How to Become a Social Worker in Virginia

Virginia presents exceptional opportunities for aspiring social workers, with strong employment prospects and competitive salaries. The state’s robust economy demands qualified professionals across various specializations, from mental health to healthcare social work.

Social workers in Virginia benefit from steady job growth and diverse career paths. The state anticipates approximately 63,800 job openings annually for social workers over the next decade. Furthermore, the Department of Veterans Affairs, headquartered in Virginia, stands as the nation’s largest employer of Master’s-prepared social workers.

BLS Salary Data

Virginia social workers earn higher compensation compared to national averages. Child, Family, and School Social Workers receive a median annual salary of $61,680. Healthcare Social Workers earn approximately $62,200 annually, while Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers command $63,500 per year. Social workers in specialized roles earn even more, with annual salaries reaching $78,630.

Why Become a Social Worker in Virginia?

Several factors make Virginia an attractive destination for social work professionals:

• Arlington and Alexandria rank among the top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas for child, family, and school social workers nationwide.

The VA healthcare system offers distinctive advantages for social workers:

• Education support through loan repayment and tuition assistance programs
• Ability to practice across VA facilities nationwide with one active state license
• Access to multidisciplinary care teams through the Patient Aligned Care Team program.

The employment landscape shows particularly strong growth projections for 2022-2032:

• Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers: 13% growth
• Healthcare Social Workers: 11.9% growth
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 8.5% growth

Additionally, 18% of Virginia’s current social workers plan to retire within the next decade, creating substantial opportunities for new professionals entering the field. The state’s cost-of-living index of 102.8 ranks 31st nationally, offering a balanced environment for career growth and financial stability.

Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker

The path to becoming a social worker in Virginia involves meeting specific educational and professional requirements established by the Virginia Board of Social Work. The board offers three distinct licensure paths: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Degree Requirements

Aspiring social workers must complete their education from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For LBSW certification, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in social work. Subsequently, LMSW and LCSW paths require a master’s degree in social work. The LCSW program specifically demands specialized coursework in:

• Human behavior and social environment
• Social justice and policy
• Psychopathology and diversity issues
• Research methodologies
• Clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups

Field Hours Completion

Clinical social work students must complete a minimum of 600 hours in their practicum, focusing on diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services. Also, LCSW candidates must fulfill 3,000 hours of post-master’s clinical social work experience, including at least 1,380 hours of face-to-face client contact.

Licensure Process

The licensure journey involves several key steps:

Application Submission: Candidates must submit their applications within two years of completing supervised experience. The process requires:

• Official transcripts verifying educational requirements
• Documentation of supervised experience
• Current National Practitioner Data Bank report
• Application fees ranging from $100 for LBSW to $165 for LCSW

Supervision Requirements: LCSW candidates must obtain 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, with no more than 50 hours through group supervision. This supervised experience must be completed within:

• Minimum of 2 years
• Maximum of 4 consecutive years

Examination: After board approval, candidates must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination corresponding to their licensure level. The board grants a two-year period to complete the examination requirement.

You can find the most up-to-date licensure requirements on the Virginia board website.

Social Work Degree Programs in Virginia

Total Number of CSWE-Accredited Programs

Virginia maintains high educational standards with multiple CSWE-accredited social work programs. Currently, the state houses 22 bachelor’s and master’s programs nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. These programs ensure quality instruction and satisfy licensing requirements through applied practicum experiences.

State Schools

Public universities in Virginia offer comprehensive social work education:

• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) ranks well for Best Graduate Schools for Social Work. VCU features:
  • BSW programs available on campus and online
  • MSW programs with clinical and macro specializations
  • Ph.D. programs funded through assistantships
• George Mason University’s Department of Social Work brings 50 years of experience preparing students for community well-being.
• Virginia State University offers:
  • CSWE-accredited BSW program
  • MSW program with full CSWE accreditation
  • Specialized Homefront Readjustment for Armed Forces Program
• Radford University’s School of Social Work emphasizes rural and Appalachian contexts, offering both BSW and MSW programs

Private Colleges

Private institutions contribute significantly to social work education:

Virginia Union University (VUU) demonstrates commitment to excellence through:

• CSWE-accredited BSW program reaffirmed until 2027
• MSW program achieved Candidacy status in July 2023
• Curriculum aligned with nine professional competency areas

Five private universities maintain full CSWE accreditation for their MSW programs:

• George Mason University
• Radford University
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Norfolk State University
• Liberty University

Liberty University has full CWSE accreditation for both their BSW and MSW programs.

Marymount University’s MSW program is in pre-candidacy status. This rigorous accreditation process ensures program quality and graduate competence across all delivery methods and locations.

BSW Programs

Virginia Commonwealth University stands as a premier institution for social work education, maintaining an impressive 18:1 faculty-to-student ratio. The program benefits from nearly 40 full-time faculty members and 15+ community-embedded instructors. VCU offers the BSW program at their Monroe Park Campus, with flexible options for both first year and transfer students

Mary Baldwin University provides accessible education through multiple locations throughout Virginia, combining online coursework with strategic in-person sessions.

Norfolk State University’s Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work delivers a comprehensive BSW program through their accredited curriculum.

Virginia Wesleyan University features a distinguished program under Program Chair Benjamin Dobrin, MSW, Ph.D.

BSW Program Structure

The BSW curriculum typically follows a two-phase structure (we are using VCU as an example):

1. Pre-Social Work Education (First two years):
   • Liberal arts foundation courses
   • General education requirements
   • Introduction to social work concepts
2. Professional Social Work Education (Final two years):
   • Advanced coursework
   • Field practicum experience
   • Professional development training

Students engage with diverse topics, from mental health to human rights, through data-driven, outcomes-based instruction. The final semester includes intensive field experience, requiring minimum 36 hours weekly under qualified supervision.

Program Length

BSW programs typically require 120 credit hours for completion. At VCU, this includes 46 credits specifically dedicated to major coursework. Students must maintain specific academic standards:

• Overall GPA requirement of 2.00 on a 4-point scale
• Social work courses GPA requirement of 2.5
• Completion of prescribed courses from both university core and social work specialty areas

For honors designation, students must achieve a 3.5 cumulative GPA and complete 6-9 credits of independent study with minimum B grades. Transfer students can accelerate their progress by transferring up to 84 credits toward their degree completion.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs

Virginia Commonwealth University ranks as the state’s premier MSW institution, holding the 28th position among Best Graduate Schools for Social Work. Norfolk State University brings extensive experience through its Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, which pioneered the first master’s degree at NSU. George Mason University and Radford University round out the state’s accredited MSW offerings.

Location

VCU operates its flagship MSW program through both campus-based and online formats. George Mason University conducts programs at its main campus, presently ranked 39th among MSW programs at public institutions. Norfolk State University serves the Hampton Roads area, partnering with over 100 public and private agencies for field placements.

Program Structure

MSW programs offer distinct concentrations:

• Clinical Practice: Focuses on direct client services and therapeutic interventions
• Administration, Planning, and Policy Practice: Emphasizes macro-level social work

The curriculum divides into two primary components:

1. Foundation Year
   • Core social work principles
   • Human behavior studies
   • Research methodologies
   • Basic practice skills
2. Specialization Year
   • Advanced clinical techniques
   • Population-specific interventions
   • Evidence-based practices
   • Policy analysis

Program Length

Programs accommodate various student needs through flexible scheduling:

• Traditional Full-Time: 2 years with 60 credit hours
• Part-Time: 3-4 years for completion
• Advanced Standing: 33-45 credits for BSW holders

Field education requirements include:

• 1,050 supervised practicum hours for traditional students
• Minimum 450-600 hours for advanced standing students

Students can access financial support through:

• School scholarships
• Assistantships
• Child Welfare Stipend Program
• Project PIRR funding opportunities

Online MSW Programs in VA

Flexible online MSW programs enable working professionals to advance their social work careers while maintaining their current commitments. Several accredited institutions offer comprehensive virtual learning experiences.

Virginia Commonwealth University stands as a pioneer in online social work education, maintaining its position as one of the largest accredited programs nationwide. The program emphasizes clinical social work practice, offering certificates in Aging Studies and School Social Work.

VCU offers multiple completion pathways:

• Full-time options:
  • 16-month accelerated track
  • Traditional two-year format
  • Advanced standing (one year) for BSW holders
• Part-time formats:
  • Three-year completion plan
  • Four-year flexible schedule

George Mason University delivers a specialized curriculum focusing on social justice principles.  Students choose between two concentrations:

• Adults & Healthy Aging
• Children, Youth & Families

GMU structures its program differently:

• 60 credit hours total
• Ten-semester completion timeline
• Asynchronous course delivery for maximum flexibility

Advanced standing admission at VCU requires:

• BSW degree earned within previous five years
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• “B” or higher grade in senior field placement

Location

Both VCU and GMU conduct their programs entirely online, requiring no campus visits. Nevertheless, students must complete field placements at approved sites within their local communities. VCU strategically places online learners in field experiences during business hours to complement their coursework.

Expert faculty members bring decades of practical experience to the virtual classroom. The programs maintain rigorous academic standards while offering geographic flexibility for students completing coursework from home. Both universities provide comprehensive support services and maintain CSWE accreditation, ensuring graduates meet all requirements for professional licensure.

Types of Social Workers

Social workers in Virginia serve diverse populations through specialized roles, each requiring distinct qualifications and expertise. The Virginia Board of Social Work regulates three primary licensure categories to ensure quality care across all practice areas.

Professional social workers in Virginia focus on multiple specialized domains:

Healthcare Social Work: These practitioners support clients in medical settings, coordinating care teams and facilitating access to resources. VA healthcare social workers conduct suicide screenings, assist with benefits applications, and implement treatment approaches addressing social determinants of health.

Mental Health Services: Clinical social workers provide individual therapy, group counseling, and family interventions. They address emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Child and Family Services: These specialists protect children from neglect and abuse, facilitate adoptions, and help families navigate challenging transitions. They also connect families with essential community resources and monitor at-risk youth.

Military Social Work: As the nation’s largest employer of Master’s-prepared social workers, the VA system offers unique opportunities. These professionals help veterans access care, manage benefits, and address service-related challenges.

Community Practice: Social workers in this field improve conditions within specific population subsets, enabling individuals and families to access appropriate social services.

Board Requirements

The Virginia Board of Social Work maintains distinct requirements for each practice category:

Clinical Social Workers (LCSW):

• Complete 30 hours of continuing education biennially
• Maintain 6 hours in ethics or practice standards
• Submit renewal fee of $90

Master’s Social Workers (LMSW):

• Fulfill 15 hours of continuing education every two years
• Include 3 hours focused on ethics
• Pay renewal fee of $65

Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSW):

• Complete 15 hours of continuing education biennially
• Dedicate 3 hours to ethics training
• Submit renewal fee of $55

All practitioners must maintain documentation of completed continuing education activities for two years following each renewal period. The board accepts courses from ASWB-approved providers, ensuring high-quality professional development across all specializations.

Social Work Licenses

The Virginia Board of Social Work maintains rigorous standards for professional licensure, ensuring qualified practitioners serve diverse communities across the state. Through structured pathways, candidates can pursue credentials aligned with their education and career goals.

License Types

The board regulates three distinct social work credentials:

• Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW): Entry-level practitioners providing generalist services
• Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW): Advanced generalist practice professionals
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Specialists authorized for independent clinical practice

Education Requirements

Each license demands specific academic qualifications:

• LBSW candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
• LMSW applicants need a master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution.
• LCSW candidates require a master’s degree with clinical coursework encompassing:

• • Human behavior and social environment
  • Social justice and policy
  • Psychopathology
  • Diversity issues
  • Research methodologies
  • Clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups

A clinical practicum of 600 hours remains mandatory for LCSW candidates

Examination Information

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers all licensing examinations. Beginning March 2025, testing will transition to Pearson VUE centers. Key examination guidelines include:

• 90-day waiting period between attempts
• Two-year window to pass after board approval
• Score reports processed within 7-10 days

For unsuccessful candidates after initial two years, reapplication becomes necessary. Those failing within second two-year period must complete one additional year of supervised practice before attempting again. Upon passing, the board processes licensure applications within 7-10 business days of receiving official scores.

Career Types

The Department of Veterans Affairs leads employment opportunities, ranking as the nation’s largest employer of Master’s-prepared social workers. Social workers serve in diverse settings, including:

• Healthcare facilities managing spinal cord injuries, mental health services, and emergency departments
• Community programs focusing on homeless outreach and suicide prevention
• Veterans justice outreach and medical foster homes
• Home-based primary care and caregiver support initiatives

Number of Professionals

CompTool’s latest data reveals hundreds of active job postings for social workers across Virginia. The VA healthcare system maintains steady demand through more than 1,200 facilities nationwide. This robust job market spans multiple practice areas, with positions available in:

• Clinical settings
• School districts
• Healthcare facilities
• Community organizations

Annual Salary Ranges

Salary data as of March 2025 shows varied compensation based on experience and specialization:

Entry-level social workers with MSW degrees earn approximately $70,403 annually. Mid-career professionals with 2-4 years of experience command $74,068, whereas specialists with 5-8 years of experience receive $77,220.

Clinical positions offer higher compensation:

• Travel Licensed Clinical Social Workers: Up to $145,028 annually
• Healthcare Facility Surveyors: $80,000
• School Social Workers: $81,542

Experience significantly impacts earning potential:

• Senior practitioners (8+ years): $77,783
• 75th percentile earnings: $82,317
• Entry-level positions: Starting at $67,574

The VA enhances compensation through comprehensive benefits, including:

• Federal Employees Retirement System coverage
• Thrift Savings Plan participation
• Education support through loan repayment
• Tuition assistance programs

This data is aggregated from salary ranges on live job postings. You can look at statewide averages on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Scholarships in VA

Financial support empowers aspiring social workers to pursue their educational goals in Virginia. Multiple organizations and institutions offer scholarships tailored to social work students at various academic levels.

The Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship stands as a cornerstone opportunity for BSW students. This prestigious award, established in 2010, supports full-time upper-level undergraduate social work students. This scholarship maintains specific eligibility criteria:

• Virginia residency requirement
• Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
• Demonstrated financial need through VCU Office of Financial Aid

The Child Welfare Stipend Program offers substantial funding of $10,000 per academic year for BSW seniors and MSW students pursuing careers in public child welfare.

The Child Welfare Stipend Program requires:

• Full-time enrollment in BSW (seniors) or MSW programs
• Commitment to work at Local Department of Social Services

One calendar year of service for each academic year funded

VCU’s School of Social Work administers numerous merit-based scholarships:

• Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante Scholarship serving Hispanic communities
• Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship supporting all academic levels
• Campbell Merit Scholarship dedicated to BSW students

VCU’s Pay It Forward Emergency Fund assists students facing unexpected financial challenges. Additionally, the Social Work Field Fund helps cover field placement-related expenses for BSW and MSW students.

Professional Social Work Organizations in VA

Professional associations in Virginia offer essential resources and support for social workers at every career stage. These organizations champion professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities across the Commonwealth. 

The National Association of Social Workers Virginia Chapter

The National Association of Social Workers Virginia Chapter (NASWVA) operates as the state’s premier professional organization.

NASWVA stands as the largest membership organization for professional social workers in Virginia, serving practitioners across diverse settings. The chapter excels in:

Professional Development Programs:

• Pre-approved continuing education courses
• Licensure exam preparation workshops
• Multiple supervision courses

The organization maintains active engagement through:

• Annual conferences featuring 30+ breakout sessions
• Networking events with hundreds of peers
• Exhibitor fairs showcasing industry resources

The Virginia Association of School Social Workers

The Virginia Association of School Social Workers (VASSW) exclusively serves school-based practitioners.

VASSW focuses exclusively on school social work, offering:

• Bi-annual state conferences
• Regional workshops across six districts
• Professional development opportunities

The Association of VA Social Workers

Another significant organization, the Association of VA Social Workers (AVASW), supports professionals within the VA healthcare system.

AVASW supports over 12,000 social workers throughout the VA system. The association prioritizes:

• Comprehensive healthcare service development
• Professional advancement opportunities
• Advocacy for recruitment and retention

Through these connections, social workers gain access to specialized training, advocacy initiatives, and professional networking opportunities that enhance their practice and career development.

State Board Contact Information

The Virginia Board of Social Work maintains regular communication channels:

Primary Contact Details:

• Email: socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov
• Phone: (804) 367-4441 

Physical Location: Department of Health Professions Perimeter Center 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays

The board actively participates in the Social Work Licensure Compact, enabling regulated social workers with bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical licenses to serve clients across member states. This initiative streamlines practice mobility while maintaining professional standards.

FAQs

Q1. What are the educational requirements to become a social worker in Virginia?

To become a social worker in Virginia, you need a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. For an LBSW, a bachelor’s degree in social work is required. For LMSW and LCSW, a master’s degree in social work is necessary, with LCSW programs requiring specialized coursework in areas like clinical practice and psychopathology.

Q2. How long does it take to complete the licensure process in Virginia?

The licensure process duration varies depending on the type of license. For LCSW, candidates must complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s clinical social work experience, including at least 1,380 hours of face-to-face client contact. This supervised experience must be completed within a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 consecutive years.

Q3. What are the salary ranges for social workers in Virginia?

Social work salaries in Virginia vary based on experience and specialization. Entry-level social workers with MSW degrees earn approximately $70,403 annually, while mid-career professionals with 2-4 years of experience command around $74,068. Clinical positions often offer higher compensation, with some roles reaching up to $145,028 annually.

Q4. Are there online MSW programs available in Virginia?

Yes, there are online MSW programs available in Virginia. Virginia Commonwealth University, Liberty University and George Mason University offer comprehensive online MSW programs. These programs are fully accredited and provide flexible learning options for working professionals, including full-time and part-time tracks.

Q5. What continuing education requirements do social workers in Virginia need to meet?

Continuing education requirements in Virginia vary by license type. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) must complete 30 hours of continuing education biennially, including 6 hours in ethics or practice standards. Licensed Master’s Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSW) need to fulfill 15 hours of continuing education every two years, with 3 hours focused on ethics.