How to Become a Social Worker in Arkansas
Arkansas is a beautiful state with many opportunities to explore the outdoors, and aspiring social workers can find plenty of reasons to call it home. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas offers an average annual wage for social workers at $53,460, slightly higher than the national average. Also, this state provides aspiring social workers with several options to make their dreams of a career in social work a reality.
Additionally, Arkansas is home to four accredited Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) programs that offer the chance to earn an online Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work. These programs provide an online option for students seeking more flexible study options. With its natural beauty and education opportunities, Arkansas is a great place to launch a career in social work.
Steps to Become a Social Worker in Arkansas State
Are you considering a career in social work but need to know specific steps on how to become a social worker in Arkansas? Becoming a social worker requires knowledge of the field and an understanding of state laws and regulations regarding the chosen location. It can be daunting, as there is much more than meets the eye on your journey toward becoming a successful social worker. Fortunately, here is a step-by-step guide to how to become a social worker in Arkansas.
1. Obtain a Degree
A degree in social work is the first step towards becoming a professional in this field. There are three main types of degrees you can earn to become a licensed social worker: a Baccalaureate’s Degree in Social Work (BSW), a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW), and a Doctorate Degree in Social Work (DSW). Depending on your desired license type, you must complete a degree program in Arkansas that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to be eligible for licensure.
2. Completing Field Hours
Arkansas requires social workers to pass an exam and complete a certain number of hours in the field before they can be licensed. Depending on the type of license you are pursuing, you must complete a certain amount of supervised clinical field hours. For example, getting a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) requires at least 4,000 hours in a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) clinical position with 100 direct supervision hours.
3. Obtain a License
A license allows social workers to practice in the state of Arkansas. To apply for licensure, submit an Application for Licensure and copies of transcripts from your CSWE-accredited BSW, MSW, or DSW program to the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Additionally, you must register with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to take the required exam. Once you complete the exam, submit your official score reports with your application. When approved by the board, you will be issued a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or an Advanced Practice Licensed Social Worker (APLSW) license in Arkansas based on your application.
Arkansas Social Work Degree Programs
Arkansas offers several CSWE-accredited degree programs for aspiring social workers that award both BSW and MSW degrees. However, only four programs provide an online option for students, including one BSW and three MSW programs. Here is a list of Arkansas’s online BSW and MSW-accredited institutions.
BSW Programs in Arkansas State
How to become a social worker in Arkansas starts with an accredited BSW program. A Baccalaureate of Social Work (BSW) allows students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become entry-level professionals in this field. You can pursue some essential roles under supervision, such as gerontology child protective services worker, community outreach coordinator, or crisis intervention specialist. Most BSW programs include courses on social work values and ethics, human behavior, research methods, social welfare policy, and social justice. Here is a list of CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Arkansas with an online option.
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, Online, Baccalaureate, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Arkansas State
A master’s degree in social work is the entry point for advanced practice roles such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Therapist, and Family Advocate. Most MSW curriculums involve intensive courses on addictions, rural social work, trauma, advanced generalist, clinical or direct practice, community development, and social systems. Further, Arkansas has three accredited CSWE programs that offer an online MSW option.
- Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, Online, Master, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, Online, Master, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, Online, Master, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Online MSW Programs in Arkansas State
The online MSW programs are asynchronous, meaning you can complete coursework at your own pace and schedule rather than following a strict semester timeline. You must have reliable internet access and a computer with video conferencing capabilities to attend classes and clinical work. You will also have access to an online library, career services, student support services, and mentors for guidance. Institutions that offer an online MSW in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 2 years
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 2 years
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, 2 years
Types of Social Workers and Licenses in Arkansas State
How to become a social worker in Arkansas also requires a license to practice a specific area of specialization. Moreover, you must complete certain steps depending on the type of license you are applying for. Below is a list of Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board licenses and their corresponding requirements.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
To qualify for the LSW entry-level license, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a university with CSWE accreditation and pass the ASWB test. Your ASWB exam enrollment requires a non-refundable exam fee of $230. Additionally, the ASWB will notify the Board of your official score in 7–14 business days. Depending on your score, you can be qualified for a license. Unfortunately, you have to wait 90 days before retaking the test if you fail it.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
To qualify for the LMSW advanced practice license, you must possess a master’s degree in social work from a university with CSWE accreditation. You must also take and pass the ASWB masters exam at an additional fee of $230; failure to which you wait to do a re-take. Once your board receives the notification of your official score, you will be issued the appropriate Arkansas license.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW license is the highest-level license in Arkansas. To be eligible for this license, you must hold a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and have completed two years of supervised practice with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Plus, you need 4,000 hours in an LMSW clinical position and 100 direct supervision hours. Lastly, you must pass the ASWB exam, which is also $260.
Arkansas Social Work Salaries
Are you interested in pursuing a social work career but need clarification on the potential salary implications? Many become overwhelmed once they start researching salaries for different fields and positions. However, it’s essential to understand your earning potential before committing to a particular profession. If you are considering becoming a social worker in Arkansas State, the following U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows an estimate of what to expect.
| Type of social work | Annual median salary |
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | $42,160
|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $56,630 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $45,380
|
| Social Workers, all other | $53,460 |
| Social Work Teachers | $70,030 |
Social Work Scholarships in Arkansas State
For the aspiring social worker looking to make a difference in Arkansas State, several excellent scholarship opportunities are available from universities and non-profit organizations. From helping disadvantaged individuals to working with families in crisis, these scholarships can provide financial support for those wishing to pursue their bachelor’s (BSW) or master’s (MSW) degrees in social work. Some of the scholarships for social work in Arkansas State include:
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Scholarships
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a range of scholarships for BSW and MSW students. To be eligible for these scholarships, you must be anticipated to enroll full-time in the second year of the BSW program and have a 3.0 overall GPA or at least a 3.25 in all BSW courses. A financial status statement, a written statement detailing your qualifications, experiences, and goals for this scholarship, and a letter of reference from a faculty member in the School of Social Work are required of potential applicants.
University of Arkansas Scholarships
The University of Arkansas offers scholarships through the Health Resources and Services Administration Scholarship Program for MSW students. This scholarship provides up to $2.87 million in funds over five years and can cover tuition and fees, student support services, and mentorship opportunities. To apply, you must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement and commit to serving underserved communities in Arkansas State.
Social Work Organizations in Arkansas State
Social work organizations provide vital services to communities, offer resources and support for social work professionals, and offer networking opportunities. These organizations are great places to stay informed about current social work issues in Arkansas State. Here is a list of some of the most prominent social work organizations in Arkansas State:
National Association of Social Workers Arkansas Chapter
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Arkansas Chapter works to advance the social work profession and enhance social justice, human rights, free-thinking, and collective power in Arkansas. The NASW offers professional development opportunities for its members, including training on ethics, licensing, and various other topics. It also advocates for local, state, and national social workers.
Arkansas Education Association
The Arkansas Education Association is a nonprofit organization that supports public school social workers and works to improve the quality of education in Arkansas. The AEA provides professional development resources, including support for licensure renewal and certification requirements. It also advocates for school social work issues at the state level.
FAQs
At Arkansas State, social work licenses are reciprocal. However, to qualify for a license through reciprocity in Arkansas State, you must hold a valid social worker license from another state and meet the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board requirements. Still, the applicant’s home state’s social worker license criteria must be equally severe or stricter than Arkansas’s for the Board to authorize reciprocity. A provisional license with a brief validity duration may be granted to the applicant if none of the requirements are met during the licensing application.
If you want to look up your social work license in Arkansas State, the best way to do so is by using the online license verification portal provided by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. All you need to do is submit your name and additional information if necessary. This will record all current and historical licenses held in Arkansas State.