Explore This Path

Healthcare Social Worker

💰 Earn $68K-$122K

📚 Master Degree

⏱️ 48 Month Training

📈 7.7% Job Growth

Support patients and families in navigating health challenges with compassion.
Make a meaningful impact by connecting clients to vital healthcare resources.
Collaborate with professionals to tailor care plans and address unique client needs.

What Healthcare Social Workers DoProvide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.
Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.
Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education.
Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy.

Healthcare Social Workers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationMaster Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training TimeOver 4 years

Job Openings18,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$92,970 in California

$68,090 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@t.innnaaaa

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Instructing

Go Deeper: Healthcare Social Workers Explained

Healthcare Social WorkerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

find training near you

Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

Location

Enter your location to see training near you

What Is the Education & Counseling Industry?