​​ In today’s fast-paced, complex society, there’s a vital need for compassionate, professional social workers. This program taps into your natural ability to interact with others, and that capacity is refined into a valuable skill with rewarding professional opportunities. You’ll receive the practical and theoretical education necessary for success, professionally or at a four-year college. The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that social worker jobs will be particularly abundant during the next decade. This will be especially true in New Jersey due to the state’s older-than-average population and its growing popularity as a retirement area. 

Program Goals ​ 

•  Demonstrate knowledge and acceptance of social work values and ethics. 
• Describe the social workers’ role within the social service field. Implement a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving intervention. 
• ​Locate, retrieve and critically evaluate information and information sources related to the profession.​​​ ​ 

There are always benefits to earning a higher degree. The social work profession has a career ladder: it starts with an Associate’s degree (AS), then a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), a Master’s degree (MSW), followed by a Doctorate degree. Aside from simply earning a higher salary, a higher degree can also translate into holding a more prominent position that, without a doubt, leads to more responsibilities. This program offers direct transfer to Georgian Court University and Stockton State University for a Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) and a master in social work (MSW). A Licensed Social Worker There are three exams that can be taken to further your career as a social worker. The Master’s exam, the Licensed Social Work exam (LSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Work exam (LCSW). LSW: will allow a person to complete their 3000 hours of internship (can be a paid position) supervised by a LCSW. Once the hours are done the intern sits for their final exam, the LCSW. To maintain the LSW license requires 30 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) every two years. LCSW: In the state of NJ once the intern has passed the LCSW exam they may have a private practice (psychotherapist). A LCSW has the opportunity to go anywhere a social work position is available: schools, government, military, prisons, hospitals, hospice, ER, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living, home health agencies, non-profit, or open their own practice. To maintain the LSW license requires 40 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) every two years.