MSW or PsyD for non traditional

[gatorgirl0308]

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I am almost 42 and have been out of Grad School since 20 years ( Masters in non health related/IT field from UF). I still think even after 20+ years, about Med School. I now have kids who would be starting college this year/next year. I may have missed my timeline to ever go back to school. Is getting MSW worth it? I also think about a PhD. What are my options online in IL or FL? I also looked at PT, OT, Speech and still find MSW route most preferable based on my background and interest. Would I need to go back to school to take Pre Req? Any recommendations to find a masters program in a Florida school in a clinical counseling track that is CACREP accredited so I can eventually get LMHC/MSW.

 

[esob]

I am almost 42 and have been out of Grad School since 20 years ( Masters in non health related/IT field from UF). I still think even after 20+ years, about Med School. I now have kids who would be starting college this year/next year. I may have missed my timeline to ever go back to school. Is getting MSW worth it? I also think about a PhD. What are my options online in IL or FL? I also looked at PT, OT, Speech and still find MSW route most preferable based on my background and interest. Would I need to go back to school to take Pre Req? Any recommendations to find a masters program in a Florida school in a clinical counseling track that is CACREP accredited so I can eventually get LMHC/MSW.

You might have better luck posting this in the psy forums. This non-trad community is almost exclusively pre-med so I'm not sure anyone will have much insight into your question.

 

[ntds]

There are PhD and PsyD programs out there that have no prerequisites at all.

You will need to build a list.

Things to consider:

* academic or clinical or both

* do you want to get funding

* do the programs you like require prerequisites

* where do you want to live

* how many years of a program do you want (they vary)

 

[Mr.Smile12]

We don't know your finances or circumstances on returning to school, but for graduate programs, it's not "too late" if you're in your 40s going for a master's. Doctorate depends on funding (see what happens with this political climate attacking higher education). Check your loan interest rates.

Have you talked with professionals about their lives and whether they feel it's worth pursuing? You should be passionate if you want to do social work, so your "why" needs to be clear.

 

[Yonsun1231]

Hi, I am currently a psychiatric social worker with the MSW, who is trying to be a doctor. I saw your post and logged into to reply to this message - lol. I am not an expert or anything but your decision would depend on what you want to focus on. MSW would be mental health counseling, Advocating, Case management, and grant writing among other things. PsyD on the other hand would take longer but you would be able to do other things that are more clinical/psychology focused - completing different assessments, diagnosing and therapy. If you want to focus on diagnosing, individual therapy, case management and advocating for your client and want to work with policies, MSW would be a great option - and most of the full time programs are 2 years!!

I am sure there are other pros in being a PsyD, but if you are trying to do therapy, I suggest MFT or MSW 🙂 I hope this helps - even if it is little.