So You Want to Be a Licensed Social Worker in Oklahoma: From Baby Steps to Badass Helping Professional
Ever feel like the world needs a little more...you? Like you were born to lend a hand, dispense sage advice, and navigate the trickier parts of life for others? Well, my friend, you might have what it takes to be a Licensed Social Worker in Oklahoma! But hold your horses (or therapy llamas, whichever is your spirit animal), there are a few hoops to jump through first.
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| How Do I Become A Licensed Social Worker In Oklahoma |
Step 1: Gettin' Book Smart (and Heart Smart)
This ain't rocket surgery (though some days it might feel that intense), but you will need a degree. Buckle up for a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) or take the deep dive with a Master's in Social Work (MSW). Pro tip: Make sure your program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). They're basically the social work fashion police, and you don't want to get caught wearing an unaccredited degree.
Step 2: Experience is Everything (Except Maybe That Time You Tried to Make Tie-Dye in the Bathtub)
School's great, but there's no substitute for real-world experience. Get ready to clock some supervised social work hours. We're talking 4,000 hours for an LSW (Licensed Social Worker) and the same for an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), but with a more clinical focus. Think of it as your social work apprenticeship – you'll be putting your book smarts to the test and gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Step 3: Exam Time! (But No Need to Sweat, We've All Been There)
Once you've got the degree and the experience, it's time to prove your knowledge with an exam. The good news? There's a test for everyone! LSW folks will take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor's Level Exam, and our LCSW friends will conquer the ASWB Clinical Exam. Breathe in, breathe out, you got this!
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Step 4: Welcome to the Wonderful World of Licensure!
Congratulations! You've made it through the gauntlet and are now officially a Licensed Social Worker in Oklahoma! Now you can hang that fancy piece of paper on the wall (or use it as a superhero cape, we won't judge).
Remember, licensure is an ongoing journey. You'll need to renew your license every two years and complete some continuing education courses to keep your skills sharp.
But hey, that's a small price to pay to make a big difference in people's lives!
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
FAQ: Oklahoma Social Work Licensure in a Flash
How to find a CSWE-accredited social work program?
The CSWE has a handy dandy directory on their website:
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How much supervision do I need for my LSW?
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
You'll need 4,000 hours of supervised social work experience, with at least 100 hours coming from an LSW or LSW-ADM (Licensed Social Worker-Administration).
What's the difference between an LSW and an LCSW?
An LSW provides general social work services, while an LCSW has a master's degree and can provide clinical social work services like therapy.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
How long does it take to become a licensed social worker?
It depends on your chosen path, but generally, expect 2-4 years to complete your degree and gain the required supervised experience.
I have a social work degree from another country. Can I get licensed in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers will consider applications on a case-by-case basis. Contact them for more information.
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