How to Become an LSW in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Career Guide
North Carolina will likely become the nation’s seventh-largest state by the early 2030s, with a projected population of 11.7 million residents. The state’s rapid growth creates a rising need for healthcare and social service professionals statewide.
Healthcare social workers can expect a 16.6% job growth rate through 2032 in North Carolina. Their average annual salaries range from $52,000 to $68,000. Many people ask about becoming a social worker in NC and the specific educational and licensing requirements they must meet.
The career path begins with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from one of the state’s 25 accredited programs. Licensed clinical social workers must complete an MSW degree and gain 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice over 2-6 years to practice independently.
This complete guide will help you understand each step to become a licensed social worker in North Carolina, whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your current career.
Typical Steps to Becoming a Social Worker in NC
Social workers in North Carolina need to follow specific steps through education, licensing, and professional development. Your career goals will determine which certification and licensure path works best for you.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from one of the 23 CSWE-accredited undergraduate programs in North Carolina opens doors to entry-level positions. Once you complete your BSW, you can get the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential by passing the ASWB bachelor-level examination.
If you are looking for career growth and expanded responsibilities, then this requires you to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Most MSW programs take two years, but BSW holders might finish their graduate studies faster through advanced standing programs.
Your MSW program includes mandatory field work placements that are a great way to get hands-on training. These internships often lead to job offers after graduation.
Your MSW degree lets you pursue different certification levels:
- Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW): Requires passing the ASWB master-level examination
- Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM): Needs 3,000 hours of administrative experience and passing the ASWB advanced generalist exam
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA): First step toward full clinical licensure
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Required for clinical practice
Clinical practice starts with getting your LCSWA credential, followed by 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience within 2-6 years. You’ll also need 100 hours of supervision from a qualified LCSW supervisor, with at least one hour of supervision for every 30 hours of clinical practice.
You must renew all credentials every two years and complete 40 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours in ethics. Military veterans can use their documented military occupational specialty experience as credit.
Independent social workers need an annual “privilege” license with the state. North Carolina evaluates substantial equivalency for social workers licensed in other jurisdictions, but doesn’t grant automatic reciprocity.
Educational Options for NC Social Workers
Social work education in North Carolina adheres to the high standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students can choose from several accredited programs that help them arrange their education to match their career goals.
BSW Programs in North Carolina
Bachelor of Social Work programs equip students with skills needed for entry-level professional practice. These programs need 420-464 hours of agency practicum internship. Students should maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and pass core courses with grades of C- or better. BSW graduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher can qualify for Advanced Standing MSW programs, which could reduce their graduate study time by one year.
There are 23 CWSE-accredited BSW programs in North Carolina, and five of these are online programs. The online options are:
- Appalachian State University
- Barton College
- Methodist University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
MSW Programs in NC
North Carolina features 16 MSW programs, and 12 of them provide traditional campus-based instruction. The traditional MSW track needs 60-62 credit hours along with up to 1,100 hours of field education. Students with a BSW might qualify for Advanced Standing programs and complete their MSW in just 12 months through an intensive 39-credit curriculum.
There are 13 CSWE-accredited MSW programs in North Carolina, and six of these are online programs.
Online MSW Options
Several NC institutions have started offering online MSW programs that meet student needs for flexibility. These programs uphold the same high standards as their on-campus counterparts while being more accessible. Online students complete similar field placement requirements in their local communities.
Online MSW programs stand out with these features:
- Students can choose full-time or part-time study, finishing in 12 months to 3 years
- Evening or Saturday virtual class meetings fit busy schedules
- Students complete field practicum at approved local agencies
- Programs offer similar curriculum quality and faculty expertise as traditional formats
Admission standards remain competitive in programs of all formats. Most programs ask for a minimum 3.0 GPA for traditional tracks and 3.5 GPA for Advanced Standing options. Related coursework and volunteer experience make applications stronger, though social work experience isn’t required.
Online MSW Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
UNC-Chapel Hill offers a top-ranked online MSW program with a focus on advancing equity, transforming systems, and improving lives. The program provides flexibility for working professionals, combining asynchronous and synchronous online courses. Students can choose between micro (clinical) and macro practice concentrations.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)
UNC Charlotte’s online MSW program emphasizes social justice and intervention at all levels of society. The program offers a part-time, three-year plan of study with an Advanced Social Work Practice curriculum. Students receive training in both clinical and macro practice social work and can specialize in school social work.
East Carolina University (ECU)
ECU offers a part-time, fully online MSW program that can be completed over three years. The program focuses on Clinical-Community Social Work Practice from a Relational Perspective. It prepares students for advanced professional practice in both clinical and community settings.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP)
UNCP offers a fully online MSW program with an advanced generalist focus. The program is designed for adult learners who need flexibility to reach their career goals. UNCP’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and emphasizes practice with rural areas and indigenous communities.
Appalachian State University offers an online MSW program that includes some face-to-face time for fieldwork with an online seminar. The program has two concentration options: Individuals and Families (clinical practice) and Community and Organizational Practice (macro social work).
Wingate University offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice. The program focuses on transformative social work, an innovative approach that integrates micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice while emphasizing critical reflection on how decisions affect diverse populations.
Getting Your NC Social Work License
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) manages four different credential levels. These include both optional certifications and required licenses that social workers need to practice in the state.
License Types and Requirements
North Carolina offers three voluntary certifications for non-clinical practice and one mandatory license for clinical work:
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- BSW from CSWE-accredited program
- Pass ASWB bachelor-level exam
- Application fee: $145
- Biennial renewal: $70 plus 40 CE hours
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
- MSW, DSW, or PhD from CSWE-accredited program
- Pass ASWB master-level or ACSW exam
- Application fee: $145 [121]
- Biennial renewal: $90 plus 40 CE hours
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- MSW, DSW, or PhD from CSWE-accredited program
- 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice within 2-6 years
- 100 hours of LCSW supervision
- Pass ASWB clinical-level exam
- Application fee: $145 [121]
- Biennial renewal: $150 plus 40 CE hours
Application Process
Your certification process starts with downloading the right application packet from the NCSWCLB website. The standard application costs $145, and you must pay by money order or certified bank check. Military personnel and their spouses can get their initial application fees waived.
Clinical practice candidates should first get their LCSWA (Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate) credential. This starter license lets you practice clinically under supervision while working toward full LCSW status. LCSWA holders must record their supervision and practice activities every six months.
North Carolina doesn’t automatically accept licenses from other states. The board reviews each application based on substantial equivalency. You’ll need to show you have a current, active license that you got through examination in another state with similar standards.
Anyone with a criminal record should submit certified court documents and a detailed letter explaining how it has shaped their professional growth. Once approved, you must renew all credentials every two years. This includes completing 40 continuing education hours, with 4 hours specifically focused on ethics.
Clinical Social Work Requirements
Getting your clinical social work license in North Carolina needs close attention to what the state board requires. You’ll need to know these requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
LCSW Requirements in NC
You just need mandatory licensure through LCSW or LCSWA credentials to practice clinical social work. Candidates must get their LCSWA license first, which lets them build supervised clinical experience. LCSWA holders can take the ASWB Clinical level examination after two years of documented clinical practice.
Supervised Experience Hours
The path to LCSW licensure needs 3,000 clock hours of paid clinical work under proper supervision. You can complete these hours between two and six consecutive years. Your educational programs’ practicum or internship experience won’t count toward this requirement.
Supervision requirements include:
- 100 hours minimum from an LCSW with two years post-licensure experience
- One hour of supervision for every 30 hours of clinical practice
- Group supervision can’t exceed 25 hours
- Technology-based supervision limited to 50 hours
Exam Preparation Tips
The ASWB Clinical level examination needs smart planning. You’ll face 170 questions with a four-hour time limit, giving you about 70 seconds per question. These strategies work well for many candidates:
- Take breaks at questions 70 and 140 to stay sharp
- Practice with mock exams to manage your time better
- Study your DSM-5 materials well
- Connect with study groups to prepare better
NASW-NC members get great exam prep resources, including study guides and practice tests. The association’s complete exam preparation packet includes DSM-5 overview guides and clinical exam study materials. You can also join workshops that give 6.5 hours of continuing education credit, focusing mainly on exam strategies rather than content review.
Social Work Salaries in North Carolina
Social workers’ salaries in North Carolina change substantially based on their specialty and where they work. This knowledge helps professionals make better career choices.
BLS data for Social Workers in NC
NC’s social work professionals earn different salaries based on their expertise. Child, family, and school social workers make $53,630 per year with an hourly rate of $24.43. Healthcare social workers take home more, with yearly earnings of $64,590 and hourly pay of $29.96.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $52,640 annually, which breaks down to $25.59 per hour. Social workers in other specialized areas make about $68,270 per year, with hourly rates hitting $28.52.
Jobs are plentiful in social work of all types:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 14,350 positions
- Healthcare Social Workers: 4,210 positions
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: 1,820 positions
- Other Social Work Specializations: 1,550 positions
Experience and credentials shape salary ranges. Child and family social workers typically earn between $36,800 and $48,920. Healthcare social workers’ pay ranges from $38,870 to $55,790. Mental health specialists can expect between $36,370 and $52,290.
University and college social work educators earn more, with median salaries of $63,990. These roles can pay up to $80,300, making them some of the best-paid positions in the field.
North Carolina’s cost of living makes these salaries quite comfortable. Location matters too – urban areas usually pay more than rural regions. The best way to know exact salary expectations is to check current job listings in your target cities.
Social Work Scholarships in North Carolina
Scholarships make social work education available to more students. Many organizations and institutions in North Carolina help aspiring social workers fund their education.
Students at UNC School of Social Work can apply for more than 30 merit- and need-based scholarships. The Amy Louise Brannock MSW Memorial Scholarship helps students who work with trauma and sexual violence victims. The Bertie Oscar Edwards, MD, Scholarship gives priority to Western North Carolina’s candidates interested in domestic violence and mental health services.
The Iris Carlton-LaNey Scholarship provides financial support to students who want to build careers in racial equity. The Dean E. Smith Opening Doors Fund honors Smith’s legacy by supporting graduate students dedicated to social justice and leadership.
Students working with military families can benefit from the Springle Memorial Scholarship, a 15-year old fund created to honor Dr. Charles Keith Springle. The Margaret Mebane Parker Scholarship Fund supports students from military families or those who want to serve military communities.
North Carolina’s regional scholarships serve specific counties:
- Students doing field placements in Guilford County can get help from the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation
- The Culbertson Fund benefits Charlotte/Mecklenburg area students
- The Art and Dannie Weber Scholarship supports Forsyth County high school graduates
National organizations provide many more opportunities. NASW awards specialized scholarships to students working with Alaska Native/Indian American or LatinX communities. NABSW has created multiple scholarships that support Black MSW students.
Grant amounts range from $1,500 to $20,000. Women pursuing graduate degrees can receive AAUW grants between $2,000 and $20,000. LGBTQ+ students and allies can apply for the $2,000 Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship. The Blanche Raper Zimmerman Teacher Grant provides $2,500 for professional development.
Social Work Organizations in NC
Social workers at every career stage can find support, networking opportunities, and resources through professional organizations in North Carolina. These associations help professionals grow through their programs and initiatives.
The National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) leads as the state’s largest professional association for social workers. This 68-year old organization serves over 4,000 members and champions professional advocacy through legislative efforts and representation on statewide committees.
Clinical practitioners receive specialized support from the North Carolina Society of Clinical Social Workers (NCSCSW). Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including a free annual ethics training. The organization runs an active online community where professionals can share resources, ask for advice, and tackle clinical challenges together.
Black social work professionals connect through the Triangle Association of Black Social Workers (TABSW) and its regular events. Summer symposiums, networking sessions, and professional development programs make up their core activities. TABSW champions social justice causes by advocating for Medicaid expansion and helping families during holidays.
The North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS) makes social service delivery better across counties. This non-profit organization promotes proven methods and works with policymakers to improve service delivery systems.
These organizations give members valuable benefits:
- Workshops and conferences for professional growth
- Strong voice in social work policies and legislation
- Connections with experienced mentors
- Latest updates on industry news and policy changes
- Ways to help the community
- Special training resources
- Regular networking events and gatherings
Social workers who actively participate in these organizations can shape their profession’s future while building lasting professional relationships. Each group brings unique points of view and resources that help members stay current with best practices and advance social work in North Carolina.
Social Work Jobs in North Carolina
Social work positions in North Carolina show promising growth, with data that indicates substantial expansion through 2030. The state currently has 12,430 social work positions, and this number should reach 14,160 by 2030 – a 14% increase.
Healthcare social workers rank among the most valuable specialists, with average yearly earnings of $63,110. They help patients understand their diagnoses and coordinate care transitions while connecting families to essential resources. Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $53,940 annually as they address crucial behavioral healthcare needs.
North Carolina’s major employment centers provide a variety of opportunities:
- Chapel Hill-Durham Region: Focuses on educational institutions and healthcare facilities, with emphasis on substance abuse prevention and mental health services
- Charlotte: Rapid growth drives demand for clinical social workers specializing in housing advocacy, immigration support, and rehabilitation services
- Asheville: Combines healthcare social work with community outreach, particularly in substance abuse treatment and elderly care
- Wilmington: Emphasizes cultural competency, offering positions in healthcare, schools, and clinical counseling
A county-based system runs through the Division of Social Services, with job openings available in 100 local Department of Social Services offices. Each county’s office handles its own staffing and provides positions from child welfare to adult protective services.
Popular roles include Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Medical Social Worker, Case Worker, Healthcare Advocate, and Hospice Social Worker. These professionals research community resources, identify people who need help, develop improvement plans, and respond to crisis situations.
The North Carolina Chapter of NASW maintains a dedicated job bank that receives over 30,000 pageviews monthly. This platform connects qualified professionals with employers throughout the state. Military veterans receive special consideration through fee waivers for original applications, which acknowledges their valuable experience and service.
North Carolina Social Work is a Promising Career
Social work careers offer promising opportunities in North Carolina, with substantial growth projected through 2030. Aspiring social workers can choose multiple career paths. These range from entry-level positions needing a BSW to advanced clinical roles that require MSW degrees and supervised experience.
The path to becoming a licensed social worker needs careful planning and dedication. A solid career foundation starts with education through CSWE-accredited programs. You’ll need to advance through supervised clinical practice and keep up with professional development through continuing education.
Salary prospects stay competitive in various specializations, especially when you have healthcare and clinical settings experience. North Carolina’s professional organizations provide great support. Many scholarships make education available to dedicated students.
Social work needs your commitment to serve others while you grow professionally. You can build a rewarding career that helps North Carolina communities thrive through proper education, licensing, and networking.
Note that success in social work combines academic excellence, hands-on experience, and ongoing learning. Research accredited programs and connect with professional organizations that match your career goals to begin your path today.
FAQs
Q1. What are the educational requirements to become a social worker in North Carolina? To become a social worker in North Carolina, you typically need either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from one of the state’s 25 accredited programs. For clinical practice, a Master’s degree is required.
Q2. How long does it take to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in NC? Becoming an LCSW in North Carolina requires completing an MSW degree, followed by 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice over 2-6 years. This includes 100 hours of supervision from a qualified LCSW supervisor.
Q3. What are the different types of social work licenses available in North Carolina? North Carolina offers several social work credentials, including Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Each has specific requirements and allows for different levels of practice.
Q4. What is the average salary for social workers in North Carolina? Social work salaries in North Carolina vary by specialization. Child, family, and school social workers earn an average of $53,630 annually, healthcare social workers earn about $64,590, and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn around $52,640 per year.
Q5. Are there online MSW programs available in North Carolina? Yes, several North Carolina institutions offer online MSW programs. These maintain the same rigorous standards as on-campus programs while providing greater flexibility. Online students complete identical field placement requirements within their local communities.