Tennessee Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in TN
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The need for social workers is expected to grow in Tennessee. Many current job openings and high projected job growth paint a bright future for the state’s social workers over the next decade.
Tennessee issues four levels of licensure to social workers who meet rigorous requirements. Use this guide to plan your social work career and explore Tennessee’s social work license requirements, training opportunities, and salary information.
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Tennessee Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Tennessee Board of Social Workers is a state governmental agency that oversees social work licensure. The board issues licenses to individuals with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, depending on the level of licensure.
Tennessee issues four types of social work licenses:
- Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW)
- Licensed master social worker (LMSW)
- Licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW)
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
Learn more about each Tennessee social work license in the subsections below.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
An LBSW is the entry-level credential for basic generalist social work practice in Tennessee. Baccalaureate-level social workers perform tasks such as interviewing clients, case management, issuing referrals, and educating clients. Board rules stipulate that LBSWs cannot diagnose or treat mental illness or provide psychotherapy services. They work under the supervision of advanced social workers such as an LMSW.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelors exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
An LMSW’s duties combine those of a licensed baccalaureate social worker and that of a clinical social worker. These practitioners work under the clinical supervision of an LCSW. Their duties include case management, treatment planning, counseling, and supervised direct practice at, or for, an agency or organization. They may practice supervised clinical social work as a pathway to licensure as a clinical social worker.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or doctoral degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker
LAPSWs qualify for licensure with a master’s or doctorate in social work. Nonclinical LAPSW practitioners perform duties such as counseling, direct practice, treatment planning, research, and advocacy. LAPSWs may also engage in clinical social work when supervised by an LCSW. This level of practice may include the supervision of licensed or temporarily licensed LMSWs.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LAPSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or doctoral degree in social work
- At least two years (3,000 hours) of full-time experience as an LMSW under the supervision of an LAPSW or LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The most advanced Tennessee social work license is the LCSW. These practitioners apply their specialized knowledge and training to assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. In addition to advanced case management, they provide clinical treatments such as therapy, counseling, direct practice and psychotherapy. LCSWs may perform these duties independently, outside the jurisdiction of an organization or agency.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or doctoral degree in social work
- At least two years (3,000 hours) of full-time experience as an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Tennessee
Out-of-state social workers can receive a Tennessee social work license by reciprocity. The Board’s eligibility criteria include a valid social work license issued by a U.S. State, territory, or jurisdiction. Your current license must correspond with one of the four Tennessee social work licenses. To apply for licensure by reciprocity, you must submit an application with supporting documents verifying your credentials.
Note that Tennessee is a member of the multistate Social Work Licensure Compact, which hopes to begin issuing portable, multistate licenses starting in fall 2025.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Tennessee
Professionals must renew their Tennessee social work license every two years. As part of the renewal process, license holders must complete 18-30 continuing education (CE) hours every two calendar years. CE hours enhance a practitioner’s knowledge and service delivery in areas such as administration, research, direct service with clients, and social work ethics.
The following lists the CE requirements you’ll need to complete depending on your type of license:
- LBSWs need18 CEs
- LMSW’s need 24 CEs
- LAPSWs need 30 CEs
- LCSWs need 30 CEs
BSW Programs Available in Tennessee
- Austin Peay State University — Clarksville and Springfield (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $303 per credit hour in state (1-12 credits), $63 per additional credit hour in state, $543 per credit hour out of state
- Belmont University — Nashville (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $42,540 per year
- East Tennessee State University — Johnson City, Sevierville (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,236 per semester in state, $5,671-$7,261per semester out of state, $533 per credit (online)
- Freed-Hardeman University — Henderson (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $813 per credit hour (full time), $815 per credit hour (part time)
- King University — (Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $305 per credit hour in state, $305 per credit hour out of state
- Lincoln Memorial University — Harrogate (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $1,102 per credit hour
- Lipscomb University — Nashville (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $20,286 per semester
- Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $331 per credit hour in state, $1,190 per credit hour out of state
- Southern Adventist University — (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $26,000 per year
- Tennessee State University — Nashville (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $385 per credit hour in state, $960 per credit hour out of state
- Tennessee Wesleyan University — Athens (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $29,414 per year (full time), $710 per credit hour (part time)
- Trevecca Nazarene University — Nashville (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $14,875 per semester (full time), $1,105 per credit hour (part time)
- Union University — Jackson (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $19,250 per semester, $567 per credit hour (online)
- University of Memphis — Memphis (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: School Social
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $369 per credit hour in state, $563 per credit hour out of state
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga — Chattanooga (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $353 per credit hour in state, $336 per credit hour out of state
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville — Knoxville (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $11,560 per year in state, $30,704 per year out of state, $490 per credit hour in state (online), $565 per credit hour out of state (online)
- University of Tennessee at Martin — Martin (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $439 per credit hour in state, $691 per credit hour out of state
MSW Programs Available in Tennessee
- Austin Peay State University — Clarksville (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Trauma Focused
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $448 per credit hour in state, $776 per credit hour out of state
- East Tennessee State University — Johnson City (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $646 per credit hour in state, $841 per credit hour out of state, $805 per credit hour (online)
- King University — (Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $610 per credit hour
- Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $565 per credit hour in state, $1,564 per credit hour out of state
- Southern Adventist University — Collegedale (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $760 per credit hour
- Tennessee State University — Nashville (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $575 per credit hour in state, $1,206 per credit hour out of state
- Union University — Jackson, Germantown (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $655 per credit hour
- University of Memphis — Memphis (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Practice Across Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Extended Study
- 2024 Tuition: $646 per credit hour in state, $646-$1,008 per credit hour out of state
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga — Chattanooga (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $507 per credit hour in state, $1,222 per credit hour out of state
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville — Knoxville, Nashville (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Extended Study (Part Time), Hybrid Evening Classes, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $13,720 per year in state, $32,208 per year out of state, $756 per credit hour in state, $ $1,784 per credit hour out of state
Tennessee Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Projected job growth rates for social workers in Tennessee are significantly higher than the Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ (BLS) 7% projected growth rate for social workers nationwide. Projections Central data show the following job growth projections for each social work specialization in Tennessee from 2022-2032:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 17%
- Healthcare Social Workers: 22.3%
- Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers: 20.4%
- Social Workers, All Other: 18.5%
In a salary comparison, Tennessee social workers generally earn less than the $58,380 national median average, as of May 2023. However, consider that Tennessee has a cost-of-living index that is below the national average.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $52,070 | $23.28 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $57,810 | $27.46 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $46,050 | $21.10 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $55,880 | $22.62 |
Social Work Associations in Tennessee
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Tennessee Chapter: The NASW provides continuing education opportunities and works on issues of workplace safety, compensation, and education debt relief.
- Tennessee Association of School Social Workers (TASSW): The TASSW provides a professional community for social workers in education, including professional development, networking opportunities, and continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Tennessee?
Tennessee issues licenses for four levels of social work: Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). LBSW is the entry-level licensure, while LAPSW and LCSW represent the most advanced levels.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Tennessee?
Licensure requirements vary by social work level. Qualifications include a relevant degree such as a BSW, MSW, or doctorate in social work, and a passing score on the ASWB exam. Candidates also need to complete supervised experience depending on their license type.
How much do social workers in Tennessee make?
According to BLS data from 2023, average social worker salaries In Tennessee were $46,050-$57,810, depending on specialization. Other factors may impact your salary potential, including location, level of education, and years of experience.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Tennessee?
Acquiring a Tennessee social work license can take a minimum of 4-6 years, depending on the licensing level you plan to pursue. Earning a bachelor’s degree is the quickest path to licensure as an LBSW. LAPSWs and LCSWs need additional time to complete a master’s, or doctorate, and at least two years of supervised full-time experience.
