Become a Social Worker

Always Wanted to Become a Social Worker?

Social workers have a passion for helping disadvantaged individuals achieve a higher quality of life. They evaluate challenging situations and associate with a variety of other professionals to get their clients the necessary help.

Online Degrees for Social Workers
The minimum education requirement for a social worker is usually a bachelor's degree in social work or psychology. Licensing by the state is also necessary, so if a social worker wants to move into a clinical setting, a master's degree is usually required.

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the degree specific to the position, but some social workers qualify with degrees in psychology, sociology or even education. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is usually required for clinical work, and it is also becoming the minimum requirement of some organizations. Social workers must get licensed by their state.

Preparing to Work as a Social Worker
Gaining experience in hospitals, community centers, schools, prisons and senior centers can all prove beneficial when becoming a social workers. Some of the fields of work to choose from include:

• Medical and public health social workers
• Child, family and school social workers
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers
• Researchers, planners and policymaker social workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the position of social worker is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, and it is expected to grow by as much as 16 percent over the decade. In May 2008, median annual wages of medical and public health social workers were $46,650. The top 10 percent earned as much as $69,090 or more.

Always Wanted to Become a Case Manager?

Baby boomers are getting older, which may explain why the Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a greater number of jobs in social work. A case manager falls into this category, and is responsible for helping people live safe, productive lives. This position requires a desire to help others achieve a higher quality of life by providing the necessary resources and support.

Online Degrees for Case Managers
Most case managers have a master's degree in social work, but you don't have to wait until you have your graduate degree to get started in your chosen profession. A bachelor's degree in a field of study like psychology or sociology can get you started and help prepare you for the state licensing process.

Case Manager Training
The best platforms for training in this profession lie in schools, community centers or anywhere there is a group of people in need of professional assistance. Training may include work in the following:

• Child welfare services
• Nursing home assistance and elderly care
• Assistance for homeless families
• Prevention and treatment for addictions

A case manager has a sometimes challenging, but always rewarding job. There is always a need for professionals to reach out and touch the lives of those in need and a career in case management fits the bill.

Always Wanted to Become a Health Care Administrator?

Depending on the size of the health care facility, a health care administrator may handle daily operations or oversee a full staff. No matter what the size of the facility, health care administrators spend their days planning, coordinating and supervising different aspects of health care.

Online Degrees for Health Care Administrators
Some health care administrators can get a foot in the door with a bachelor's degree in health care, but health care administrators typically have a master's degree in health services administration or a related health care field. Some administrators, such as those who work in nursing care, may also need to follow specific requirements of the state for licensing.

Health Care Administrators Training
Certain factors affect the demand for health care administrators, including improvements to preventative care, changing technology and complexity of government regulations for health care. Gaining experience in some of the following areas could prove beneficial:

• Coordination with other administrators
• Evaluating and managing personnel
• Organization of patient flow
• Establishment of policies and procedures
• Procurement of new equipment

Health care administration is a growing field, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rising age of the baby boomer generation is contributing to a higher demand for health care workers on all levels, including administrators.

Always Wanted to Become a Patient Advocate?

Patients often need help dealing with health care institutions and insurance companies. That's where a patient advocate comes in. This person assists patients by providing education and advice about patient rights and intervenes as a patient representative when necessary.

Online Degrees for Patient Advocates
There are not many specific degrees available for patient advocacy, but people with an interest in this field can get the proper training with a related degree in health care, public health, social work or any type of medical degree. A bachelor's degree is generally a minimum requirement, but to advance in their careers, some patient advocates pursue a master's degree.

Patient Advocate Training
Because patient advocates work directly with patients and their families, any experience gained working with patients in the health care industry can prove beneficial. Gain experience in some of the following areas:

• Understand HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
• Coordinate health services for patients
• Volunteer at a health care facility
• Work on health care reform efforts

Because patient advocates represent patients on a variety of fronts, they must be well versed in aspects of the health care industry, including treatment options, insurance practices and the laws and regulations governing health care programs.

Get Prepared with a Degree in Health and Human Services

Accelerate your career with an online associate, bachelor's or master's degree in health and human services. If enjoy helping improve the quality of life of others, look into an online degree program in health and human services from the list below.

Health and Human Services Associate Degrees

• Associate of Arts in Allied Health Science
• Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration
• Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration - Medical Records
• Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration - Pharmacy Practice
• Associate of Arts in Human Services Management
• Associate of Arts in Medical Coding and Billing

Health and Human Services Bachelor's Degrees

• Bachelor in Health Administration
• Bachelor in Health Administration/Health Information Systems
• Bachelor in Health Administration/Long-Term Care
• Bachelor in Health and Wellness
• Bachelor in Health Care Administration
• Bachelor in Health Care Management
• Bachelor in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care
• Bachelor in Health Studies
• Bachelor in Human Services Administration
• Bachelor in Human Services/Management
• Bachelor in Medical Imaging Science
• Bachelor in Nutrition Science
• Bachelor in Organizational Management - Applied Behavioral Science
• Bachelor in Organizational Management - Health Care Administration
• Bachelor in Organizational Management - Human Services Administration
• Bachelor in Respiratory Care

Health and Human Services Master's Degrees

• Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Master of Healthcare Administration/Education
• Master of Healthcare Administration/Gerontology
• Master of Healthcare Administration/Informatics
• Master in Health Services Management
• Master in Human Services - General Human Services
• Master in Human Services - Gerontology
• Master in Human Services - School Counseling
• Master in Human Services - Social & Community Services
• Health and Human Services Doctoral Degrees
• Ph.D. in Education - Nursing Education
• Ph.D. Health Administration
• Ph.D. in Human Services - General Human Services
• Ph.D. Human Services - Health Care Administration
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Mgmt. of Nonprofit Agencies
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Social & Community Services

Find a Career in Health and Human Services

If you like working with the general public in a helping profession, a job in health and human services may be the perfect fit for you. From working as a child advocate in the field of social work to becoming a dietitian in the health care industry, a wide variety of degree programs exist for specialized training in health and human services.

Health & Human Services Career Options
Guess what? With the baby-boomer generation hitting its "golden years," plenty of need exists for highly-trained professionals in the health and human services industry. If you are looking for a recession-proof job that will stay in demand, check out the list below.

Professions in Health Care

• Dental Hygienist: Performs dental services such as taking X-rays and cleaning teeth under the supervision of dentists.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Develops images of the body, which are photographed or videotaped, and gives them to doctors for interpretation and diagnosis.
• Dietitian: Counsels patients in diet and nutrition to help them achieve an improved state of health.
• Doctor: Works to heal and promote health in patients with disease, ailments and other conditions.
• Healthcare Administration: Responsible for coordinating the various elements of health care.
• Healthcare Manager: Administrative position that works with patients and their families to ensure health care is coordinated and performed properly.
• Healthcare Services Manager: Responsible primarily for the management of healthcare facilities.
• Laboratory Technician: Responsible for a variety of diagnostic tests used to determine treatment options or prevent some diseases.
• Lactation Consultant: Counsels and educates new mothers about all matters related to breastfeeding.
• Massage Therapist: Focuses on relaxation techniques and medical benefits as two key components of massage therapy.
• Medical Administrative Assistant: Updates records, coordinates patient services and completes insurance forms.
• Medical Assistant: Performs administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of doctors or physicians.
• Medical Billing Specialist: Handles all of the invoicing for a variety of health care providers.
• Medical Coder: Applies standard codes to medical procedures and services that get sent to insurance companies for payment.
• Medical Insurance Coding Specialist: Uses special coding systems to ensure insurance companies reimburse healthcare providers correctly.
• Medical Records Specialist: Maintains accurate and complete patient records.
• Medical Technologist: Helps save lives by applying technology and science to medicine and the treatment of human ailments.
• Nurse Practitioner: Performs many of the tasks that doctors do, including analyzing test results and prescribing treatment programs or medications.
• Occupational Therapist: Works directly with patients who need help learning to perform basic tasks.
• Phlebotomist: Draws blood for laboratory analysis or blood donation.
• Physical Therapist: Helps patients with physical disabilities to regain muscle strength and improve flexibility.
• Physician Assistant: Evaluates medical histories, examines patients, interprets lab results and treat injuries.
• Radiation Therapist: Works directly with patients to provide radiation therapy as prescribed by radiologists.
• Radiology Technician: Uses special equipment to take X-ray pictures used in the diagnosis of diseases and conditions.
• Registered Nurse: Delivers medical treatment and care to patients.
• Rehabilitation Worker: Plays a key role in empowering individuals with mental illness, disabilities and disease to live independent and comfortable lives.
• Veterinarian: Works with domesticated animals, zoo animals, and livestock and researches new medical treatments.
• Veterinary Technician: Helps veterinarians in the care of animals by conducting laboratory tests and assisting with examinations and surgical procedures.

Professions in Human Services

• Case Manager: Works with a variety of people to ensure their safety and healthy development.
• Child Advocate: Helps children who are in the child welfare system because they have been abused or abandoned.
• Childcare Provider: Ensures children receive care, feeding, naps, playtime and education throughout the day.
• Child Social Worker: Similar to a social worker, a child social worker interacts directly with children in at-risk families.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Goes out on emergency calls to help ill or injured patients.
• Family Violence Advocate: Works to help individuals and families recover from violence by offering care, a supportive living environment and basic needs.
• Foster Care Worker: Finds temporary housing and care for children who have been neglected, abused or abandoned.
• Geriatric Care Management: Works with elderly patients and their families to coordinate a variety of healthcare options.
• Human Services Manager: Takes on a supervisory role in the field of social work.
• Librarian: Shares information about research, technology and classification systems in a library setting.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Supports individuals, families and groups as they cope with various psychosocial challenges.
• Medical Social Worker: Provides psychosocial counseling and support to individuals and families facing acute or chronic illnesses.
• Patient Advocate: Acting as a patient representative, this professional serves as a liaison between patients, insurance providers and healthcare institutions.
• Personal Aide: Helps clients live independent of medical residential facilities or hospitals.
• Pharmaceutical Technician: Works with pharmacists to provide medications in all types of healthcare facilities and pharmacies.
• Social Worker: Involves working with disadvantaged people to get them the help and services they need.
• Speech Therapist: Helps people with speech issues that are caused by physical problems.

Professions in Psychology

• Christian Counselor: Incorporates the principles of Christian faith with a desire to counsel those dealing with depression, addictions, marital issues and more.
• Clinician: Similar to a counselor, but the services are offered to both individuals and groups of people with similar issues.
• Counselor: Trained to help people deal with a variety of issues like anxieties, phobias or crises that occur in life.
• Drug Counselor: Helps people recovering from alcohol or drug abuse.
• Family Counselor: Offers help to families with different types of emotional and psychological issues.
• Grief Counselor: Helps ensure the grief process progresses in a healthy, positive way.
• Guidance Counselor: Works in the school to offer students educational and career counseling.
• Marriage Therapist: Specializes in counseling for married couples to help them resolve issues and conflicts in their marriage.
• Rape Counselor: Plays a unique role in the counseling field by supporting clients who have been victimized by sexual predators.
• School Counselor: Works in a school setting to help students and their families with a variety of issues.
• Sex Therapist: Works with individuals and couples to overcome sexual insecurities, wounding and challenges.
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Helps people with drug and alcohol abuse by dealing with the underlying issues that led to the overuse.
• Therapist: Works with a variety of individuals dealing with issues like addiction, depression or challenging events in life.
• Youth Counselor: Trained to help both children and teens deal with social and family challenges.