This career is expected to grow 22 percent through 2018, much faster than average.

Demand for social workers in hospitals will grow more slowly than in other areas because of shorter patient stays. But social worker employment in home health care services is growing.

Employment opportunities for social workers with backgrounds in gerontology should be good in assisted-living and senior-living communities, nursing homes, long-care facilities and hospices.

In 2008, medical and public health social workers earned an average salary of $46,650. The middle 50 percent earned $35,550 to $57,690. The highest 10 percent earned more than $69,090. Social workers in medical and surgical hospitals earned the highest salaries. Those in home health care earned the least.

Medical and public health social workers provide psychosocial support to people, families, or vulnerable populations so they can cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or AIDS. They also advise family caregivers, counsel patients and help plan for patients’ needs after discharge from hospitals. They may arrange for at-home services, such as meals-on-wheels or home care.

Social workers usually spend most of their time in an office or residential facility, but they also may travel locally to visit clients. Some may meet with clients in one of several offices within a local area.

Social work, while satisfying, can be challenging. Understaffing and large caseloads add to the pressure in some agencies. Full-time social workers usually work a standard 40-hour week, but some occasionally work evenings and weekends. Some work part time, particularly in voluntary nonprofit agencies.

A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum requirement for entry into this occupation. Many positions will require a master’s degree.

Licensing: All states and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification or registration requirements regarding social work practice and the use of professional titles. Most states require two years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience for licensure of clinical social workers.

The National Association of Social Workers offers voluntary credentials. Social workers with a master’s degree in social work may be eligible for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) credential. Some health insurance providers require social workers in private practice to have credentials to be reimbursed for services.

Entering the Field: A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker. However, majors in psychology, sociology and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies. An advanced degree has become the standard for many positions. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for positions in health settings and is required for clinical work as well.

Career Changers: Because of licensing requirements this is not an easy field to transition into. Many who enjoy volunteer work or who have worked as lay ministers or peer counselors find this career area satisfying. Many who have worked in another aspect of direct patient care, such as nurses’ aides or psychiatric aides, or medical records technician, use their medical experience combined with education to move into the arena of medical social work.

Salary and growth data source is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in medical and public health social work, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Social Workers.

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