What is the difference between lcsw and lmsw

These exam topics demonstrate some of the crossover between the two licenses. They include many similar skills, areas of knowledge, and abilities. As such, the distinction between the LMSW vs. The LMSW serves as the first step to social work in clinical settings, even if it is not sufficient for full clinical practice. The LCSW is the final step in providing clinical social work care.

This is evidenced in the salary ranges for these roles. MSW degree programs can prepare students for a wide range of high-level occupations in the field by providing the overarching industry knowledge and highly specific practical expertise. They can open doors to advanced positions in the field and lay the groundwork for licensure.

The online MSW program at Regis College can help students navigate the upper reaches of the social work sector, covering materials that help them prepare for the LMSW exam.

Explore the curriculum and begin working toward becoming a social worker today. Wherever you are in your career and wherever you want to be, look to Regis for a direct path, no matter your education level.

Fill out the form to learn more about our program options or get started on your application today. Skip to main content. LMSW vs. Based on exam outlines from ASWB, some areas of commonality and distinction between the licenses include the following: Human Growth and Development Both exams cover key topics in human growth and development.

Professional Values and Ethics The portion of the exams that focuses on professional values and ethics is similar across both tests, highlighting the way social workers will often face similar issues when it comes to maintaining professionalism, living up to the values of the industry, working with patients, and managing patient data ethically. LMSWs also advocate on behalf of societal groups to enact positive change.

LMSWs may work in environments like social work offices at state and local levels, in correctional facilities and in employment assistance offices, according to the BLS. Career paths for LMSWs may include:. Generally, if an LMSW works in any mental health setting, it will be under the supervision of one of these types of professionals. LCSWs may provide counseling in therapeutic settings to individuals, couples, spouses and families.

Clinical social workers assess, diagnose, prevent and treat behavioral issues, emotional disturbances and mental illness, according to the National Association of Social Workers. Whatever type of social work career path you want to take, an MSW can help you get there. Many MSW programs allow students to choose a social work specialty to prepare for the field they want to enter or become licensed in, including MSW programs with a clinical focus. Online MSW programs give students the opportunity to take classes at the university they want, without having to relocate.

LCSW In many professional social work positions, some form of social work licensure is required. Did you Know? LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker. LMSW means licensed master social worker. Request more information from SocialWork Simmons Sponsored. These programs train aspiring LMSWs and LCSWs in subjects like social policies, case management, mental health counseling and clinical setting counseling. In addition, these professional may take additional professional development and practice coursework from the National Association of Social Workers.

As an undergraduate, these professionals can complete a social work internship where they assist practicing social workers or other social service professionals with tasks like seeing clients, managing client records and completing other administrative duties. During a master's program, they're required to complete a certain number of clinical or other social work practice hours. They may complete training hours at schools, hospitals, hospice centers, community service organizations, social service agencies or correctional institutions, depending on their social work specialty and career goals.

Tasks may depend on their fieldwork assignment but may include:. All work is conducted under the supervision of practicing social workers who also provide regular feedback and assess master's candidates for career readiness.

In order to practice, all social workers must earn a license from the regulatory board in their state. Requirement for licensure may vary by state but typically include:. LMSWs can take the Master's exam after completing their degree. The exam covers social, psychological and behavioral conditions, assessment and planning, best practices and ethical issues in social work. They can also gain two years or more of supervised experience to sit for the Advanced Generalist exam, which assesses human behavior and development, assessment and planning, ethics in social work and administration.

The Clinical exam covers ethics, diagnostics, clinical intervention strategies and laws. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries.