under supervision. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker allows you to practice without supervision.