Wisconsin State LCSW Requirements
Although located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University offers online degree programs that are available in states across the country including Wisconsin. FSU’s online Master of Social Work program offers a supportive, community-focused program that prepares graduates to excel in the diverse field of social work. Whether you have a baccalaureate in social work or are coming into the field with a degree in another concentration, FSU offers a distinct curriculum aimed at providing students with an engaging learning environment.
FSU’s online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and prepares graduates to seek licensure and employment in the state of Wisconsin. Those wishing to become a LCSW in Wisconsin must meet the following requirements:
- Have a master’s or doctoral degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, including completion of supervised clinical field training. Program must be accredited by, or a pre-accreditation program of, the Council on Social Work Education.
- Following graduation, become certified as an advanced practice social worker or as an independent social worker and complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience in no less than 2 years, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and including DSM diagnosis and treatment of individuals.
- Pass the open book Wisconsin Statutes and Rules examination and the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) Clinical Examination.
Once requirements are met, applicants must submit the following to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services:
- Completed application forms
- Appropriate fee
- Wisconsin Statutes and Rules examination (if not taken within last 5 years)
- Official transcript showing master’s or doctoral degree sent directly from the school and for any post-graduate coursework
- Verification of clinical coursework
- Documentation of post-graduate clinical experience and supervised clinical field training
- Verification of ASWB examination scores sent directly from ASWB
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Wisconsin’s state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
Wisconsin Social Work Reciprocity
Wisconsin offers reciprocity of licensures gained in different states. This is great news if you gain licensure in another jurisdiction but plan on relocating to Wisconsin in the future. Application procedures and supporting documents for licensure by reciprocity are similar to those mentioned above. The primary difference is the applicant’s need to submit verification of credentials and the rules and regulations from other state(s) of licensure. An applicant for reciprocity must hold a credential from a state whose requirements are (or were at one time) substantially equivalent to those currently upheld in Wisconsin. Be aware that some states grant clinical credit for types of supervised practice that Wisconsin rules do not consider clinical in focus.
Once again, be sure to check with the state requirements to ensure you are following the most up to date licensing requirements.
How Does an online MSW degree from FSU Make a Difference?
Florida State University’s online Master of Social Work program allows busy professionals to balance their professional life with their educational goals. It gives students options regardless of their undergraduate background. An Advanced Standing program is available for students who have completed a bachelor’s of social work from a CSWE-accredited program. A Traditional program is available for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a concentration other than social work. Both programs are clinically focused and offer field placements.
Florida State University’s College of Social Work is well-respected and nationally recognized. U.S. News & World Report ranked FSU in the Top 40 “Best Graduate Schools” while FSU’s online MSW program ranked as the top MSW program in Florida. TheBestSchools.org ranked FSU’s program in their Top 5 for online MSW programs. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Florida State University as one of the “Best Values in Public Colleges.”