New Mexico Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in NM
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New Mexico social workers benefit from strong demand, with some specializations projecting growth at a rate more than double the national average. But social workers need a degree and a license to practice in the state. Our guide walks through everything you need to know about earning a social work license in New Mexico.
Popular Online BSW Programs
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New Mexico Social Work Licensing Requirements
The New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners licenses social workers with three licensing levels. With a bachelor’s in social work, you can earn the licensed baccalaureate social worker license, while those with a master’s in social work qualify for the licensed master’s social worker or licensed clinical social worker credentials.
You’ll need to pass two examinations for every licensing level, and the clinical social worker license requires 3,600 hours of supervised practice.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
New Mexico licenses bachelor’s degree graduates with this entry-level license. Licensed BSW social workers can work in beginning-level roles in public and private social service agencies. The LBSW credential in New Mexico requires a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree and passing scores on two examinations.
New Mexico licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelors exam
- Passing score on a jurisprudence exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
New Mexico’s LMSW credential recognizes social workers with a CSWE-accredited MSW degree. These generalist social workers can provide diagnostic, preventative, and treatment services under the supervision of a clinical social worker. However, they cannot practice independently as a clinical social worker. MSW graduates meeting the requirements for the LCSW license typically hold this license.
New Mexico licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
- Passing score on a jurisprudence exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
New Mexico’s highest level of licensure recognizes experienced social workers who can practice independently. They must demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills to receive the license. Licensed clinical social workers can also supervise those with an LBSW or LMSW license. Applicants for this license must have an LMSW license and complete at least two years of post-graduate supervised experience.
New Mexico licensure requirements for LISW include:
- Current New Mexico LMSW license
- Master’s degree in social work
- Documentation of at least 3,600 hours of post-graduate experience, including at least 90 hours of direct supervision
- Passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist or clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in New Mexico
If you have a social work license in another state, you can apply for a New Mexico social work license. You’ll need a valid license that you’ve held for at least 2.5 years with no disciplinary actions. You’ll also need to meet the degree and examination requirement for the equivalent New Mexico license.
Finally, reciprocity in New Mexico requires one of the following: a three-credit course in New Mexico cultures, a board approved course or workshop in New Mexico cultures, or passing scores on the New Mexico cultural examination.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in New Mexico
New Mexico social workers must renew their credentials every year by July 1st. Social workers need at least 30 continuing education units (CEUs) over a two-year period to renew, with at least six CEUs in cultural competency. Out of the 30 total CEUs, a minimum of 20 must hold board approval; the remaining 10 can come from non-board approved areas as long as they relate to the social work profession.
You’ll need to submit proof of your continuing education activity with the license renewal request. The board audits a selection of renewal applications annually to make sure that social workers meet the continuing education requirements.
BSW Programs Available in New Mexico
- Eastern New Mexico University — Portales (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Weekends/Evenings
- 2024 Tuition: $2,097 per semester full time (in state), $3,087 per semester full time (out of state), $175 per credit hour part time (in state), $257 per credit hour part time (out of state)
- New Mexico Highlands University — Albuquerque (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
- 2024 Tuition: $296 per credit hour in state, $501 per credit hour out of state
- New Mexico State University — Las Cruces (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $262 per credit hour in state, $327 per credit hour out of state
- Western New Mexico University — Silver City (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $327 per credit hour in state, $414 per credit hour out of state
MSW Programs Available in New Mexico
- New Mexico Highlands University — Albuquerque (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Immigrants and Refugees
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
- 2024 Tuition: $321 per credit hour in state, $520 per credit hour out of state
- New Mexico State University — Las Cruces (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $288 per credit hour in state, $360 per credit hour out of state
- Western New Mexico University — Silver City (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $343 per credit hour in state, $436 per credit hour out of state
New Mexico Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Social workers are in high demand in New Mexico. According to Projections Central, child, family, and school social workers are projected to see 13.3% job growth from 2022-2032, while mental health and substance use social workers are projected to see 14% job growth. Healthcare social workers enjoy the highest demand, with 22.1% projected job growth.
New Mexico social workers also report average salaries in line with the state’s average wage for all occupations of $57,520, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social worker salaries in the state range from around $54,000 to $69,000, depending on specialization.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $54,760 | $26.33 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,160 | $29.89 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $53,870 | $25.90 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $68,890 | $33.12 |
Social Work Associations in New Mexico
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), New Mexico Chapter: The NASW offers members ongoing training opportunities, listings for social work jobs in New Mexico, opportunities for involvement in legislative advocacy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in New Mexico?
Social workers specialize in child and family social work, school social work, mental health social work, substance abuse social work, and healthcare social work in New Mexico. Healthcare social workers report the strongest demand and highest salaries for these specializations.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in New Mexico?
You’ll need to apply for a license from the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners to become a social worker in New Mexico. The board licenses social workers at the BSW and MSW levels, with a licensed clinical social worker credential for independent practice.
How much do social workers in New Mexico make?
New Mexico social workers report salaries ranging from around $54,000 to $69,000, depending on their specialization, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s close to the state’s average wage for all occupations of $57,520.
How long does it take to become a social worker in New Mexico?
You can earn a social worker license in New Mexico with a bachelor’s in social work, which takes around four years. Licensed clinical social workers also need a master’s in social work plus a minimum of two years of clinical practice.
