Find MSW programs that teach about healthcare social work

A healthcare master's in social work (MSW) program can help you become a healthcare social worker and prepare you to support patients and their families in need of integrated therapeutic, financial, or community services and care.

Discover the benefits of a healthcare MSW degree for professionals in this fast-growing social work specialty.

What does a healthcare social worker do?

Healthcare social workers work in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Identifying people in need by reviewing hospital/clinic admission files.
• Helping patients and their families navigate paperwork and financial issues.
• Responding to unexpected crises and providing counseling.
• Connecting patients with outside resources that they may need to aid in their recovery.

Healthcare social workers need to develop communication and to work alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical staff. Working as a team, these professionals identify problems and improve patient outcomes.

How to become a healthcare social worker

Your journey begins as an undergraduate. You can by majoring or minoring in the subject. You can also complete an internship to see if the career suits you.

You then further your education with a . These programs offer healthcare social work as a concentration. You'll take core courses alongside peers preparing for other social work careers.

Become a (LCSW) if you want to provide counseling services. Social workers without a clinical-level license cannot work for themselves or lead counseling sessions.

Becoming an LCSW requires more than a master's. You also need thousands of hours of supervised experience. The final steps include undergoing a criminal background check and passing the Association of Social Work Boards social work licensing exam.

Check your state's licensure board for more information about becoming a social worker and the latest licensure requirements.

How much can you make with an MSW degree that includes healthcare social work?

According to the BLS, healthcare social workers earned a mean annual salary of $68,090 as of May 2024, making the role among the highest-paid . Among social workers specializing in healthcare, professionals working in specialty hospitals and providing childcare services earn the highest wages.

Your individual earnings may vary depending on your location and experience, and whether you decide to further specialize your skills in an area such as geriatric, medical, or hospice-oriented social work.

What to expect from an online MSW program that teaches healthcare social work

An online healthcare MSW program trains students to advocate for patients and their families, guide them through difficult situations, and help them navigate medical resources and programs.

Some MSW programs offer healthcare concentrations. Others complement a generalist core of required courses with healthcare-focused electives, allowing you to build your own specialization.

Whichever path you choose, make sure your healthcare MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) so you can meet the licensure requirements.

Healthcare MSW programs also enable students to gain hands-on experience through a field practicum. Most online MSW programs allow you to complete core coursework online while satisfying practicum hours at a local healthcare facility.

Explore online MSW programs by specialization

Are you ready to begin your career in healthcare-focused social work? Then check out edX's social work courses and programs and get started today.

Published July 23, 2025