Rhode Island, known for being the smallest state in the country, has almost 1.1 million residents. As a result, the population density is over 1,000 people per square mile, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This is extremely high when compared to the national average of 87.4 people per square mile. This is something to keep in mind as a social worker, since living in close quarters can cause chronic stress.
When you live in Rhode Island, you can live in one of its large cities like Providence or Warwick, or you can opt to live in a more suburban area. Overall, the cost of living in Rhode Island is 26% higher than the national average.
In spite of its small size, Rhode Island has three excellent MSW programs you can consider attending. The overall average cost of tuition in Rhode Island is $21,269, which is in line with other New England states. There are also a considerable amount of scholarship and assistantship opportunities in Rhode Island, leading to an average scholarship award of $14,656.
As a higher-level degree, an MSW is comprised of several theoretical and practical learning goals. You want to know how to provide evidence-based care to people of varying demographic groups, but you also want to understand the implications of social policy, know how to understand social work ethics, and be able to understand social work research. MSW programs in Rhode Island tackle all of these goals.
MSW programs are divided into your first and second year. In your first year, you gain a thorough understanding of the practical and theoretical applications of social work. In your second year, you can choose a concentration or choose electives that suit your career goals.
In all four semesters of an MSW program, you have to complete practicum hours. Most schools require at least 900 hours, although many require even more than that. It’s important to get your hours at a variety of locations, since doing so can help you get as much experience as possible.
There are lots of different paths you can pursue as a Master’s-level social worker. If you choose a concentration during school, your employment options may be directed by your coursework. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare agencies and government agencies are the primary social work employers across the country.
In Rhode Island, there are many major social work employers. Some of these employers include Bayada Home Health Care, Life Care Centers of America, and Benchmark Senior Living. If you get your clinical social work license, you may be able to work independently by opening your own private practice.
All social workers in Rhode Island are governed by the Rhode Island Department of Health. The process is fairly straightforward. The first level of licensure is Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which you can get after you pass the licensing exam.
To work independently, you must earn Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker status. While you are an LCSW, you must complete 3000 hours of clinical social work. You can then sit for the advanced licensing exam.
Social worker salaries in Rhode Island vary widely, depending on where you work, what concentration you pursue in school, and what license you earn. Social workers in Rhode Island earn average salaries of $52,300 per year to $59,800 per year (O*Net, 2012). Social workers that seek clinical licensure can generally expect to earn average salaries of $31,800 per year to $60,200 per year (O*Net, 2012).
The overall job outlook for social workers and clinical social workers in Rhode Island is excellent. This is a trend that O*Net predicts will continue through 2020. Social workers of varying specialties may see job growth of 7% to 22% (O*Net, 2012). Clinical social workers can generally expect a 19% increase in demand between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012).
Schools in Rhode Island Offering Masters in Social Work Programs
Brown University
(Providence, RI)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $42,808 Tuition Cost
- $31,859 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Rhode Island College
(Providence, RI)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $6,530 Tuition Cost
- $4,041 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
University of Rhode Island
(Kingston, RI)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $10,878 Tuition Cost
- $8,068 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting