Looking for Clinical Based MSW Programs

[ClinicalMSWPlz]

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I am currently in my junior year of undergrad study for my BSW in Washington. I'm really intrigued by the east coast and would like to pursue my MSW over there. However, I'm not a fan of New York. Some of the schools I'm interested in are UConn, SCSU, U of Maryland, Baltimore, Rutgers University.... I'm also interested in Pennsylvania and Virginia schools. I'm very lost, but was wondering if anyone had some experience or knowledge of clinically focused and relatively inexpensive MSW programs on the east coast. Thank you!!

 

[MBellows]

In my experience from looking for myself, most clinical track programs are going to be somewhat more expensive. Have you considered looking at Advanced Generalist tracks? Not all states require a clinical focus for the LCSW (independent) license, but base it more on work experience. Also, the east coast is a pretty big area. If you're willing to go south, the cost of attending will probably go down.

 

[Vasa Lisa]

VCU in Richmond is highly regarded in Virginia.

 

[ClinicalMSWPlz]

In my experience from looking for myself, most clinical track programs are going to be somewhat more expensive. Have you considered looking at Advanced Generalist tracks? Not all states require a clinical focus for the LCSW (independent) license, but base it more on work experience. Also, the east coast is a pretty big area. If you're willing to go south, the cost of attending will probably go down.

I have actually been planning on going for the advanced standing programs, but I would like to stick to a clinical focus just because I am interested in that side of things. I have considered UNC as they are highly rated, I just know even less about that area.

 

[Vasa Lisa]

I think UNC Chapel Hill lets you do a dual track JD and MSW.

 

[BlackSkirtTetra]

I think UNC Chapel Hill lets you do a dual track JD and MSW.

Are there employment benefits with this for people who want to do clinical work, or is it just to be better-rounded?

I understand that if you want to work in the court system it would be a big plus, but for people who state a desire to do clinical work (like the OP), I wonder if it would be worth the hassle...

 

[ClinicalMSWPlz]

VCU in Richmond is highly regarded in Virginia.

If you have any experience with It, do you like the Richmond area? Does It havr many sw opportunities for post grad?

 

[Vasa Lisa]

I don't live in Richmond, but as it is the state Capitol, there are various SW type jobs because it us a large city.

I worked at a UCC with a woman who had her MSW from VCU - she was a fine clinician and she loved her training. She is one of the few MSWs I have worked with who really had clinical skills in counseling. I have been supervised by LCSWs who tell me that my counseling training FAR exceeded theirs.

The LCSW/LPC debate is well hashed out here. And I agree that a MSW who is able to earn the LCSW makes more money and has an easier time finding a job. And it is a degree I did not consider because my goal (accomplished!) was/is to work in a small private practice.

I find that when I have to earn my clients by skill (not just assuming they are resistant when they drop out) that my training and clinical preparation more than prepare me for this work.

YMMV,
Vasa Lisa

 

[BlackSkirtTetra]

And I agree that a MSW who is able to earn the LCSW makes more money and has an easier time finding a job.

Did you mean the LCSW makes more money and has an easier time find a job as compared to the MSW without the LCSW, or compared to the LPC (or both)?

If you meant the latter, I did not realize that LPCs earn less than LCSWs. I thought LCSWs were at the bottom of the barrel!

And it is a degree I did not consider because my goal (accomplished!) was/is to work in a small private practice.

Hmm...can LCSWs not work in private practice in your state?

 

[MBellows]

If you meant the latter, I did not realize that LPCs earn less than LCSWs. I thought LCSWs were at the bottom of the barrel!

It really depends on location and area of focus.