What Degree Do You Need to be a Geriatric Social Worker? Your Path to a Rewarding Career

With the U.S. population of adults aged 65 and older projected to increase dramatically, the need for specialized geriatric social workers is growing. Understanding what degree do you need to be a geriatric social worker is the critical first step toward a fulfilling career helping seniors and their families navigate the challenges of aging.

Quick Summary

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the entry-level degree, but a Master of Social Work (MSW) is typically required for clinical, supervisory, and advanced positions, often with a gerontology concentration, in addition to state-specific licensure.

Key Points

• BSW vs. MSW: A BSW qualifies you for entry-level geriatric social work, while an MSW is typically required for clinical practice and more advanced roles.

• MSW Specialization: An MSW with a gerontology concentration provides the specialized knowledge needed for advanced geriatric care.

• Licensure is Mandatory: Regardless of the degree, state licensure is required to practice social work, a process that involves supervised experience and an exam.

• Certifications Enhance Expertise: Optional NASW certifications, like the ASW-G, can demonstrate advanced competence in gerontological social work.

• Practical Experience is Key: Hands-on experience through internships, field placements, or volunteer work is crucial for building skills and career opportunities.

• High Demand Field: The aging population is driving high demand for compassionate and skilled geriatric social workers across various healthcare and community settings.

Understanding the Educational Pathways for Geriatric Social Work

Becoming a geriatric social worker is a fulfilling career that offers a direct impact on the lives of older adults. Your educational path will depend on your long-term career goals and the level of responsibility you seek. While a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) can qualify you for some entry-level roles, an advanced degree, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW), is the standard for most specialized and clinical positions in the field of gerontology.

The Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) Route

The BSW is the foundational degree for aspiring social workers. Programs are typically accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and provide a generalist education covering a wide range of social work principles. This prepares graduates for non-clinical, entry-level roles that involve case management, advocacy, and connecting clients with resources. For a career focused on geriatrics, students should seek out field placements or elective coursework related to aging. This degree path can be an excellent starting point for those wanting to gain experience in the field directly after graduation. However, to advance into clinical practice or certain leadership roles, a graduate degree is necessary.

The Master's in Social Work (MSW) Route

For those who want to practice independently, diagnose mental health conditions, or take on supervisory roles, an MSW is the required standard. Many MSW programs offer a specialization or concentration in gerontology, also known as gerontological social work or aging studies. This advanced coursework delves into the complex issues faced by older adults, including physical and mental health challenges, dementia care, and end-of-life planning. An MSW also prepares social workers for advanced clinical practice, and for BSW graduates, many universities offer an accelerated "Advanced Standing" track to complete the master's degree in less time.

BSW vs. MSW for Geriatric Social Work

Making the right choice between a BSW and an MSW depends on your career aspirations. This table provides a quick comparison to help you decide.

Feature	Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)	Master of Social Work (MSW)
Role Examples	Case Manager, Adult Protective Services Worker, Senior Center Coordinator	Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Geriatric Care Manager, Hospital Social Worker
Scope of Practice	Non-clinical, generalist social work, connecting clients with services and resources	Clinical assessments, therapy, diagnosis, advanced case management, supervision
Educational Focus	Foundational social work theory, human behavior, generalist practice	Specialized coursework in gerontology, advanced clinical skills, policy
Career Advancement	Limited to entry and mid-level roles; often requires an MSW for progression	High potential for advancement to clinical, leadership, and supervisory positions
Licensure	May qualify for a non-clinical license (LBSW, LMSW, etc.), depending on state regulations	Qualifies for clinical licensure (LCSW) after post-master's supervised experience
Typical Salary	Generally lower earning potential	Higher earning potential, especially with clinical licensure and experience

Beyond the Degree: Licensure and Certification

Earning your degree is only one part of the journey. To legally practice as a social worker, you must obtain a state-specific license, a process regulated by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). For clinical practice, this typically involves:

1. Completing an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
2. Completing post-master's supervised clinical experience, which varies by state.
3. Passing the ASWB clinical exam.

For those with a BSW, some states offer lower-level, non-clinical licenses. While not required for practice, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers voluntary specialty certifications in gerontology that demonstrate a higher level of expertise. The Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) is for BSW-level social workers, and the Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G) and Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) are for MSW-level practitioners. These credentials require specific experience and continuing education.

Key Skills for Success in Geriatric Social Work

Regardless of your degree level, success in geriatric social work requires a unique blend of skills. Key competencies include:

• Empathy and patience: Working with older adults often involves sensitive and complex situations.
• Advocacy: Being a strong voice for clients who may be vulnerable or unable to advocate for themselves.
• Resource knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal programs for seniors, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing, and transportation.
• Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, medical staff, and other service providers.
• Crisis intervention: Providing immediate support during times of crisis, such as a health emergency or an elder abuse situation.
• Cultural competence: Respecting and understanding the diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences of clients.

Finding the Right Program and Building Experience

To ensure your education is respected in the field, always choose a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). When researching programs, look for ones with a strong gerontology focus, experienced faculty, and field placement opportunities in settings like nursing homes, hospice care, hospitals, or senior centers. Gaining hands-on experience through internships and volunteering, even before starting a graduate program, can provide valuable insight into the field and help you secure a job after graduation.

A Rewarding and Growing Field

The decision on what degree do you need to be a geriatric social worker is a step toward a meaningful career. The growing senior population ensures a high and increasing demand for qualified professionals. Whether you pursue a BSW for entry-level roles or an MSW for advanced clinical practice, your dedication can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults and their families. To learn more about the profession and ethical guidelines, consider exploring resources from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a geriatric social worker with a bachelor's degree?

Yes, you can work in entry-level geriatric social work roles with a BSW. These positions typically involve case management, resource coordination, and community support, rather than clinical practice.

Is an MSW required to be a clinical geriatric social worker?

Yes, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is a prerequisite for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which is required to perform clinical assessments and provide therapy to older adults.

How long does it take to become a geriatric social worker?

The timeline varies. A BSW takes about four years. An MSW is typically two years, but can be as little as one year with advanced standing. Licensure and certification add more time for post-degree supervised experience.

What is the role of gerontology in a social work degree?

Gerontology is the study of aging. An MSW with a gerontology specialization provides focused training on the unique physical, mental, and social challenges faced by older adults, preparing you for advanced roles in senior care.

Do I need a social work degree, or can I have a different degree?

While a bachelor's in a related field might be sufficient for some non-licensed positions or as a step toward an MSW, a social work degree is required for state licensure and most professional social work roles.

What is the difference between a geriatric social worker and a gerontologist?

A geriatric social worker applies social work principles to help older adults, often with a clinical focus. A gerontologist is a broader term for someone who studies aging and may work in research, policy, or program development.

Are there certifications for geriatric social workers?

Yes, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers voluntary certifications, such as the Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G), to recognize expertise in the field.