Iowa Social Work License Requirements & Programs: Become a Social Worker in IA
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Iowa’s steady population growth and low unemployment rate have created ample career opportunities in social work. Before you can practice as a social worker in the state, you need to complete either a bachelor’s or master’s degree to meet the educational qualifications for an Iowa social work license.
Check out this guide to learn about accredited social work programs, licensure requirements, and career and salary prospects.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
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Iowa Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Iowa Board of Social Work authorizes three Iowa social work licenses for applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree: licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
A bachelor’s degree can qualify you for entry-level positions using the title of “social worker.” However, the state board requires a master of social work (MSW) or doctorate of social work (DSW) for more advanced social work roles and independent and clinical practice.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker
With the LBSW credential, you can perform standard psychological assessments and interventions under supervision. Your responsibilities may include gathering client histories, helping clients establish goals and monitoring their progress, making referrals, and engaging in social work administration.
LBSWs in Iowa typically begin their careers in entry-level positions working with individuals from all backgrounds in diverse settings including hospitals, clinics, community agencies, and schools.
Iowa licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
To qualify for the LMSW, you must hold at least a master’s degree in social work. This license allows you to offer the same services under supervision as the LBSW credential, as well as more advanced interventions such as psychosocial diagnoses, treatment plan development, and therapy assessment for individuals, families, couples, and groups.
Iowa licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB master exam
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
As the most advanced level of social work licensure in Iowa, the LICSW authorizes a wider scope of practice than the LMSW. In addition to offering the same kinds of assessment, diagnosis and treatment services as the LMSW, the LICSW credential allows you to work independently, offer direct clinical services, and operate your own practice.
Iowa licensure requirements for LICSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- At least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a period of two years, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Iowa
Iowa does not currently participate in any formal reciprocity agreements with other states. Because Iowa has joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, the state is scheduled to begin issuing multistate licenses in fall 2025. The Compact permits eligible social workers to practice in all member states.
Currently, if you hold an out-of-state license, the Iowa Board of Social Work may grant you licensure by endorsement. Applicants for licensure by endorsement must meet eligibility requirements similar to those in Iowa and submit ASWB exam scores, verification of a valid current license, and documentation of any pending or previous disciplinary actions.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Iowa
You must renew your Iowa social work license every two years. During each two-year period, social workers at every license level must complete 27 hours of continuing education (CE). If you are renewing your license for the first time, CE hours are not required for the first renewal period. If you are an LICSW who supervises other social workers, your 27 CE hours must include three hours of supervision training.
All social workers must maintain documentation of completed CE credits in case of an audit. Renewal fees depend on your license level; the LBSW fee is $72, $120 for the LMSW renewal, and $144 for the LICSW.
BSW Programs Available in Iowa
- Briar Cliff University — Sioux City (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Children, Youth and Families; Behavioral Health & Addictions; Faith-Based Ministry; Latino Cultural Competence in Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $35,544 per year
- Buena Vista University — Storm Lake (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $41,798 per year full time
- Clarke University — Dubuque (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $19,775 per semester full time
- Dordt University — Sioux Center (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $18,200 per semester full time, $1,520 per credit hour part time
- Grand View University — Des Moines (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $34,112 per year full time, $491 per credit hour part time
- Loras University — Dubuque (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $37,912 per year full time, $850 per credit hour part time
- Luther College — Decorah (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $51,140 per year full time
- Mount Mercy University — Cedar Rapids (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $39,878 per year full time
- Northwestern College — Orange City (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $36,400 per year full time
- St. Ambrose University — Davenport (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $18,189 per semester full time
- University of Iowa— Iowa City (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,643 per semester in state (full time), $387 per credit hour in state (part time), $15,687 per semester out of state (full time)
- University of Northern Iowa — Cedar Falls (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $8,564 per year in state (full time), $20,340 per year out of state (full time)
- Wartburg College — Waverly (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $25,000 per year full time, $2,900 per credit hour part time
MSW Programs Available in Iowa
- Clarke University — Dubuque (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $775 per credit hour
- Dordt University — Sioux Center (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical Practice; Community Practice and Administration; Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $800 per credit hour
- St. Ambrose University — Davenport (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $827 per credit hour
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, Des Moines, Sioux City (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Trauma and Resilience; Children and Families; Clinical Practice; School Social Work; Organizational Leadership; Aging and End-of-life Care; Higher Education and Research.
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,825 per semester in state (full time), $648 per credit hour in state (part time), $15,299 per semester out of state (full time)
- University of Northern Iowa — Cedar Falls (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Trauma-informed Care; Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $10,230 per year in state, $21,932 per year out of state
Iowa Social Worker Career and Salary Information
From 2022-2032, the average job growth projection for all occupations in Iowa is 6.2%, but social work professionals are projected to see even higher rates of growth. Notably, employment of mental health and substance use social workers is projected to increase by 21.3% and employment of healthcare social workers is projected to increase by 16.3%. Social worker salaries depend on several factors, including years of experience, license level, and specialization. While salaries for most social work specializations in Iowa fall below the national average of $62,880, the state boasts one of the lowest cost of living rates in the U.S., making essentials like housing, utilities, and groceries much more affordable.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $52,540 | $25.26 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $60,100 | $28.90 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $52,260 | $25.12 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $70,290 | $33.80 |
Social Work Associations in Iowa
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Iowa: The Iowa chapter of NASW offers clinical workshops, information on continuing education, and assistance with ASWB exam preparation.
- The Iowa School Social Workers’ Association (ISSWA): An organization for social workers working in education agencies and school districts; offers assistance with obtaining continuing education credits and provides a newsletter and other timely information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Iowa?
The Iowa Board of Social Workers has the authority to grant three levels of social work licenses: licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Iowa?
To become a licensed social worker in Iowa, you must complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Social Work. Each license level has different education, examination, and supervised work experience requirements.
How much do social workers in Iowa make?
Annual salaries for social workers range from $52,000 to just over $70,000 depending on specialization. Salaries vary widely due to many factors. Social workers with LICSW credentials may have higher earning potential. Early career social workers earn less than those with more experience. Social workers employed in the state’s metropolitan areas tend to earn more than in rural areas.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Iowa?
The length of time depends on your intended license level. The LBSW credential requires a bachelor’s, which typically takes four years. For the LMSW license, you need to spend two more years to earn an MSW or 5-6 more years for a doctorate. In addition to the MSW or DSW degree, the LICSW credential requires an additional two years to fulfill the 3,000-hour supervised experience requirement.
