For entry-level jobs, a medical social worker needs a bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution. These employees assist other social workers by helping their supervisors make arrangements for home care. The granting of a bachelor's degree requires a certain amount of credit hours in social work programs and successful completion of a practicum, during which the student will work in a hospital or other medical facility to get direct experience with social work in a medical setting.
A master's degree in social work opens opportunities for medical social workers. They work on a team of medical professionals to determine the best outcome for the patient once he is released from the hospital or rehabilitation center. The master's degree includes completing a practicum, writing a thesis and passing the social worker examination.
Most master's degree programs do not require a bachelor's degree in social work, although coursework with an emphasis in psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics or other classes that emphasize social or political interaction with individuals are preferred.
Getting a doctorate degree in medical social work will provide the student with many career options as a practitioner, program administrator, private practitioner or as a professor at a college or university where teaching, research and publication are the primary activities.
Unlike the master's degree programs, most students who enroll in a doctoral program in social work do so after working in the field. The doctoral candidate studies quantitative and qualitative research methodology and before the degree is granted, must write a dissertation before the degree can be conferred.
Every state in the U.S. requires social workers to pass an examination for licensure. Each state's requirements are different, so applicants must find out what their state requires and where they can take the test.
In addition to passing the examination, medical social workers have to take a specific number of continuing education units to keep their license active. These vary by state.