How to Become a Social Worker in Colorado
Colorado is a beautiful state in the Rocky Mountains, known for its excellent skiing and hiking opportunities. It’s also home to many dedicated social workers, essential to providing services for those in need. If you’re looking to become a social worker in Colorado, there are several steps you’ll need to take, including earning an education in the field and securing a license.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in Colorado earn an average annual wage of $55,000. Moreover, five online Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited programs are available in the state for those seeking a career as a social worker. These include two baccalaureate programs and three master’s degree programs.
Steps to Become a Social Worker in Colorado State
As Colorado continues to grow and evolve, so does the need for educated and knowledgeable social workers passionate about helping those in need. Understanding what typically goes into this process before embarking on it is essential. To get started, here are vital steps illustrating how to become a social worker in Colorado.
1. Pursue an Accredited Degree
Pursuing an accredited degree is the first step to becoming a social worker in Colorado. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits programs in the state based on whether they meet their standards of excellence for social work education. Colorado’s five accredited online programs are two baccalaureate degrees (BSWs) and three advanced master’s degrees (MSW).
2. Complete Field Hours
Field hours indicate the amount of experience a student gains in the field before they can become a licensed social worker. For instance, to be qualified for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado, students must complete 3,360 hours of experience over a minimum of 24 months. Ninety-six hours of supervision should be given, 48 of which must be delivered in person over 24 months.
3. Obtain a License
The final step in becoming a social worker in Colorado is obtaining a license from the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners. To become licensed, applicants must have completed all educational requirements and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam for the BSW or MSW degree. Applicants must also agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics prescribed by the profession. Once all these requirements have been met, applicants must submit a license application and processing fee to the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners for review and later become officially licensed as a social worker in Colorado.
Social Work Degree Programs in Colorado State
The first step on how to become a social worker in Colorado is to pursue an accredited degree. Colorado State offers quality degree programs for individuals interested in this field. With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, students can receive exceptional instruction and education within the dynamic social work discipline. These three universities in Colorado have been CSWE accredited to offer online BSW and MSW programs.
BSW Programs in Colorado State
Accredited universities in Colorado offer innovative and highly rewarding Baccalaureate of Social Work (BSW) programs that can open the door for meaningful careers. Focusing on psychology, sociology, development, research methods, and theories, the BSW program is designed for individuals like you searching for ways to pursue their passion while making a difference in people’s lives. You can quickly begin pursuing your dreams of becoming a social worker in Colorado through the following institutions.
- Newman University, Wichita, KS, Online, Baccalaureate, 2 years, Full-Time, Multiple cohorts per year
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, Online, Baccalaureate, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends/Evening
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Colorado State
The potential for significant personal gain and professional gratification is an attraction for many seeking to further their careers or change direction. If earning your MSW is on your radar, the state of Colorado’s diverse array of world-renowned MSW programs could be the perfect fit. Here are the top three universities designed to help you reach your goal.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, Online, Master’s, 2+ years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
- Newman University, Wichita, KS, Online, Master’s, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, Online, Master’s, 2 years, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Online MSW Programs in Colorado State
The popularity of online degrees has skyrocketed in recent years due to their convenience and affordability. You can pursue an online MSW from anywhere if you have a computer and access to the internet. Online degrees help working professionals who don’t have time to attend traditional classes and want to advance their careers. Here are the best online MSW programs in Colorado State.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 2+ years
- Newman University, Wichita, KS, Online, 2 years
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, 2 years
Types of Social Workers and Licenses in Colorado State
Understanding the types of social workers and licenses can enhance your understanding of how to become a social worker in Colorado. There are many different types of social workers in Colorado. Still, the most common licenses offered by the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners to social workers in Colorado include Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) and Provisional Social Worker (SWP).
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
You must have a Master’s or Doctorate of Social Work degree from an accredited college and three years of supervised post-graduate experience to qualify for this license. The requirements include passing the ASWB Examination and completing the Healthcare Professions Profile. Criminal history screening is also required for licensure. Foreign-trained applicants must submit a CSWE review, ASWB exam date, and transcripts.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
To be eligible for this license, you must have a master’s or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited college. It is necessary to have at least 3,360 hours of field experience spread out across at least two years. For eligibility, 96 hours of supervision are required, including at least 48 hours of individual supervision. Additionally, the ASWB test and criminal background check must be finished.
Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC)
This license is available to individuals who have completed their education but still need to complete the necessary supervised experience. You must pass the ASWB test and possess a master’s degree in social work to qualify. Additionally required are a criminal background check and documentation showing that all educational criteria have been met.
Provisional Social Worker (SWP)
This license is designed for those with a non-MSW graduate degree in social work who have completed credit hours of courses related to social work. These include human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, research methods, and diversity courses.
Social Work Salaries in Colorado State
Not only is salary an essential factor in making this decision, but knowing the average salaries for social workers in Colorado State may give you some essential insight into how much you can expect to earn. Whether you’re just getting started or have had experience in the field already, discover this invaluable information about what kind of salaries social workers receive throughout Colorado State in various specializations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics reports the following average salary for a social worker in Colorado per year.
| Type of social work career | Annual median wage |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $58,930 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $58,310 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $56,460
|
| Social Workers | $55,000
|
| Social Work Teachers | $ 75,330 |
Social Work Scholarships in Colorado State
Do you need help finding funds to complete your social work degree program? Scholarships are an excellent way for students like you to finance their studies without putting too much strain on their wallets. Listed below are scholarships for students pursuing a degree in social work within Colorado State.
Colorado State University Scholarships
Benefit from CSU’s generous merit-based and need-based scholarships for incoming first-year, transfer, graduate, and international students. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. You may be eligible for merit-based scholarships that reward your academic accomplishments or need-based scholarships that will help you cover basic expenses such as tuition.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Scholarships
UCCS offers numerous scholarships for current and incoming students and returning adult learners. Scholarships are awarded competitively and may cover tuition, books, living expenses, or other costs associated with attending college. You must meet specific criteria to qualify for a scholarship and be selected by the review committee.
Social Work Organizations in Colorado State
Social work organizations are a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and help build your professional network. These organizations provide valuable information, resources, support, networking, and advocacy opportunities. Here are some of the most influential social work organizations in Colorado State:
Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work (CSCSW)
CSCSW is a professional society dedicated to the advancement of clinical social work practice and education in the state of Colorado. The organization promotes excellence in clinical practice, provides education opportunities for its members, advocates for clinical social work services at the local, state, and national levels, and collaborates with other organizations that share its mission.
Colorado Chapter of National Association of Social Workers (NASWCO)
The NASW Colorado Chapter is dedicated to promoting, developing, and protecting the practice of social work and social workers in the state. The organization works to advance professional standards, strengthen public recognition of social work, provide resources and continuing education opportunities for its members, and advocate for public policies that benefit vulnerable individuals and communities.
FAQs
Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners allows for licensure by endorsement if the applicant has been licensed to practice in another state that uses substantially similar criteria for licensure. The Board may also accept prior continuing education hours from other jurisdictions, and you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.
You can look up your social work license in Colorado State by visiting the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners verification system. This system allows you to search for an individual’s active, inactive, and expired licenses through a secure online database.