Accepted to MSW :)

[Goobernut]

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I did it 🙂 I got accepted into a real brick and mortar MSW program woot!

I am very excited and relieved -- was very worried that I wouldn't get in, due to the fact its the only MSW in the state of OK and I'm geographically bound. The letter said that they had 3x the number of applicants as previous years, so it was actually a little more competitive for the 30 slots than I thought. It's great to dodge a bullet you didn't even know was coming!

Very pleased with myself hahaha. I was really worried that being a military spouse would count against me. We tend to have cobbled together educations -- someone of us do it better than others. I have friends who attended undergrad online, and who have just been accepted to online master's programs. To put it the nicest way I can, I didn't want to do that. At all. I know I didn't apply to Washington University at St. Louis (Or Hunter 🙂)))) , but man I'm really glad to be going to a physical program, and I got accepted in the traditional way.

Thanks! That's my vent for the day. Just so freaking relieved and thought some of you would probably be the only 5 people on earth who would understand why I was so relieved to get into a physical program instead of an online one haha.

Yay. Just Yay.

 

[MBellows]

I did it 🙂 I got accepted into a real brick and mortar MSW program woot!

Grats! What are of focus do you intend to go into?

 

[Goobernut]

You mean within the program? Or life goals? The official tracks are general and direct practice. I checked into their practicum and they have students at some really great places in the metro area. 2nd year practicums at the VA and on the local military base. VA position is paid and hugely competitive.

My goal is to get an LCSW, so I'll be taking the direct practice track and taking advantage of the psychopathology and DSM electives (of which I have verification they actually offer on a regular basis). I have a good friend who went to this program back in 2000 and she was easily able to get her LCSW.

The GA positions are research, which I'm really excited about! Hopefully I'll have enough experience to make me competitive for those positions.

I am reallllly tempted by the general practice, it just seems that the job market is less clear in this area. I'm guessing, hoping, that I'll get a lot of exposure to different areas.

 

[MBellows]

I am reallllly tempted by the general practice, it just seems that the job market is less clear in this area. I'm guessing, hoping, that I'll get a lot of exposure to different areas.

Totally Unsolicited Advice: Go Direct Practice. With generalist you would be only very minimally prepared to do work almost anywhere that isn't management, but then it's about who you know and how much networking you've done. For non-trad students, this can be rough.

That said, your first year at ANY CSWE accredited program (which is every social work program) will be generalist coursework, so you can get your fill then. The direct practice opens more doors, has more prestige, and in the end the cruel part for the people that go into generalist or macro practice, people that go into direct practice tend to get promoted up into management and eventually overtake those who originally specialized in macro practice, or so I've been told.

I originally wanted to go into Social Work, but my political leanings and my desire to work with people with disabilities made me shift to Rehab. Counseling. Not to mention, there are a lot of roads to pioneer in counseling and a lot of room to rise to the top. Social Work seems to have a lot more establishment to get through.

That's just me though. Keep us updated on your path, not enough people on the board give feedback throughout their programs, and it's really needed to help guide people.

 

[GuelphGuy]

CONGRATULATIONS!! I totally understand your desire to get in the traditional way, so to speak.

Well done!

I'm already learning from the insight here....keep the dialogue going, and I'll be sure to add as I progress in the future. Personally, I'm in the midst of volunteering in several realms to see what I'd really enjoy as a career niche', and let me say this much: you can think you know what area you want to pursue, but thinking it and being exposed to it are two different things, as was the case for me in the forensic adult realm. - No thanks. Too dark.

 

[Goobernut]

On the direct practice route: I completely agree with you. I have been planning on the direct practice route, but policy making seems so romantic. I know in reality it won't work ANYTHING like the "I will run a non-profit" thing I've got going in my head. I have also read up about all the licenses, and the feedback seems to be that even LCSW end up getting hired for "policy making" jobs because no one really understands the LMSW anyway. Just like you mention -- you can end up with the same job anyway. I'm way too practical to chance it on something that people are iffy on.

I'll be honest though, the main reason I went te MSW was for practical reasons. You all have heard me rant before, licensing in OK sucks. The standards for LPC are really, really low. I wouldn't be able to practice in any other state if I got my license in OK. Except for the other 5 states that don't require CACREP schooling. Also, my current plan is to work with the military and vets, and LCSW seems to be their choice. I really am awful about "picking favorites" because I think counseling is more about the counselor than it is the theoretical perspective. If there had been a CACREP school in the metro area I still probably would have chosen that perspective because I have a lot of respect for it. I wouldn't put it past me to eventually get the MSW and a master's in counseling, just so I can have it all. I don't want to miss out on anything hahaha.

Like with Vasa Lisa -- she chose the counseling route, and it was probably best for her and her goals. As well as with you and Rehab Counseling. I took a look at my situation, who I wanted to practice with and made a practical decision 🙂 I have enough faith in myself (others may be scared hahah but I'm not) that I can make up for deficiencies -- if I think there are deficiencies 🙂. I also know that I will have the resources to do so! So while Social work isn't something that I originally considered (I actually thought it was an insult when my soon-to-become mentor suggested it) I researched it and deemed it appropriate for my needs and not as lacking as I originally thought it to be. I know that sounds like some sort of delusional justification! But really, it was the process I went through.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "rise to the top." Do you mean, as in head of your own PP or in management or what exactly are your end goals in relationship to Rehab Counseling? I really don't ever want to work at a PP (just a personal choice, I see nothing wrong with PPs). I would really rather be salaried. Also, I used to work for the DOD in the Family Support Centers... and if I burn out on counseling (or decide that MSW doesn't get me exactly where I want to be with my knowledge in counseling) then I will be more than happy to take my masters and be a GS-12 and work my way up to being a director of one of the Family Support Centers -- or wow, I think they've changed the name again, I think they are called Family Readiness Centers. I really think the MSW will be a perfect fit for that route. So again, the MSW really makes sense with most of my career goals.

I think I've mentioned before...maybe.. that I also have a long history with medical coding and billing, so going the medical social worker route really appeals to me. I wasn't just a coder, I actually worked in some great surgery centers -- so I wasn't just an office visit coder, I had to read op notes and code procedures and surgeries etc... higher in prestige than your regular coder (hahahah). So I actually have some working knowledge and understanding of anatomy & physiology, pathology, and procedures that some laypeople wont' have.

Totally Unsolicited Advice: Go Direct Practice. With generalist you would be only very minimally prepared to do work almost anywhere that isn't management, but then it's about who you know and how much networking you've done. For non-trad students, this can be rough.

That said, your first year at ANY CSWE accredited program (which is every social work program) will be generalist coursework, so you can get your fill then. The direct practice opens more doors, has more prestige, and in the end the cruel part for the people that go into generalist or macro practice, people that go into direct practice tend to get promoted up into management and eventually overtake those who originally specialized in macro practice, or so I've been told.

I originally wanted to go into Social Work, but my political leanings and my desire to work with people with disabilities made me shift to Rehab. Counseling. Not to mention, there are a lot of roads to pioneer in counseling and a lot of room to rise to the top. Social Work seems to have a lot more establishment to get through.

That's just me though. Keep us updated on your path, not enough people on the board give feedback throughout their programs, and it's really needed to help guide people.

 

[Goobernut]

Thanks Guelph! I agree that being exposed to something is what makes or breaks it. Which is why I'm really hesitant to commit. I know that I will be exposed to something I've never been exposed to and fall in love with it. I hate making solid plans (I make more wibbly wobbly plans).

CONGRATULATIONS!! I totally understand your desire to get in the traditional way, so to speak.

Well done!

I'm already learning from the insight here....keep the dialogue going, and I'll be sure to add as I progress in the future. Personally, I'm in the midst of volunteering in several realms to see what I'd really enjoy as a career niche', and let me say this much: you can think you know what area you want to pursue, but thinking it and being exposed to it are two different things, as was the case for me in the forensic adult realm. - No thanks. Too dark.

And I forgot to say, I completely agree with what you say below. I am hanging around because I think our outcomes need to be journaled! I remember what it was like to be insanely clueless and trying to figure out where to go with my grand idea of counseling. Obviously, its the same question asked a lot. And though I completely understand the , "it depends on your theoretical orientation, how can you even ask the question LPC vs LCSW vs MFT???" answer, it is something not apparent to someone starting at the beginning. I just happened to be able to be okay with the Social work perspective. Also, I am REALLY having a hard time believing people are actually going to be liberal in Oklahoma (hahah inside joke for the Texan 🙂

That's just me though. Keep us updated on your path, not enough people on the board give feedback throughout their programs, and it's really needed to help guide people.

 

[Slugathor]

Congrats! Definitely take all the direct practice courses possible (psychopathology, psychopharmacology, DSM, etc...). You will have a major edge over the majority of newly minted social workers that are coming out of grad school (first thing people ask during a practicum interview is what your specialization was or what clinical classes you have taken, I cannot imagine what a job interview is going to be like).

I wish I had been more patient and waited half a year to apply to more clinically inclined programs. Due to the fact that my program is advanced generalist (of course they are going to add clincal specializations after I graduate), i will have to find accessable clinical workshops, certificate programs, or even get a DSW to fill in the clinical gaps. I had to scramble for a clincal second year practicum and even then I am not learning much, it's all just on paper so to speak. Hopefully my primary and secondary job prospects come through, it would really balance out the clinical inequities in my program. So for all of you guys that are just starting MSW programs or are thinking about it, consider what you really want to do. Advanced generalist is for those that want to do policy, none-profit, etc... There is more to it, but I would rather keep it PG here, so pm me for details. If you are in your first semester, its not too late to transfer to a clinical program, your classes will most likely transfer, due to being part of the foundation year.

When you apply to the VA Goobernut, make sure you specialize if possible, go for the PTSD clinic or something of that nature. Only do inpatient services as a last resort; that is so general and really would not serve you in anyway except for being able to say that you have experience working at the VA :/

 

[Slugathor]

Forgot to mention, I have heard that region has a shortage of clinical social workers, so if you plan on staying in that area, you may have good job prospects. Also consider the incredibly low cost of living. Lets just say that getting a VA job in that region at the GS-12 level would make you BANK.

 

[MBellows]

I'll be honest though, the main reason I went te MSW was for practical reasons.

Those are my favorite type.

You all have heard me rant before, licensing in OK sucks.

I know, and even states next to eachother don't communicate. I know of one LPC who is practicing in OK who got out of license revocation by dropping his own license in Texas where he was accused of sexual relations with a client (who in many states would be considered a minor).

The standards for LPC are really, really low.

Yeah...

I wouldn't be able to practice in any other state if I got my license in OK. Except for the other 5 states that don't require CACREP schooling.

Just to bolster my own profession, most of them that I've seen also accept CORE.

 

[MBellows]

or even get a DSW to fill in the clinical gaps.

I was under the impression that most of them (all but 3 or so, and all professional schools) switched to Ph.D.

 

[Slugathor]

I was under the impression that most of them (all but 3 or so, and all professional schools) switched to Ph.D.

Yes. So far, I have only found one viable DSW option, but I do not want to spend 60k for that. I am trying to find a certificate program, a school with clinical classes, or clinical workshops that is willing to accept none-degree seeking students....but this is really hard to find.

Pretty much the PhD is all about research. Apparently, social work is the only major allied health profession that doesn't recognize the PhD as the terminal degree. There are a lot of reasons for this, some good and bad...but that is for another day😴

 

[GuelphGuy]

Wow - I wonder how this all relates to the Canadian realm of social work...80% are women as well, so being male is an advantage right out of the gate.

 

[MBellows]

Yes. So far, I have only found one viable DSW option, but I do not want to spend 60k for that. I am trying to find a certificate program, a school with clinical classes, or clinical workshops that is willing to accept none-degree seeking students....but this is really hard to find.

Pretty much the PhD is all about research. Apparently, social work is the only major allied health profession that doesn't recognize the PhD as the terminal degree. There are a lot of reasons for this, some good and bad...but that is for another day😴

The PhD or EdD in Counselor Education is also not a terminal degree and tends to be more for (heh) research, or supervision.

Rehabilitation (counseling) also has a terminal master's.

I think OT is also master's.

Nursing is tiered, and DNP is useless from what I've heard from my sister-in-law.

 

[Goobernut]

Congrats!

I wish I had been more patient and waited half a year to apply to more clinically inclined programs.

When you apply to the VA Goobernut, make sure you specialize if possible, go for the PTSD clinic or something of that nature. Only do inpatient services as a last resort; that is so general and really would not serve you in anyway except for being able to say that you have experience working at the VA :/

Thanks Slug! You know, I still haven't heard from my friend in Hawaii (other than she's posting pictures of her kids at the beach). I have come to realize she may not be the most helpful because she just told me she is going to get an online counseling degree from Capella. She's moving to the same base we are, and she's not even going to intern locally. Obviously we have completely different viewpoints.

Thanks for the tips about the VA, ideally I'd like to do my internship there. They have 5 paid positions, 2 unpaid positions, and a class size of 30. While I know not everyone is interested in the military, it's also one of the few paid (as well as tuition) second year practicums, so I'm sure many will be applying.

 

[MBellows]

Thanks Slug! You know, I still haven't heard from my friend in Hawaii (other than she's posting pictures of her kids at the beach). I have come to realize she may not be the most helpful because she just told me she is going to get an online counseling degree from Capella. She's moving to the same base we are, and she's not even going to intern locally. Obviously we have completely different viewpoints.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=993000

Is this your friend?

 

[Goobernut]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=993000

Is this your friend?

Hahaha! Nope! My friend is only looking at the master's level. Also, different branch of service. But see that's my point -- the military industrial complex encourages online education and sees nothing wrong with it. There are many reasons its true for them, but I find it really, really hard to believe that no stigma will follow an online counseling program, unlike with say -- computer science or software engineering. Or an MBA (though I've seen it happen there too).

 

[MBellows]

Or an MBA (though I've seen it happen there too).

MBA's are hardly good for anything anymore and what they are good for is building a professional network so that you can get hired on and moved up in companies. I would be weary of losing that major piece online.

 

[Goobernut]

MBA's are hardly good for anything anymore and what they are good for is building a professional network so that you can get hired on and moved up in companies. I would be weary of losing that major piece online.

That's really true -- I guess I was just thinking of it in relationship to those people who only get a masters to get a raise in their current job. Or officers who need a master's to get promoted. In these types of situations, the job does not care where you get the degree from, they just want the box checked. These individuals don't need to network -- they already have all that in place.

After working where I did for the DOD, I have a seriously messed up view of the value of a master's degree. I'm slowly figuring it out 🙂