How to Get Your LCSW in Tennessee: Step-by-Step Requirements Guide

Tennessee’s social work licensing system has four distinct levels, each with unique requirements and capabilities. The journey toward becoming a licensed social worker starts with the right educational credentials.

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution helps you get the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential. This license lets you provide non-clinical services independently.

Your career opportunities expand significantly with a Master of Social Work (MSW), which qualifies you for higher licenses:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Most students complete their MSW program in two years. BSW degree holders might qualify for an accelerated one-year program.

The Tennessee Board of Social Work needs your official transcript to start the licensing process. Your educational institution should mail it to 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243, or email it to Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov.

LAPSW and LCSW candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. LAPSW candidates need non-clinical experience under an LAPSW or LCSW supervisor. LCSW candidates must gain clinical experience under an LCSW supervisor.

Each license level has specific exam requirements:

• LBSW: ASWB bachelors exam
• LMSW: ASWB masters exam
• LAPSW: ASWB advanced generalist exam
• LCSW: ASWB clinical exam

LCSW candidates must submit their supervision plan for Board approval first. The complete application packet should include:

• LMSW renewal card copy
• Supervision verification
• Professional reference
• Clinical hours/Supervision log
• Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire
• Declaration of Citizenship form
• Application fee of $235

The Board reviews LAPSW and LCSW applications 30 days before the board meeting. You’ll receive exam authorization after application approval. The Board issues your license once you pass the appropriate ASWB exam.

Your timeline to get a Tennessee social work license depends on your chosen path. The LBSW route takes the least time, while advanced licenses like LAPSW and LCSW need extra time for master’s degree completion and supervised experience.

Social Work Degree Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee offers many CSWE-accredited social work programs that help students become skilled professionals. Students can choose from both undergraduate and graduate programs that provide the knowledge they need for professional practice.

BSW Programs in Tennessee (list)

Tennessee has 16 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs ^[2]. Here are the prominent institutions offering BSW degrees:

• Austin Peay State University (Clarksville)
• Belmont University (Nashville)
• East Tennessee State University (Johnson City)
• Freed-Hardeman University (Henderson)
• King University (Bristol)
• Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate)
• Lipscomb University (Nashville)
• Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro)
• Southern Adventist University (Collegedale)
• Tennessee State University (Nashville)
• Union University (Jackson)
• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• University of Tennessee at Martin

Trevecca Nazarene University also maintains candidacy status for BSW accreditation ^[2].

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Tennessee (list)

Several schools offer CSWE-accredited MSW programs with specialized concentrations. East Tennessee State University’s clinical concentration prepares students for independent clinical practice with an impressive 73% licensure pass rate, which surpasses the North American average of 61% ^[3].

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s MSSW program teaches culturally relevant practices for today’s global environment ^[4]. Union University provides advanced generalist training at multiple campuses.

Here are the accredited MSW programs in Tennessee:

• East Tennessee State University
• University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
• Union University
• Southern Adventist University

Two programs currently hold candidacy status ^[2]:

• Mid-Tennessee Collaborative (Austin Peay State U, Middle Tennessee State U, and Tennessee State U)
• University of Memphis

Online MSW Programs in Tennessee

Online learning options have grown substantially. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville runs a fully online MSSW program that matches their campus program’s quality ^[1]. Students benefit from:

• Flexible asynchronous coursework
• Evening sessions for live interaction
• Campus faculty teaching online courses
• No GRE requirements ^[1]

East Tennessee State University’s online MSW with clinical concentration delivers all regular coursework online ^[3]. The program focuses on:

• Clinical practice development
• Service excellence in public and private agencies
• Ethical research progress
• Strong community connections through field programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects strong job growth in social work, from 14% in child and family social work to 20% in healthcare social work ^[3]. These numbers show the growing need for qualified social workers in Tennessee.

Online MSW programs help students find supervised field experiences close to home. Students learn both theory and practice, which prepares them well for their professional careers.

Social Work Licenses in Tennessee

The Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (TBSWL) manages four social work credentials. Each credential suits different practice levels and specializations. Social workers can plan their careers better by understanding these licenses.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) The LBSW credential lets you start your career with simple generalist practice. This license allows practitioners to:

• Conduct interviews and assessments
• Manage cases and provide mediation
• Work directly in non-clinical practice
• Support clients and provide education
• Organize community initiatives

Candidates need to submit an application with a $110 fee and pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam to get an LBSW.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) You’ll need a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program for the LMSW credential. This license allows you to:

• Provide advanced supportive counseling
• Offer professional consultation
• Conduct research activities
• Do clinical social work under supervision

The process needs a $160 fee and passing the ASWB master’s exam.

Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) The LAPSW lets you practice independently. You’ll need:

• A CSWE-accredited master’s degree
• 3,000 hours of supervised non-clinical experience
• 100 hours of face-to-face supervision
• A passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam

LAPSW applications cost $235. Your supervision must come from an LAPSW or LCSW.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) LCSWs represent the highest level of licensure and can practice clinical work independently. You’ll need:

• A CSWE-accredited master’s degree
• 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
• 100 hours of face-to-face supervision with an LCSW
• A passing score on the ASWB clinical exam

LCSW applications cost $210.

License Renewal and Continuing Education Tennessee social work licenses need renewal every two years. Each license level has different continuing education needs:

• LBSW: 18 clock hours, plus 6 hours in ethics
• LMSW: 24 clock hours, plus 6 hours in ethics
• LAPSW/LCSW: 30 clock hours, plus 6 hours in ethics

Every level must complete:

• 1 hour on Tennessee Code Annotated
• 2 hours of suicide prevention training every four years

Multi-Media Learning Options Social workers can now complete up to two-thirds of their continuing education through multi-media courses, making professional development more available.

Supervisory Requirements Supervisors must finish 12 hours of specific continuing education in clinical or non-clinical advanced practice social work supervision, especially when covering Tennessee licensing rules.

Out-of-State Applicants These candidates must:

• Pass a criminal background check
• Show they meet their home state’s requirements
• Submit licensing rules from their current state
• Show their renewal card or certificate with license number

Board Policy requires LAPSW and LCSW applications 30 days before board meetings ^[5]. Approved candidates can then take the appropriate ASWB exam.

Social Work Salaries in Tennessee

Tennessee’s social work professionals enjoy promising career prospects with competitive salaries. Their earnings depend on their expertise, work location, and years of experience. Recent data shows encouraging growth in this field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed employment figures and salaries for social work specializations in Tennessee:

Salary figures vary by metropolitan area. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin healthcare social workers earn $59,980 annually. Memphis offers even higher compensation at $63,290.

Rural areas show different salary patterns. Healthcare social workers in East Tennessee’s nonmetropolitan area earn $53,590. Their counterparts in North Central Tennessee make $55,590.

Tennessee expects a 23% growth in healthcare social work positions from 2020 to 2030. This growth translates to 670 job openings each year, which points to excellent career opportunities.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) earn higher salaries. Tennessee LCSWs make an average of $85,459 per year. The salary progression looks like this:

• Entry Level (25th percentile): $65,300
• Mid-Career (Average): $85,459
• Experienced (75th percentile): $101,700
• Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,696

Location plays a key role in determining salaries. Here’s how different cities compare:

• Clarksville leads with $85,890
• Johnson City follows at $67,680
• Jackson reports $41,640

Mental health and substance abuse social workers’ salaries differ by region:

• Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin: $50,160
• Memphis: $49,710
• Chattanooga: $47,160

The job market looks bright with faster-than-average growth predictions. Tennessee will add 220 new positions yearly between 2020 and 2030. This number doesn’t include openings from retirement and turnover.

Career advancement comes through specialization, additional certifications, and experience. A social worker’s salary grows with years of service, specialized training, and work location within Tennessee.

Social Work Scholarships in Tennessee

Social work students in Tennessee need financial support to complete their education. Many scholarships help aspiring social workers reach their goals.

Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship This groundbreaking program helps graduate-level social work students with up to $30,000 in tuition support over two years ^[7]. Students must meet these requirements:

• Live in Tennessee and pursue a master’s degree in social work
• Work at state-funded treatment agencies after graduation
• Help communities that lack behavioral health services

Midsouth Social Work Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students This scholarship supports MSW students who fit specific criteria ^[8]. Students need to:

• Take at least 9 credit hours each term
• Keep good grades
• Be US citizens or permanent residents
• Qualify as disadvantaged through:
  • Family income below 200% of poverty level
  • Being first in their family to attend college
  • Coming from a Title 1 high school

DCS BSW/BSSW Tuition Assistance Program This program gives complete financial support to undergraduate social work students ^[9]. Students receive:

• Full tuition at public universities
• Capped tuition at private schools based on public university rates
• Extra money for living costs, books, and travel
• Up to 12 credit hours in summer terms

After graduation, students must work for the Department of Children’s Services:

• 6 months for each semester of support
• At least 18 months
• No more than 24 months

Graduates start as Case Manager 1 but earn Case Manager 2 pay, which is about $300 more per year ^[9].

College of Social Work Departmental Scholarships The University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work offers many department scholarships ^[10]. Here are some key options:

Akins Family Fellowship

• Open to Knoxville on-campus MSSW students
• Must show financial need
• East Tennessee high school graduates preferred
• Students in Organizational Leadership concentration

Bush Family Fellowship

• Available to Knoxville on-campus MSSW students
• Good grades required
• Financial need matters

Cornerstone of Recovery Fellowship

• Students specializing in addiction recovery
• Must have worked in substance abuse treatment
• Need experience with 12-step recovery programs

NASW Foundation Scholarships The National Association of Social Workers Foundation provides four scholarships ^[11]:

• Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
• Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
• Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship
• Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship

These scholarships help students who want to work with vulnerable populations ^[12].

Application Deadlines Tennessee social work scholarships usually follow these deadlines:

• Spring semester: February 1st
• Fall semester: March 15th

Students should apply to multiple funding sources to increase their chances of getting help. Keep track of deadlines, eligibility rules, and service commitments for each scholarship.

FAQs

Q1. What are the steps to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee? To become an LCSW in Tennessee, you need to earn a CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years, and pass the ASWB clinical exam.

Q2. How many clinical hours are required for LCSW licensure in Tennessee? Tennessee requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience for LCSW licensure. Up to 750 of these hours can be spent on activities like advanced clinical case management, clinical case consultations, and treatment planning.

Q3. What is the average salary for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee? The average annual salary for LCSWs in Tennessee is approximately $85,459. This translates to about $41.09 per hour, $1,643 per week, or $7,121 per month.

Q4. Does Tennessee offer reciprocity for out-of-state LCSW licenses? Yes, Tennessee offers licensure by reciprocity for out-of-state LCSWs. Applicants need to submit an Out of State Licensure Verification Form, ASWB scores, and official transcripts, applying for the equivalent license they hold in their current state.

Q5. What continuing education requirements do social workers in Tennessee need to meet? Tennessee social workers must complete continuing education hours every two years, varying by license level. LCSWs need 30 clock hours, including 6 hours in ethics, 1 hour on Tennessee Code Annotated, and 2 hours of suicide prevention training every four years.

References
[1] – https://csw.utk.edu/academics-and-programs/online-programs/online-mssw-program/
[2] – https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/sw-board/sw-board/educational-programs.html
[3] – https://www.etsu.edu/online/graduate-degrees/msw-socialwork.php
[4] – https://csw.utk.edu/academics-and-programs/graduate-programs/masters-of-science-in-social-work/
[5] – https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/sw-board/sw-board/licensure.html
[6] – https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_tn.htm
[7] – https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/scholarship.html
[8] – https://www.memphis.edu/socialwork/graduate/funding.php
[9] – https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/dcs/documents/about-us/BSWTuition_Assistance_Program_FAQ.PDF
[10] – https://csw.utk.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/
[11] – https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/Scholarships-Fellowships-Awards/Scholarships
[12] – https://www.facebook.com/NASWWV/videos/the-neysa-fanwick-memorial-scholarship-helps-support-the-education-of-msw-studen/1583656865812737/