Northern Arizona University

MSW in Social Work - Advanced Standing, emphasis: Healthcare

The Master of Social Work¿Advanced Standing degree allows students who completed their Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited program to combine their passion for helping others with the instruction and hands-on practice they need to make a lasting impact. Students learn to bring about social change, in a degree program that aligns with students¿ passion for advocacy and service. The MSW program offers coursework in topics such as social policy, clinical practice, research, cultural competence, social justice, and administration. The Master of Social Work program offers quality, student-centered instruction, as well as guided field education. The field placement provides an opportunity for students to earn valuable experience working with individuals, groups, and marginalized communities under the guidance of a seasoned practitioner. Students will develop advanced knowledge of current social work theory, preparing them to practice with diverse populations who require professional support and services, while gaining the skills to make positive changes in their community. Aging populations, children, veterans, and military personnel, those impacted by domestic violence, clients with mental health needs, those facing homelessness, and disenfranchised families all need advocates to support them, provide access to community resources, and promote social institutions that are more just and responsive to human needs. Field education, along with clinical and macro-level MSW coursework, allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to the population they want to serve as a social worker.

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills that will make them valuable agents for positive change. An MSW degree is versatile, allowing graduates to work in many different settings with a variety of individuals and communities. In many states, a Master of Social Work degree is required to gain third-party reimbursement from insurance companies or government agencies. An MSW offers the flexibility to practice at elevated levels within human service environments, earning a degree that opens new and exciting career opportunities. The Master of Social Work degree is considered the terminal degree for professional social work practice and licensure. Graduates will have a flexibility that they will not find with other degrees in the human service field.

Healthcare Emphasis Healthcare social workers are employed in dynamic, diverse, interdisciplinary settings where they can help improve health and quality of life for individuals, groups, and communities while being mindful of the principles of health equity. The NAU Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) online program with an emphasis in healthcare prepares social workers to work to improve health and wellness for groups and communities, advocate for policy reform across healthcare delivery systems, and promote well-being for the most marginalized individuals. The emphasis prepares students for culturally responsive social work healthcare practice within an interdisciplinary team, leadership and advocacy skills in health and wellness administration, program development and evaluation, and an understanding of the impact of health disparities and healthcare policy on client well-being.

As a student in the online NAU Advanced Standing MSW program with a Healthcare emphasis, you will learn a variety of practice skills, theories, and evidence-based modalities. Your new knowledge will enable you to advocate for culturally responsive healthcare services and incorporate problem-solving and integrative, strength-based approaches to your Social Work practice, with an understanding of healthcare trends, the mind-body connection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social justice in health.