How to Become a Social Worker in Louisiana
Louisiana is famously known for its diverse wildlife and the annual Mardi Gras celebration. The residents also boast Cajun and Creole cuisine, combining Spanish, African, French, and native American tastes. According to the occupational employment and wage statistics of 2023, Louisiana had social workers earning a mean annual wage of $60,810. The mean hourly pay for social workers in the state was $29.24.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in social work in Louisiana will need to have a minimum of a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work. You will also be required to apply for and acquire a professional social work license from the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners(LABSWE). The state board is responsible for ensuring all practicing social workers are qualified. It also seeks to protect the public from improper social work practices.
The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners offers a regulatory structure that all social workers must abide by. It offers services such as application and renewal of licenses, filing of complaint and verification of an approved social worker. Below are the steps, programs, and licenses that guide how to become a social worker in Louisiana.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Louisiana
1. Earn a degree
Acquiring a bachelor’s degree in social work in Louisiana is the first step toward becoming a social worker. This training equips the students with the core knowledge of human behavior theory, diverse identities and foundations of social work. You can also check out any specializations that the CSWE-accredited schools in Louisiana offer, such as substance abuse and family studies.
During the application process, it is essential to check whether the state board of social work accredits the school. Students pursuing the undergraduate option are offered training in supporting and clinical roles, which allows them to join entry-level positions. The degree program prepares the students for the Registered Social Worker license in Louisiana. Those who wish to pursue further education can pursue a master’s degree program.
2. Complete field hours
In Louisiana, the state has three different levels of social workers based on their licenses. They include the Registered Social Worker (RSW), the licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), who requires 5760 hours of social work as a post-graduate to progress to LCSW. The board also states that 3,840 of the total hours should be under the supervision approved by the board. The third and last is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
3. Get a license
As stated above, Louisiana has three board-approved levels of licensed social workers based on qualifications. The licenses you can apply for include the registered social worker (RSW) for a Bachelor of Social Work degree holder. The second license is the licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), which requires a Master of Social Work degree and a pass in the ASWB master’s exam. The third is the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which requires one to be a licensed master social worker and have passed the ASWB clinical exam.
Social Work Degree Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana has different social work programs offered through CSWE-accredited institutions. These schools offer bachelor’s and master’s programs that run full-time, part-time, and online. Below is a list of universities offering the studies, location, mode of study and program duration.
BSW Programs in Louisiana (list)
- Grambling State University, Grambling, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 4 years
- Louisiana Christian University, Pineville, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 4 years
- Louisiana State University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, Full-Time, 4 years
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Natchitoches, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, online, 4 years
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, Full-Time, 4 years
- Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge, LA, Full-Time, 4 years
- Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 4 years
- University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, Full-Time, 4 years
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Louisiana (list)
- Grambling State University, Grambling, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 2 years
- Louisiana Christian University, Pineville, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 2 years
- Louisiana State University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 2 years
- Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 2 years
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, Full-Time, Part-Time, 2 years
Online MSW Programs in Louisiana
- Louisiana Christian University, Pineville, LA, 2 years
- Louisiana State University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 2 years
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 2 years
Louisiana has three types of social workers based on the licensing regulations offered by the state. These include:
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
These social workers serve in entry-level positions in Louisiana. The registered social worker is responsible for performing general services. Under the state recommendations, they must work in an agency or organization and do not require supervision. The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners requires the following qualifications:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in social work
- Must apply to the board for licensing
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The social workers in this category offer advanced social work services. They are also allowed to practice non-clinical social work at advanced levels. To perform clinical social work, they must be supervised by a qualified licensed clinical social worker. The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners requires the following qualifications:
- Be a holder of a master’s or Doctor of Social Work degree
- Must have passed the ASWB master’s exam
- Must apply to the board for licensing
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
This social worker performs professional roles, which include supervising the licensed master social worker and coordinating therapy sessions and psychotherapy. These individuals have previously held the position of LMSW. Since they have passed the clinical examination set by the social work board, they possess specialized knowledge and skills in clinical applications. The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners requires the following qualifications:
- Be a holder of a master’s or Doctor of Social Work degree
- Must have completed 5,760 post-graduate work, with 3840 under board-approved supervision.
- Must have passed the ASWB clinical exam
- Must apply to the board for licensing
Once an individual has attained the licensed clinical social worker license, they can apply to become board-approved clinical supervisors (BACS). The requirements to attain this qualification include the following:
- Undergoing a state-approved training
- Application to the board with documentation of at least three years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker.
Social Work Licenses in Louisiana
According to the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners(LABSWE), there are three professional licenses for social workers. The board allows interested candidates to apply for and renew their licenses. These licenses include:
- Registered Social Worker (RSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
LABSWE recommends that any individual who wants to practice social work as a registered social worker should satisfy the following requirements:
- Graduate with a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited institution
- No examination requirement
- Apply to the board at a fee of $50
- Renew the license yearly after completing 20 hours of continuing education
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Advancing to the level of a licensed master social worker in Louisiana requires the following qualifications:
- Hold a master’s or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Sit the ASWB master’s level exam for $230
- Apply to the board for $75
- Renew the license annually after completing 20+ hours of continuing education.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The licensed clinical social worker is the highest license in Louisiana. These individuals must attain the following qualifications for licensing:
- Hold a master’s or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Sit the ASWB clinical level exam for $260
- Must accumulate 5760 hours of postgraduate field experience, with 3840 hours overseen by a board-approved clinical supervisor (BACS)
- Must receive a minimum of 96 hours of face-to-face supervision
- Apply to the board for $100
- Renew the license annually
Once you obtain a professional license, you are required to renew the license by August 31 of every year. If your license lapses, the board requires you to renew it between 1st September and 28th February. If this period ends, you must apply for reinstatement at an additional fee. The cost of renewing a social work license in Louisiana attracts the following fees:
- Registered Social Worker (RSW) – $25
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) – $50
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – $7
Social Work Salaries in Louisiana
There are various categories of social workers in Louisiana based on specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Louisiana, here are the categories, number of employees and mean annual salaries as of May 2023.
| Type of Social Worker | Amount Employed | Annual Salary |
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | 670 | $50,710 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 1460 | $62,520 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 1070 | $48,980 |
| Social Workers, all other | 700 | $60,810 |
| Social Work Teachers | data not available | data not available |
Social Work Scholarships in Louisiana
Students who wish to pursue a career in social work can take advantage of the available scholarships in the state. One of the scholarship options includes:
Pincus Violence Prevention Scholarship – This scholarship option is a two-year program within Tulane’s Master of Public Health program. Visit the site to get the latest scholarship requirements and application information.
Social Work Organizations in Louisiana
Louisiana Association of Clinical Social Workers – This organization aims to represent, define, promote and protect clinical social workers. It strengthens and upholds professionalism in clinical social work while educating the public on the social worker’s roles.
National Association of Black Social Workers(NABSW), Louisiana Chapter – This social work organization helps individuals to understand the contribution of black social workers, provides training and development opportunities and reconnects black social workers to their African history.
FAQs
Q: Does Louisiana state have social work reciprocity?
The state of Louisiana does not currently have license reciprocity with any other state. However, if an out-of-state applicant has an equivalent license, they can qualify for endorsement and apply for licensure through the board’s official website.
Q: What is the best way to look up my social work license in Louisiana state?
The best way to check your social work license is through the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners website. The search tab lets you enter your first, last or both names. You will then receive the following information:
- Licensee name
- License type
- License number
- Expiration date
- Effective date of license
- Disciplinary action, if any
- Disciplinary status
- Status