How to Become a Social Worker in Kansas
Social workers are responsible for helping individuals and families cope with the problems they encounter daily. A clinical social worker has the licensing and knowledge needed to diagnose, prevent, and treat a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral problems.
There are nearly 5,000 social workers who have made a career in “The Sunflower State”. These workers earn an average annual wage of $51,810. However, salaries vary based on the type of social worker you want to be. A healthcare social worker position tends to come with a higher salary than an entry-level one. This guide explores how to become a social worker in Kansas.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Kansas
To become a social worker, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in the same subject. Once you’ve earned this degree, you’ll be able to apply for licensure in Kansas. The state offers three distinct social work licenses.
Earn a Social Work Degree with a CSWE Accreditation
If you want to earn a social work license and practice as a licensed social worker, you’ll first need to finish a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
Meet the Experience Requirement Before Passing Your Final Exams
There are three social worker levels available in Kansas, which include the following:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW)
You can only earn a licensed specialist clinical worker designation once you obtain an accredited master’s or doctoral degree and complete 4,000 or more hours of supervised social work in two years.
Get Your License
After gaining the necessary experience, you can apply for one of the three licenses that allow you to become a social worker in Kansas.
Social Work Degree Programs in Kansas
All social work programs in the country receive accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Kansas provides students with 17 accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs to select from. Earning a bachelor’s degree often gives you the opportunity to enroll in an MSW program. Keep in mind that MSW degree programs often take one to two years to complete. There are currently 11 colleges and universities that offer accredited social work programs.
BSW Programs in Kansas
There are several Bachelor of Social Work programs in Kansas. The list below designates whether these programs are online, on-campus, or both.
- Bethel College – North Newton – On Campus – 4+ years
- Fort Hays State University – Hays – Online and On Campus – 4+ years
- Kansas State University – Manhattan and Salina – On Campus – 4+ years
- Kansas Wesleyan University – Salina – On Campus – 4+ years
- Newman University – Wichita – Online and On Campus – 4+ years
- Pittsburg State University – Pittsburg – On Campus – 4+ years
- Tabor College – Hillsboro, On Campus – 4+ years
- University of Kansas – Lawrence and Overland Park – On Campus – 4+ years
- University of Saint Mary – Leavenworth – On Campus – 4+ years
- Washburn University – Topeka – On Campus – 4+ years
- Wichita State University – Wichita – On Campus – 4+ years
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Kansas
- Fort Hays State University – Kansas – Online – 1+ year
- Newman University – Wichita – Online and On Campus – 1+ year
- University of Kansas – Lawrence, Overland Park, Pittsburg, and Salina – Online and On Campus – 1+ year
- University of Saint Mary – Kansas – Online – 1+ year
- Washburn University – Topeka – On Campus – 1+ year
- Wichita State University – Wichita – On Campus – 1+ year
Online MSW Programs in Kansas
- Fort Hays State University – Kansas – 1+ year
- Newman University – Wichita – 1+ year
- University of Kansas – Lawrence, Overland Park, Pittsburg, and Salina – 1+ year
- University of Saint Mary – Kansas – 1+ year
What Types of Social Workers are in Kansas?
Now that you know how to become a social worker in Kansas, you should know the various titles available to you. The titles are the same as the licenses, which include the following:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW)
All three of these titles come with different education requirements. However, they can also grant you higher-paying jobs. Let’s say that you wish to earn an LBSW. This license tells potential employers that you have met the educational requirements necessary to hold the basic social worker designation. There are no field requirements for this position.
On the other hand, an LMSW requires that you earn a master’s degree in social work. If you graduate with a bachelor’s degree, you should be able to enter a master’s program, which can take anywhere from one to two years to finish.
The best title in this field is available once you earn an LSCSW license. You can become a social work teacher or healthcare social worker once you obtain this license. In most cases, earning a better license will allow you to receive a higher salary. You’ll also be able to build a strong resume.
Keep in mind that the LSCSW license is only available to students who have completed a master’s or doctoral program in social work. You’ll also need to gain at least 4,000 hours of in-the-field experience. Once you meet the necessary qualifications, you’ll be able to take the state exam.
Social Work Licenses in Kansas
Kansas offers three social work licenses, all of which are available through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
Education: Bachelor of Social Work
In-the-field Requirements: Zero
Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s Exam
Renewal of License: 40 hours of continuing education
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: Master of Doctor of Social Work
In-the-field Requirements: Zero
Exams: ASWB Master’s Exam
Renewal of License: 40 hours of continuing education
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW)
Education: Master or Doctor of Social Work
In-the-field Requirements: At least 4,000 hours of clinical social work
Exams: ASWB Clinical Exam
Renewal of License: 40 hours of continuing education
Social Work Salaries in Kansas
| Type of Social Worker | Amount Employed | Annual Salary |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 3,580 | $51,810 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 1,300 | $61,010 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 1,470 | $55,300 |
| Social Workers, all other | 210 | $85,680 |
| Social Work Teachers | 60 | $84,410 |
Social Work Scholarships in Kansas
Integrated Health Scholars Program – This program helps students by offering scholarships that amount to $10,000 apiece.
Kansas State Loan Repayment Program – The purpose of this program is to help eligible social workers repay their educational loans.
Social Work Organizations in Kansas
Once you become a social worker in Kansas, it’s a good idea to network with other professionals and gain beneficial resources by joining a local or national association. There are numerous organizations that strive to protect and promote the social work industry and the people who are part of it.
Kansas School Social Worker Association (KSSWA): They support social workers in Kansas by advocating for them at locally, statewide, and nationally.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): This association promotes professional development and advances the quality of social work in Kansas.
FAQs
Does Kansas Have Social Work Reciprocity?
If you hold a social work license from another location, Kansas allows for out-of-state licensure. To receive the equivalent social work license in Kansas, you must meet the educational requirements, provide your ASWB exam scores, and pay a fee via the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board’s website.
What Is the Best Way to Look Up My Social Work License in Kansas?
You can find your social work license on the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board website. You can search by license type, status, or number. You can also enter your name, city, or zip code to improve the search.