MSW Programs in Florida | No GRE/CSWE Accredited Masters

If you want to put your social work skills to use and never have to worry about snow, consider earning your Master’s degree in social work in Florida. This state, with over 19 million residents, requires educated social workers to offer counseling and therapy services to its citizens.

Florida is an interesting state for social workers in many regards. First, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that a higher than average percentage of its citizens are over the age of 65, creating a need for social workers that understand end-of-life issues and demands.

Additionally, the state has a higher than average percentage of residents that identify as Hispanic. This has created a demand for social workers that are bilingual and offer culturally-sensitive care.

Tuition and Curriculum Information for MSW Programs in Florida

With schools dispersed throughout the state, you don’t have to live in a particular city or area to earn your MSW. There are 14 MSW programs in Florida with an average tuition cost of $12,833. If you attend a school with a BSW program, you may be able to work as a teaching assistant to pay for your tuition.

The goal of Florida MSW programs is to prepare you for advanced clinical social work. They meet this goal in a variety of ways. First, you take courses on how to treat and work with people of varying demographic groups. You also take intensive courses on social work ethics and responsibilities. Higher-level social work courses help you learn about social work policies and administration.

Field Experience and Clinical Work

Throughout the course of your two-year program, you complete 500 to 900 clinical hours. Since your degree enables you to work with people of any diagnosis, age, and background, you can expect to complete your clinical hours in a variety of settings with people of all different backgrounds.

It is important to apply what you have learned at your field sites, since your field site supervisor will assess your performance and determine whether or not you are progressing at attended. In addition, you may end up being employed by your field site at some point, so it’s important to make an excellent first impression.

MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Florida

Being a LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) gives you the freedom to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health centers, government welfare agencies, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the majority of social workers either work for the government or for a healthcare company.

Since there are many large cities in Florida, you may be able to easily find a social work job with a local government agency. If you prefer to work in the private sector, there are many private companies that hire social workers. Some of these companies include Sarasota Health and Rehabilitation, St. Andrews Rehabilitation Center, Humana, and Haven Hospice.

Social Worker Salary in Florida

Because of the many ways you can use your social work degree, social worker salaries vary significantly between locations and employers. Overall, O*Net reports that healthcare social workers generally earn the highest salaries, with an average salary of $43,600 per year. You could also work as a child/family social worker to earn an average salary of $38,500 per year (O*Net, 2012). Mental health social workers in Florida earn an average salary of $36,300 (O*Net, 2012).

Social Worker Job Outlook in Florida

With the need for mental health support increasing throughout the country, clinical social workers are in high demand. In Florida, the greatest job growth is expected for healthcare social workers. Job openings are expected to increase by 28% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Mental health social workers are also in high demand, with projected job growth of 19% through 2020 (O*Net, 2012). If you work in the field of family social work, you can look forward to projected job growth of 16% in the same time frame (O*Net, 2012).

Social Work Licensure in Florida

Florida’s governing social work agency is the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. In order to be considered for licensure, you must submit proof of graduation and clinical hours. You can apply to take the exam at any point. Upon passing the exam, you are an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker).

To become an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), you have to meet additional requirements. After becoming an LMSW, you must complete two years of supervised clinical work to earn LCSW status.