Advanced generalist versus clinical route - whats the difference?

[miamia078]

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I hope somebody can offer some advice. I had wanted to train as a counselor but research into the MSW suggests this may be a more flexible option.

I initially ruled out Kean in NJ as it only offered an advanced generalist option and I got the impression was more macro (although I could be wrong here). Rutgers however offers a clinical route.

The big problem are the fees involved. Rutgers in state would run to over $35k fees alone ($7300 per semester) not to take into consideration the day to day living costs for two years as I would have to give up my full time employment).

Kean however would run at aprox $27000 (6541 per semester). Although the course outline at Rutgers is very much more in my area of interest I am wondering if it really matter where you attend school, if it is a case of gaining an MSW anywhere but work to ensure your field placements are in field of interest or even taking additional classes to increase the 'clinical' look of your resume? I already have two years undergradutae training within psychotherapeutics and cognitive beahvioural psychotherapy so I was wondering if this would baance out the advanced generalist classes I would take at Kean.

Can anybody let me know if following a generalist route would enable me to pursue the LCSW at a later date. I understand I would have to ensure I found employment or supervision within a clinical setting after graduation but I wanted to ensure if licensure stipulates you have to have had 'clinical' classes as part of your MSW?

It is hard as I know I would enjoy clinical route more but also as an older returning student my priority is to just become licensed and begin working in this field - and as all students would agree - trying to incrue as little debt as possible!

 

[spctle342]

Any accredited MSW program should allow you to obtain licensure, regardless of the concentration. If you're primarily interested in clinical practice, you might find that a clinical focus offers better preparation, but an advanced generalist track won't preclude you from becoming licensed.

 

[pingouin]

Any accredited MSW program should allow you to obtain licensure, regardless of the concentration. If you're primarily interested in clinical practice, you might find that a clinical focus offers better preparation, but an advanced generalist track won't preclude you from becoming licensed.

However, depending on the state, an advanced generalist concentration MAY preclude you from obtaining independent clinical licensure.

My state has now split the two out, and the board is very specific on what coursework must have been completed to get the LCSW vs the LAMSW (I think that's the new name- Advanced Macro SWer?). ONLY the LCSW gives you clinical scope of practice, which includes psychotherapy, counseling, and more.

Again, it WILL vary by state, so I'd check with the NJ social work board before making a decision.

 

[spctle342]

However, depending on the state, an advanced generalist concentration MAY preclude you from obtaining independent clinical licensure.

My state has now split the two out, and the board is very specific on what coursework must have been completed to get the LCSW vs the LAMSW (I think that's the new name- Advanced Macro SWer?). ONLY the LCSW gives you clinical scope of practice, which includes psychotherapy, counseling, and more.

Again, it WILL vary by state, so I'd check with the NJ social work board before making a decision.

Now that you mention it, I do remember reading about another state that was doing something similar. As someone who doesn't plan to pursue licensure, I wish my state made the distinction, because I would love to be able to refer to my work as "social work" or myself as a "social worker" without infringing on the "territory" of those in clinical practice. I wouldn't be at all opposed to becoming licensed in an alternate capacity, and I think it's a small step toward advancing and clarifying the profession of social work in the public eye, at least.

 

[miamia078]

Thank you everybody thats a great help. I dont think NJ distinguishes the two yet...however as I may be required to move states in the future depending on my husbands work, and if a few states are already going down this route, it would probably make more sense to follow the more clinical course just incase.

Thank you again