nys social worker continuing education requirements

Complete Your CE

New york social workers ce requirements, accreditations & approvals, external link, this link leads outside of the netce site to:.

While we have selected sites that we believe offer good, reliable information, we are not responsible for the content provided. Furthermore, these links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by NetCE, and none should be inferred.

New York Social Workers

The New York State Board for Social Work requires that providers offering continuing education activities must be approved through the New York State Education Department.

NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0033.

Continuing Education Requirement

× professional boundaries course options.

Attention New York Healthcare Professionals: Every person who has previously undergone mandated child abuse training must complete an updated curriculum that includes adverse childhood experiences and trauma, implicit bias, and the identification of child abuse in a virtual setting. Training must be completed by April 1, 2025 .

NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work, #SW-0033.

LMSW and LCSW are required 36 hours of approved continuing education courses every three years, 12 of which may be completed by self-study. Two (2) hours are required, one-time only, on the topic of identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment. (Child abuse identification and reporting hours may not be used for continuing education credit.)

Beginning with registration periods starting April 1, 2023 , licensees are required three (3) hours on the topic of appropriate professional boundaries every renewal. Licensees with registration periods beginning prior to 4/1/2023 do not need to complete the coursework until their next registration period.

* NetCE courses are considered self-study, as defined by the New York State Board for Social Work.

View Special Offers View Course List

All Accreditations and Approvals License Renewal Instructions

For More Information

Please contact the New York State Board for Social Work at (518) 474-3817, or refer to https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions-index/social-work  and https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/continuing-education for additional information regarding your continuing education. Mandatory child abuse training: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/mandated-training-related-child-abuse .

• About NetCE
• About TRC Healthcare
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Copyright © 2024 NetCE · Contact Us

CEU Information

NYSSSWA is an approved NYSED CE/CEU Provider. When registering for a Conference, remember to provide your license number for proper CE/CEU credit assignments.

New York State School Social Workers’ Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0057

NYSED Continuing Education Requirements

What are the Continuing Education requirements for “Social Workers”?

“New York State Education Law requires each licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) to complete 36 hours of acceptable formal continuing education during each three-year registration period. ”

“Some regulations restrict licensees to a certain percentage of self-study for continuing education requirements.”

New NYSED Ethics Requirement:  

“A licensed psychologist, social worker or mental health practitioner required to complete continuing education must complete 3 hours of acceptable course work in appropriate professional boundaries, in each 3-year registration period starting April 1, 2023.”

28. Are courses limited to a traditional “classroom setting” in which I am in the same room with the instructor?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of hours of acceptable continuing education you may take on-line through a Department-approved provider, when the course includes live interaction with the instructor and other students.

Source:    https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker-lmsw/continuing-education/continuing-education-faqs?page=1

Questions About CE/CEU Requirements?

What is the Difference Between CEUs and CEs?

“A minimum of 50 minutes equals one Continuing Education hour of credit. However, some courses may be given in continuing education units. One continuing education unit (CEU) equals 10 continuing education hours. Therefore, 0.1 CEU equals one continuing education hour, 0.2 CEUs equals two continuing education hours, and so on. ” NYSSSWA will begin noting the number of “CEs” being provided to be in compliance with NYSED’s language.

I just got my license.  When do I start collecting CEs/CEUs?

“You are not required to complete continuing education during your initial three-year registration period.”

All licensees in their first 3-year registration period are EXEMPT from doing CEs during that period. They must begin accruing CE hours in their second registration period, which is the start of their fourth year as a licensee.   Only CEs obtained in the registration period it is needed for (your 4th year) , is acceptable.

For General Information from NYSED regarding Continuing Education, click here.

Still have questions?   Please go to the NYSED webpage for their Question and Answer section .

Source for the above information :  http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/swcefaq.h tm

How Do I Obtain NYSSSWA CE hours?

The provision of Continuing Education hours is a multi-step manual process . Nothing is automated so please allow time for processing all components.  In order to receive your CEU certificate, you must have the following:

•       Go to Calendar Events to select your event.
• Go to Calendar Events to select your event.
• See Tutorials for assistance depending on your NYSSSWA membership status.
• Approved P.O.s should be faxed to 516-595-8509 or emailed to: [email protected]
• Complete the sign-in/sign-out sheets or get scanned in and out for EACH Workshop/Keynote Speaker session attended.
• Complete ALL online surveys after the conference has ended. NYSED requires evaluations for ALL Workshops/Keynote Sessions you attend.  (Find links on respective conference web pages.)
• NYSSSWA CE Certificates will be stored and available for attendees to print as needed via their NYSSSWA member account.
• If you have completed all components and after 3 weeks are still not able to access your certificate, please contact [email protected]  

Mandatory Continuing Education Requirement History

For more specific information, please view the April 2014 memorandum from the New York State Education Department. Download here (30 pages). The last few pages of the memorandum address specific comments/questions that were made during the open comment period regarding CEs.

NYSUT Education and Learning Trust (ELT) professional development programs are modeled on best practices, current research-based strategies, real-life applications – and are built on the principle of “members teaching members”.

• Social Work Continuing Education >
• About Us >
• Our Blog >

Continuing Education: Appropriate Boundaries for Mental Health Professionals

By Poorna Sudha Goli, MSW Student

The UB School is Social Work’s continuing education program assists social workers and other human services professionals by providing training to help them advance in social work practice. The social work profession is ever-growing and ever-changing, and to keep up with the fast-paced environment, social workers must keep updating their skills to meet clients’ changing needs while staying connected to their roots in social work theory.

Thus, to retain their skills and acquire the latest knowledge, New York State requires all mental health practitioners (LMSW, LMHC, LCAT, LMFT, psychoanalysts and psychologists) to complete 36 hours of acceptable formal continuing education during each three-year registration period (Continuing Education for License master social worker, n.d.).

As of Oct. 19, 2022, the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York amended sections 72.6 and 74.10 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Requirements for Psychologists, Social Workers and Mental Health Practitioners. It is now mandatory for psychologists, social workers and mental health practitioners to complete three continuing education hours on issues related to “Maintaining appropriate boundaries with patients/clients” during every three-year registration period for registration periods beginning on and after April 1, 2023. These credits must be obtained from department-approved providers only. 

Image by Hans Dietmann from Pixabay

According to Education Law, it is the social worker’s responsibility to maintain appropriate professional boundaries; the client is the center of the decision-making process, and social workers must avoid dual relationships with clients. Keeping boundaries is essential to make sure the relationship between social workers and their clients remains professional despite working on highly personal issues.

Maintaining boundaries can be especially difficult when dealing with a client’s struggles on a very personal level. It is easy to cross professional boundaries in sensitive situations. In some cases, professional behavior might make clients closed, as they commonly expect us to be as open as they are. Although self-disclosure should generally be avoided, in some instances, it is beneficial to do it while maintaining essential boundaries. It is also helpful to shift the focus toward clients while making decisions. Informing the clients of the nature and goals of this therapeutic collaboration is the responsibility of the social worker.

Thus, to address these important topics and new requirements, the UB School of Social Work has developed courses on ethics and boundaries. To learn more, see the ethics and boundaries courses in our catalog.

References:

https://www.op.nysed.gov/releases/advisory-notices/continuing-education

https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/social-work/maintaining-appropriate-professional-boundaries

https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker-lmsw/continuing-education/continuing-education-faqs

Published May 24, 2023

• Find Your Division
• Find A Social Worker
• National NASW
• NASW-NYS Continuing Education

Continuing Education Partnership Program

Continuing Education Partnership Program (CEPP)

***Please note: The Continuing Education Partnership Program (CEPP) is currently suspended due to staff capacity. No new program proposals will be accepted as of December 14, 2023. We anticipate reopening CEPP in the summer of 2024. To learn how to become an approved provider through NYSED, click here. 

What is CEPP?

The Continuing Education Partnership Program (CEPP) gives organizations, agencies, and individuals offering educational programming the opportunity to partner with NASW-NYS, an approved provider through the New York State Education Department (NYSED), to provide CEs.

As part of the NASW-NYS mission to promote the development and enhancement of social work practice, CEPP exists to partner with organizations looking to provide quality, affordable, accessible, and diverse continuing education (CE) opportunities to social workers in New York State. The CEPP approval and partnership process has been developed to assure that approved programs meet the state of New York continuing education requirements, uphold NASW-NYS’s high level of educational quality, promote educational events that will advance professional development, and enhance social work services to clients and the community.

Your program must be at least 6 weeks away from your application date in order to be considered for approval. There are no exceptions. 

Who can apply to CEPP?

All program partners who offer continuing education programs that are relevant to social workers may submit an application. CEPP only accepts in person programming, including individual workshops and multi-day conferences,  and online live programs.

Examples of Provider Partners

• an agency/organization
• a hospital or clinic
• a department of social work
• a college/university
• a professional organization or another similar body
• individuals

Application Process

Application Checklist

• NASW-NYS Program Form
• A resume/vitae must be submitted for every program presenter
• Any program content to support your submission (PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, CDs/DVDs, etc.)
• Application fee of $35.00 (due upon submission)

Submission Results

The CEPP will commence processing your application upon receipt of application fee and materials. NASW-NYS will contact you directly if further information is required for review. You will be notified of the submission results through your identified contact e-mail email within 15 business days. If rejected, you will receive a letter stating the reason and may be given the opportunity to edit your content in order to bring it into NYSED compliance. NASW-NYS reserves the right to deny any program.

If your program is accepted into CEPP, NASW-NYS will work with you to create a CEPP Agreement tailored to the needs of your program.

CEPP Package Fees

Not seeing the type of program support you require here? We are happy to work with you to develop a package that works best for you, your program, and your intended audience.

General CEPP Policies

The Provider Partner agrees to:

• Maintain responsibility for all contractual agreements with program-related vendors
• Identify NASW-NYS as the program sponsor, and include NASW-NYS logos on all promotional materials
• Include the required NYSED language supplied upon approval of program on all promotional materials
• Provide at least a 20% discounted rate for NASW members
• Oversee all day-of sign-in/sign-out, onsite registration, and evaluation responsibilities unless Day-of Coordination services are purchased
• Registrant spreadsheet must include first name, last name, e-mail address, mailing address, and phone number of all attendees
• Provide NASW-NYS with copy of all on-site registrations within 3 business days of the program if Registration Development services are not purchased
• Provide NASW-NYS with copy of all program evaluations within 3 business days of the program if Registration Development services are not purchased
• Provide NASW-NYS with copy of sign-in/sign-out sheet(s) with individual participant signatures within 3 business days of the program if Registration Development services are not purchased

Provider Partners who fail to provide the post-event documentation will not receive continuing education credits for their program(s) participants, and their CEPP Package fee will not be reimbursed.

NASW-NYS Agrees to:

• Review presenter credentials and program content to ensure that program meets the NYSED regulations for social work continuing education credit and provide confirmation of approval or feedback on necessary changes to receive approval within 2 months
• Maintain all post-program records including sign-in sheets, program evaluations, on-site registrations, and certificates of completion, as required by NYSED, after completion of each program(s)
• Provide the Provider Partner with an invoice within 5 business days after the signing of the CEPP Agreement
• Disseminate CE certificates to all attendees within 10 business days after receiving the day-of sign-in sheet(s) from Provider Partner

NASW-NYS Provider ID#

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers: Provider ID #0014.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0037.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0053.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists. #PSY-0088.

CEPP Application Checklist

Submit to: [email protected]

Questions about CEPP? Email us at [email protected]

Continuing Education and Professional Development for Social Workers

Register today for a live webinar or convenient, online course that will satisfy your CE requirements.

Our social worker CE online courses, live webinars, online retreats and digital seminars help you stay up to date on the current best practices and cutting-edge theories in behavioral health. Leading experts in the field develop each course, and courses are vetted for compliance to ensure they meet ASWB standards Continuing education units (CEUs) are required and necessary for a social worker’s career. Not only to keep your license up-to-date, but so you can provide your clients with updated and accurate care. Now you can get the continuing education you need to be well-informed on new treatment developments and strategies, plus build your career through a convenient and affordable way that’s adaptable to your personal and professional needs. PESI gives you clinical resources on the widest range of topics including, trauma treatment , anxiety disorders , personality disorders , telehealth and much more, so you can easily expand your career goals and help your clients.

Certifications and Professional Advancement for Social Workers

One of the most accessible ways to demonstrate your professional commitment to serving specific populations or needs is by adding a certification that demonstrates your additional learning and engagement. Today's competitive hiring atmosphere also makes these endorsements an excellent investment in your career. PESI offers hundreds of resources so you can explore new ideas like Internal Family Systems (IFS) , discover how to use CBT for anxiety and OCD , understand antidepressant selection for clients with depression, and so much more. Self-paced online certification training courses include:

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP Level I & II)
• Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
• Certified Addictions-Informed Professional (CAIMHP)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• And many more

With a variety of online trainings to choose from you’ll find everything you need to satisfy yearly CE requirements while deepening your understanding of your clients and patients. PESI also offers hundreds of free resources (and free CE hours!) to make exploring new areas of social work accessible. Whatever interests you, you’ll quickly find what you need to learn new skills, offer a wider range of treatment and expand your professional opportunities.

Continuing Education that Pushes the Envelope

PESI’s presenters and facilitators are some of the most in-demand practitioners, instructors, and researchers working in their fields. They work to build a diverse offering of presentations for students with a variety of learning styles. You’ll be able to make the most of your continuing education because we offer a number of ways to meet your credit requirements, including:

Our comprehensive course library goes beyond just traditional online lectures. Step-by-step you’ll be guided through dozens of lessons from industry-leading experts and researchers who will share their practical techniques, skills, stories, and tips that you can immediately apply in your practice. Each online course comes with lifetime access and assessments designed to help you master the material, as well as discussion forums that give you the opportunity to learn the material with other professionals. Self-paced social work CEU courses are available for most of the same topics covered in live CE seminars.

Join thousands of Social Workers already learning at PESI.

Check Your State CE Requirements

If you're looking for continuing education courses designed to keep your licensing and certification up to date in every relevant area of professional practice you need, start by consulting your state guidelines to make sure you understand how to cover every requirement. From there you can plan an enriching year of learning that helps you hit your professional goals while keeping all your licensing and credentials up to date. It's efficient, it's easy to fit to your schedule, and new course offerings are being added as quickly as they are developed. Keep checking back for new webinar calendar dates and freshly developed courses.

Join Our Mailing List!

Get exclusive discounts, new training announcements & more., follow us on social, share with your colleagues.

• NYSED Homepage
• NYSED Employment
• Board Members Only

Continuing Education Providers

Continuing education provider approval under section 74.10(i) of the regulations of the commissioner.

An organization must comply with the applicable requirements of Section 74.10(i) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education (Commissioner's Regulations) to obtain State Education Department (SED) approval as a provider of continuing education for Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Approved providers are expected to meet or exceed the standards detailed below.

To apply for approval, you must complete and submit an Application for Approval as a Continuing Education Provider for Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (Form 1SB , along with a $900 check or money order made payable to the New York State Education Department, to the address listed at the end of the form, with any required supporting materials. The fee is for evaluation and consideration, not approval, of the application and is non-refundable.

The application for approval as a provider and the $900 fee must be submitted to SED at least 90 days prior to the date of the commencement of the continuing education programs.

Approval of continuing education providers is for a three-year term and must be renewed. To renew approval as a provider of continuing education, you must submit a renewal application, along with the $900 fee, no less than 45 days prior to the expiration of your current approval.

If you have any questions concerning the requirements for continuing education provider approval, please contact the Office of the State Board for Social Work, 89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12234-1000 or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 450 or by e-mailing [email protected] .

Standard 1 - Organizations

Entities eligible to apply for approval

Section 74.10(i)(2) of the Commissioner’s Regulations defines the entities that are eligible to apply for approval as a provider of continuing education to Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). Eligible entities include, but are not limited to:

• a higher education institution that offers programs that are registered pursuant to Part 52 of the Commissioner’s Regulations as leading to licensure as a LMSW or LCSW in New York State,
• a higher education institution in another jurisdiction that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE),
• a higher education institution in New York State or another jurisdiction that is accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency and that offers graduate coursework that is directly related to the enhancement of practice, skills and knowledge of LMSWs or LCSWs,
• a psychotherapy institute, chartered by the Board of Regents, that offers coursework that is directly related to the enhancement of practice, skills and knowledge of LMSWs or LCSWs,
• a national social work organization or other professional organization that promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of the public and fosters good practice in the social work professions, including specialty boards,
• a New York State social work organization that is incorporated or otherwise organized in New York State that promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of the public and fosters good practice in the social work professions in New York State as a whole and/or a region of New York State,
• a national organization of jurisdictional boards of social work that promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and fosters good practice in the social work professions,
• an entity operated under an operating certificate appropriately issued in accordance with articles 16, 31 or 32 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law, or
• an entity, hospital or health facility as defined in section 2801 of the New York State Public Health Law.

The documents submitted with the application must demonstrate that the organization will offer courses of learning or self-study programs in one or more of the subjects prescribed for acceptable continuing education as listed below.

Standard 2 - Courses/Educational Activities

Courses/educational activities are offered in appropriate subject areas.

Section 7410 of the Education Law limits acceptable educational programs for continuing education to "courses of learning" which contribute to the professional practice of social work. Under Section 74.10(c)(2) of the Commissioner’s Regulations, providers must offer courses in one or more of the following subject areas:

• theories and concepts of human behavior in the social environment;
• social work practice, knowledge and skills;
• social work research, programs, or practice evaluations;
• social work management, administration or social policy;
• social work ethics;
• clinical interventions, evidence-based models, and principles of clinical social work practice, psychotherapy, and clinical social work diagnosis;
• client communications and record keeping;
• administrative supervision of licensed master social work and clinical supervision of licensed clinical social work practice;
• pedagogical methodologies or other topics which contribute to the professional practice of licensed master social work and licensed clinical social work; or
• cross-disciplinary offerings from medicine, law, administration, education and the behavioral sciences are acceptable if they are clearly related to the enhancement of social work practice, skills and knowledge, and the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public.

Educational activities that may count for continuing education credit are:

• formal courses of learning including, but not be limited to, university and college credit and non-credit courses;
• professional development programs and technical sessions offered by national, state and local professional associations and other organizations acceptable to SED ; and
• any other organized educational and technical programs related to the practice of social work that are acceptable to SED.

Other educational activities that may be acceptable continuing education include the following:

• preparing and teaching a course offered by a provider of continuing education to LMSWs and LCSWs, approved by SED, but such teaching will not be acceptable where the licensee has taught the course on more than one occasion without presenting new or revised material. Continuing education hours that may be credited for this activity may include actual instructional time plus preparation time, which may be up to two additional hours for each hour of presentation;
• preparing and teaching a course, acceptable to SED, at a higher education institution or psychotherapy institute, as defined in section 74.10(i)(2) of the Commissioner’s Regulations, relating to the practice of professional social work, but such teaching will not be acceptable where the licensee has taught the course on more than one occasion without presenting new or revised material. Continuing education hours that may be credited for this activity may include actual instructional time plus preparation time, which may be up to two additional hours for each hour of presentation;
• making a technical presentation at a professional conference sponsored by an organization that is an SED-approved provider of continuing education to LMSWs and LCSWs, but such presentation will not be acceptable where the licensee has presented the topic on more than one occasion without presenting new or revised material. Continuing education hours that may be credited for this activity include actual presentation time plus preparation time, which may be up to two additional hours for each hour of presentation;
• completing a self-study program, meaning structured study, offered by an SED-approved provider, that is based on audio, audio-visual, written, on-line, or other media. Such coursework does not include live instruction, transmitted in person or otherwise, during which the student may communicate and interact with the instructor and other students. Self-study may comprise no more than twelve hours of continuing education in any three-year registration period, or one-third of the hours for a registration period other than three years;
• authoring a first-time article published in a peer-reviewed journal or a chapter in a published book. Two hours of continuing education credit will be awarded for such activity; and
• authoring a first-time book in the practice of licensed master social work or licensed clinical social work. Five hours of continuing education credit will be awarded for such activity.

SED may, pursuant to section 74(i)(2)(c) of the Commissioner’s Regulations, in its discretion and as needed to contribute to the health and welfare of the public, require the completion of continuing education courses in specific subjects to fulfill this mandatory continuing education requirement.

Any continuing education designed for the sole purpose of personal development, marketing, business practices, and maximizing profits for the practice of a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker will not be considered by SED as acceptable continuing education.

Standard 3 - Instructors

Instructors are qualified to teach the courses/educational activities which will be offered.

Section 74.10(i)(3)(ii)(c) of the Commissioner’s Regulations requires providers to use course/educational activity instructors who are qualified to teach the courses/educational activities which will be offered, including but not limited to, faculty of a licensed master social work or licensed clinical social work program offered by a higher education institution; or instructors who are specially qualified authorities in activities that are directed at developing and enhancing a licensee’s practice as a LMSW or LCSW, as determined by SED with assistance from the State Board for Social Work, to conduct such courses.

In addition to assuring that providers meet this standard, providers must:

• maintain and use written criteria and procedures to select instructors, including job descriptions, intended to assure that every instructor is qualified by training and/or experience to teach the course/educational activity assigned to them; and
• maintain and use written procedures to evaluate instructors' performance. Both attendees' written evaluations and assessments by course/educational activity monitors may be part of the evaluation of instructors' performance.

Standard 4 - Assessment of Learning

Provider has a method of assessing the learning of participants.

Section 74.10(i)(3)(ii)(d) of the Commissioner’s requires providers to have a method of assessing the learning of participants.

Pursuant to this requirement, providers must develop and maintain assessment methods that: (1) are appropriate to the course/educational activity objectives and educational methods; and (2) measure the extent to which the objectives were accomplished. These methods may include, but are not limited to, post-tests, questionnaires, and participants' evaluations. Course/educational activity monitors may also be effective components of a method of assessing learning.

Standard 5 - Records

Provider will maintain records for at least six years from the date of completion of coursework/educational activity.

Section 74.10(i)(3)(ii)(e) of the Commissioner’s Regulations requires providers to maintain records for at least six years from the date of completion of coursework, which must include, but are not limited to, the name and curriculum vitae of the faculty, a record of attendance of LMSWs or LCSWs in the course if a course; a record of participation of LMSWs or LCSWs in the self-instructional coursework if self-instructional coursework; an outline of the course, date and location of the course, and the number of hours for completion of the course.

Providers must create and maintain for at least six years the following records for each course/educational activity:

• the date and location of the course/educational activity;
• the name and curriculum vitae of the instructor/presenter;
• the objectives and learning methods of the course/educational activity;
• the outline of the course/educational activity, the assessment methods used, and the number of contact hours of the course/educational activity;
• a summary of any evaluation of the course/educational activity;
• copies of all promotional materials used in a course/educational activity;
• any evaluation of the need for the course/educational activity; and
• the list of licensed practitioners in attendance at a course or participating in an educational activity, including the profession(s) in which each is licensed.

Providers must have policies and procedures for the storage, confidentiality and retrieval of records for a six-year period.

In the event an approved provider discontinues operation, the governing body of such provider must notify the Department and transfer all records as directed by the Department.

Providers must provide a Certificate of Completion/Participation to licensed practitioners who have completed a course/educational activity for continuing education hours. A Certificate of Completion/Participation must contain the following information:

• the organization’s name;
• the name of the participant;
• the date and location of the course/ educational activity;
• the course/educational activity title;
• the educational method used (e.g., lecture, self-study);
• the number of contact hours; and
• a statement indicating that the organization is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers.

• Career Resources
• Addressing Trauma in Students
• BSW Holders: Advanced Standing
• Academics FAQs
• CASAC Credentialing
• Gerontology and Palliative Care Certificate
• Application and Admissions Requirements
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Admissions FAQs
• A Letter from the Dean
• Our Faculty
• Student Resources
• Student Support
• The Heights: Virtual Learning
• Licensing and CE
• Alumni Network

Social Work Education and Professional Development

A comprehensive social work education will give you the necessary knowledge, skills and ethical foundation to address complex social issues and support vulnerable people. It combines theoretical learning with practical application, covering areas such as psychology, sociology, law and crisis intervention. This educational pathway prepares future social workers to advocate for social justice , provide counseling and work within the social services system. 1

Although a formal education program provides a strong foundation in social work, continuous learning helps social workers stay up to date with best practices, legal standards and new intervention strategies. A lifelong commitment to learning maintains a high standard of professionalism in this dynamic profession and leads to better outcomes for clients. Continuous education in social work also allows professionals to adapt to their roles and specializations within the field. 2

Professional development for social workers adds to their skills and knowledge after their formal education. Examples include workshops, conferences, seminars and the pursuit of advanced certifications. These activities fulfill licensing requirements and encourage reflection, collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals. 3

Social Work Education Programs

Social work education programs offer a structured pathway to a career in social work. Bachelor’s degree programs in social work (BSWs) provide foundational knowledge in social welfare policy, human behavior and direct service strategies. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions at social work practices. Accredited programs include extensive fieldwork components that offer direct practice in diverse settings. 1

Master’s degree programs in social work (MSWs) generally require two additional years of education and may be required for specialized or supervisory positions. These programs cover advanced skills in clinical assessment, intervention techniques and specialized areas such as mental health or child welfare. MSW programs typically require internships or fieldwork for hands-on learning. 1 An online MSW , like that at Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work, provides ample opportunity for social work students to complete fieldwork even though the program is offered conveniently online. Through dialogue with diverse clients, you’ll be empowered to practice social work with true cultural sensitivity and responsiveness, fully understanding all facets of the client relationship.

Doctoral degrees in social work (PhDs or DSWs) focus on research and advanced practice leadership. These programs prepare graduates for roles in academia, policy development and high-level administrative positions that require original research and theoretical contributions to the field. 1

Social work certification programs and continuing education opportunities allow practicing social workers to gain specific skills and expertise. These programs include options such as hospice care, substance abuse counseling and school social work. 4

Key Skills and Competencies for Social Work Professionals

Professional social workers need a wide range of skills to serve and advocate for their clients in diverse populations and complex situations, including the following:

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication includes the ability to actively listen, clearly convey information and use empathy to build trust with clients. Social workers need strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and handling sensitive conversations. With good communication skills, social workers can foster constructive relationships with clients, their families, and other professionals. 5

Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness

Social workers must understand and respect the cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds of the people and communities they serve. They need to recognize personal biases, understand systemic inequalities and apply culturally appropriate strategies . By embracing diversity, social workers can provide more tailored and respectful services, improving client engagement and outcomes. 6

Case Management and Advocacy Techniques

Effective case management requires organizing, coordinating, and monitoring the services and resources needed to address a client’s specific needs. Social workers have to be advocates for their clients, helping them access necessary services, protect their rights and promote social justice. They work to help their clients receive immediate help and long-term support for sustainable improvement in their circumstances. 7

Professional Development Opportunities

Social workers have many opportunities for professional development to improve their skills, advance their knowledge and invest in their career growth. These opportunities range from traditional settings to online platforms, and they’re often tailored to different learning needs and professional goals. 3 You can find professional development resources for social workers on LinkedIn, in industry newsletters and on websites like for the National Association of Social Workers.

Workshops, seminars and conferences are face-to-face gatherings that help social workers stay informed about the latest research, techniques and policies in the industry. Conferences often feature keynote speeches from experts, panel discussions and case-study presentations. 3

Online learning is a flexible, accessible method for continuing professional education. Webinars and online courses allow social workers to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They can use these opportunities to balance their professional development with their work and personal commitments. These platforms often cover many different topics, such as specific therapeutic techniques and policy changes. 3

Mentorship and supervision programs connect less experienced social workers with seasoned professionals who provide guidance, feedback and support. Mentorship, training and supervision help new social workers apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and build confidence and effective practices in their roles. 8

Continuing Education Requirements and Regulations

The exact requirements vary by state, but social workers need to earn a degree from an accredited social work program. They then need to pass a national examination and meet specific state requirements, which generally include supervised clinical hours. To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) , candidates must have a master’s degree from an accredited program, pass a licensing exam and complete a certain amount of supervised clinical hours. 9

To renew their licenses, social workers must meet continuing education credit requirements, which also vary by state. Typically, these requirements involve completing a certain number of continuing education credits within a set renewal period, often 48 hours every two years: These credits can be earned through activities such as attending workshops, seminars and conferences or completing courses offered by accredited providers. 10

Make Meaningful Progress in Your Career

Yeshiva University’s online Master of Social Work program will prepare you to make a positive difference in the lives of others through our extensive tradition of service. The accredited online Master of Social Work program will help prepare you to become an LCSW. You’ll receive personal attention from our experienced faculty, and the education you receive will equip you to work in different fields and roles. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more.

• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from allpsychologyschools.com/degrees/social-work/
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=qrXmm_Wt7jU%3D&portalid=0
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from careers.socialworkers.org/professionaldev/default.asp
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from tealhq.com/certifications/social-worker
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from linkedin.com/advice/3/how-can-good-communication-skills-help-advance-fuxlf
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from socialworkers.org/Practice/NASW-Practice-Standards-Guidelines/Standards-and-Indicators-for-Cultural-Competence-in-Social-Work-Practice
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from linkedin.com/advice/0/how-can-you-provide-high-quality-case-management-services-vtivc
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from linkedin.com/advice/3/what-different-types-models-supervision-mentoring-social
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from forbes.com/advisor/education/social-work/social-work-license-requirements/
• Retrieved on April 15, 2024, from socialworkers.org/Practice/NASW-Practice-Standards-Guidelines/NASW-Standards-for-Continuing-Professional-Education

Return to Blog

Yeshiva University has engaged Everspring , a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.

Veterinary Social Work

Online Post-Master’s Certificate Program

Veterinary Social Work is a growing practice area that addresses the intersection of human needs and animal welfare. This cutting-edge, online certificate program is specifically designed for mental health or related helping professionals seeking to integrate clinical skills with a passion for the human-animal bond. With instruction from faculty who are clinical experts and experienced trainers in animal-assisted therapy, you will explore key areas that balance evidenced-based clinical interventions with the curative powers of sentient beings.

The program is comprehensive, providing both clinically driven theoretical knowledge and the hands-on application of skills and interventions with animals as co-therapists. You will learn to create transformative experiences for people and animals throughout their lives, with an emphasis on the intrinsic link between human and animal welfare.

Completion of the program will enrich your career prospects and enhance your ability to deliver effective targeted interventions in a context that both heals client issues and elevates the curative powers of the human-animal bond. Such work within a wide variety of communities and settings promotes healing and support where it is most needed while extending access to this emerging humanistic mental health modality.

Program Highlights

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Engages a broad spectrum of social work theory and social justice parallels with animal behavior science, focusing on the links between human and animal welfare.
• Specialized Curriculum: Covers essential topics such as animal-assisted therapy and welfare; the human-animal bond; bereavement and grief counseling related to animal loss, the dynamics between human and animal violence, and crisis intervention for people with pets.
• Clinical Focus: This program is unique from all other veterinary social work courses and programs in its emphasis and inclusion of advanced clinical theories, interventions and skills.
• Compassion Fatigue Management: Equips students with strategies to handle personal and professional stress, enhancing their longevity and effectiveness in the field while offering those same benefits to those who love and care for animals.
• Online Learning: Offers a fully live online format that allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments from anywhere in the world.
• Expert Faculty: Features world experts in the human-animal bond and veterinary social work. The instructors are seasoned veterinary social work professionals who provide valuable insights and mentorship in veterinary social work practices.
• The receipt of this program completion certificate will become a standard for educational attainment in this field and help candidates prepare for other associated designations in this field.

Program Requirements

This certificate requires the completion of 18 two-hour online sessions over two semesters. Assignments include weekly readings, several small projects, and a final learning assessment.

Pre-requisites:

• Master’s degree in social work or an allied helping profession, such as psychological counseling, nursing, pastoral counseling, or education.
• Affirmation of a code of professional ethics associated with social work or an allied helping profession.

Program Schedule

The program will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 PM over two semesters, 18 sessions total.

• September 4, 18
• October 9, 23
• November 6, 20
• December 4, 18 (1 session TBD)

Spring 2025

• February 12, 26
• March 5, 19
• April 2, 16, 30

About the Director

Katherine compitus, dsw, lcsw-r, c-aais.

Dr. Katherine Compitus is a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work, Chair of the Practice Curriculum Area and Director of the School’s Veterinary Social Work post-masters program. She is a Colombian-American doctor of clinical social work, licensed bilingual clinical social worker, and biopsychologist. Her research focuses on trauma studies, specifically within the human-animal bond, with a focus on the disproportionate systemic oppression of people of color. This includes an examination of multiple aspects of society, including social policy, mental health services, crisis intervention, and the social determinants of health. Dr. Compitus is the author of the Zooeyia blog on PsychologyToday.com where she discusses crisis intervention in the human-animal bond and she is the author of The Human-Animal Bond and Clinical Social Work Practice (Springer, 2021) and Animal House: A Clinician’s Guide to Animal Hoarding (U.Oxford Press, In Press).

About the Co-Lead Instructor

Susan dowd stone, msw, lcsw.

Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Silver School of Social Work where she has taught courses and presented workshops and webinars on a variety of evidence-based modalities and topics for 16 years including CBT, DBT, IPT, and psychodynamic approaches, veterinary social work and women's reproductive mental health for the MSW program, the Post Master's Certificate Program at the Office of Global and Lifelong Learning. Throughout her career, Professor Stone has combined clinical expertise and social justice beliefs in her roles as an educator, therapist, author, and advocate. She has served as a Public Reviewer for the National Institute of Mental Health intermittently since 2010.

Over the past three decades, Ms. Stone has devoted much of her career to advancing the critical familial and therapeutic roles of animals in mental health, initiating three successful psychiatric AAI programs in Bergen County Hospitals with her canine partner Dickens with whom she was honored with an NYU President's Service Award. For 14 years she facilitated an animal bereavement support group embedded in a large veterinary practice. She was a former team trainer and evaluator for the Pet Partners Program (formerly Delta Society) and has presented workshops, webinars, and staff debriefings at veterinary conferences and within vet practices.

At NYU Silver, she created and presented the inaugural course, Animal Companion Bereavement in Clinical Social Work and will present Veterinary Social Work (spring 2025). She is the co-developer of the two-semester Post-Masters Certificate course in Veterinary Social Work; the presenter of the CE webinar Opportunities in Veterinary Social Work for the Office of Global Center and Lifelong Learning, and faculty advisor to NYU's Animal Assisted Therapy Club. Ms. Stone's latest publication is Mourning Companion Animals: Guiding Clients from Loss to Legacy (Routledge ‘24). She is the founder of www.petlosshelp.net which serves as a crucial source of comfort for those mourning the loss of their companion animals. She maintains a private practice in Closter, NJ, and may be reached through her email [email protected] or her website www.susandowdstone.com

Continuing Education Contact Hours

36 NYSED and ASWB/ACE Continuing Education Contact Hours will be awarded for this program.

Social Work

New York University Silver School of Social Work is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers {#SW-0012}.

NYU Silver School of Social Work, 1415 is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. NYU Silver School of Social Work maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 11/19/22 - 11/11/25. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.

Mental Health

New York University Silver School of Social Work is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors {#MHC-0083}.

For Mental Health Practitioners: Please check with your state, if you are not licensed in New York, to determine if these credits will be accepted for licensing renewal.

55 jurisdictions accept ACE-approved provider CE contact hours . ACE is not an approved Continuing Education provider in the states of New York (though NYU Silver is NYSED CE approved in NYS) and West Virginia, unless the event is outside of West VA. ACE only approves individual courses in New Jersey, though NYU Silver is CSWE-accredited and therefore accepted for licensed NJ professionals.  Here is a full list of statutes related to social work CE .

Application

Access the Post-Master's Certificate application here.

Fees & Refund Policy

The cost of this certificate program is $2,130 , which includes registration and application fees and the cost of an online compendium of readings.

Available discounts include:

• 25% discount for NYU Silver School of Social Work MSW/DSW/PhD alumni
• 25% discount for practicum instructors currently working with NYU Silver School of Social Work graduate students
• 15% discount for applicants who have already completed one NYU Silver certificate program
• 50% discount for Veterans

Please note: discounts may not be combined.

Deposit:  Upon acceptance into the program, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. This deposit is applied to the total cost of tuition.

Refund Policy for Early Withdrawal The $250.00 program deposit is non-refundable. Students who withdraw before the first class will be refunded 100% of their fees (minus the deposit). Students who withdraw after up to and including two (2) sessions will be refunded 70% of their fees (minus the deposit). Students who withdraw after up to and including four (4) sessions will be refunded 55% of their fees (minus the deposit). Students who withdraw after four (4) sessions will receive no refund.

Refund Schedule