How to Become a Social Worker in Wyoming (Expert Guide + Salary Insights)
The path to becoming a social worker demands extensive field experience. A BSW requires at least 400 hours while an MSW program needs 900 hours. The social worker’s path in Wyoming comes with its own set of requirements and opportunities.
Wyoming’s Mental Health Professions Licensing Board has maintained the state’s rigorous standards since 1987. New professionals need a Certified Social Worker (CSW) license that requires a BSW from an accredited program and successful completion of a 170-question exam.
You can choose between traditional campus programs and flexible online MSW options that take 9 to 27 months to complete. We’ll help you navigate each step toward becoming a licensed social worker in Wyoming. This rewarding profession awaits your contribution!
Understanding Social Work Licensure in Wyoming
The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board serves as the main authority for social work licensure, established in 1987. Wyoming requires proper licensing as a Practice Act and Title Protection state for anyone who provides mental health services within its borders.
The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board
The board aims to protect Wyoming citizens by making sure licensed professionals meet strict qualification standards. It also manages the examination process, reviews applications, and upholds professional practice standards across the state.
Types of Social Work Licenses Available
Wyoming provides two distinct social work license categories:
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- Requires a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Must be 18 years or older
- Requires three professional references with six months of observed social work experience
- Candidates must pass the ASWB Bachelor’s or Master’s Level Exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Requires a Master’s or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum age requirement of 18 years
- Completion of 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience
- Direct client contact must total at least 1,200 hours
- Mandatory 100 hours of face-to-face supervision
- Successful completion of the ASWB Clinical Level Exam
Who Needs a License to Practice
Wyoming state law requires professional licensing for most social work practitioners. In spite of that, some professionals qualify for exemptions:
- Licensed professionals from other recognized fields who maintain appropriate state certifications
- Students completing supervised practicum or internship requirements
- Non-resident practitioners licensed in other states (limited to 30 days per calendar year)
- Religious counselors operating within their ministerial duties without charging fees
- Volunteer service providers approved by their respective organizations
The state offers a Provisional Clinical Social Work license for those seeking provisional licensure. This temporary credential lets graduates start accumulating supervised clinical hours while preparing for full licensure. Social workers must complete 1,500 hours of direct face-to-face practice with clients under qualified supervision during the provisional period.
Licensing requires several steps: submitting official transcripts, providing verification of supervised experience, completing the application with appropriate fees, and passing required examinations. The board closely monitors all supervision agreements. Provisional license holders cannot provide clinical services until they receive explicit board approval.
Educational Requirements for Wyoming Social Workers
The University of Wyoming serves as the life-blood of social work education in the state. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate programs through its Division of Social Work in the College of Health Sciences.
Bachelor’s Degree Options in Wyoming
Students need to complete 120 credit hours in the BSW program at University of Wyoming. The program includes 53 credits specifically in social work coursework. The curriculum requires a minimum of 400 hours of field placement experience. Students learn about:
- Social welfare policy
- Research methods
- Human behavior in social environments
The BSW program runs at both the Laramie campus and through the University of Wyoming at Casper program. Students in the Casper program complete a 450-hour supervised field practicum. This hands-on experience happens in various human service agencies throughout Wyoming.
Master’s Programs and Online Alternatives
Wyoming’s only Master of Social Work (MSW) program runs at the University of Wyoming. Students can choose between two paths:
Standard Program (Two Years)
- Built for students without a BSW
- Includes 900 hours of field experience
- Full-time options in Laramie
- Part-time options in Casper
Advanced Standing Program (One Year)
- Created for BSW graduates
- Requires 500 hours of field experience
- Students must have a minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA
- B or better grades are required in all undergraduate social work courses
The MSW program features a hybrid format that includes:
- Evening classes through live streaming
- Required intensive weekend sessions
- Weekly courses via distance technology
Students looking for online-only alternatives should look to neighboring states or to schools with a strong online presence.
Accreditation Requirements
The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation ensures program quality. Their accreditation shows that programs:
- Meet or exceed quality assessment standards
- Have enough resources to fulfill their mission
- Follow Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
- Deliver quality education across all methods
The accreditation process uses peer review to ensure graduates have the right skills for professional practice. Both bachelor’s and master’s social work programs at the University of Wyoming maintain full CSWE accreditation.
MSW students must complete a capstone requirement by choosing:
- A thesis option with original research and committee oversight
- A portfolio option that documents professional growth through regular class meetings
Salaries for Social Workers in Wyoming
Social workers in Wyoming earn different salaries based on their expertise, where they work, and how long they’ve been in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows us what these professionals can expect to make in various roles.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Wyoming earn a median annual salary of $46,570. The yearly pay for child, family, and school social workers reaches $53,390. This shows a clear difference in pay between these specialties.
Healthcare social workers rank among the best-paid professionals in this field. They earn $63,480 annually. Social workers with other specializations earn even better, with median yearly wages hitting $73,750.
Pay varies throughout Wyoming’s different regions:
- Social workers in Cheyenne can earn up to $97,420 per year
- The Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area pays a median of $51,210 annually
- You’ll find higher salaries in urban areas than in rural parts
Your experience and location can make a big difference in what you earn:
- New social workers start around $50,000 per year
- The most experienced professionals can make up to $114,170 yearly
- Hourly rates range from $24.30 for child and family social workers to $29.94 for healthcare specialists
Job opportunities look promising in the field:
- Child, family, and school social workers make up the biggest group with 580 professionals
- Healthcare social workers fill 220 positions
- Mental health and substance abuse specialists account for 200 jobs
- Specialized social work roles include 170 practitioners
Your salary can grow well if you:
- Move up to supervisor roles
- Get special certifications
- Build up clinical experience
- Choose to work in busy urban areas
Looking at nearby regions shows:
- Fort Collins, Colorado social workers earn around $54,490 yearly
- Salt Lake City, Utah professionals make about $54,360 per year
Wyoming’s social work professionals earn competitive pay packages that match regional standards. This is especially true for specialists and those working in urban areas.
Social Work Scholarships in Wyoming
Money makes a big difference when you’re pursuing a social work degree in Wyoming. Students can tap into many scholarship options from schools and organizations all over the state.
The University of Wyoming’s Division of Social Work (DOSW) makes things simple with six different scholarships you can apply for at once. You’ll just need to fill out one “Social Work Scholarship Application” in WyoScholarships to be considered for everything DOSW offers. The university gives you until March 15 to apply, and they’ll let you know their decision right after March 17.
Here are some standout DOSW scholarships:
- Kay L. Cox Memorial Scholarship – Perfect for non-traditional students who need financial help
- Gordon S. and Charlott Myers Social Work Scholarship – Helps non-traditional students
- Palmer Memorial Social Work Scholarship – Open to anyone majoring in social work
- James Wiebler Memorial Fund for Excellence – 27 years old, promotes social work education
If you’re a graduate student living in Natrona County and enrolled at the University of Wyoming at Casper, the Natrona Collective Health Trust MSW Scholarship might be right for you.
DOSW also runs two vital support programs:
Student Emergency Relief Fund This fund helps BSW and MSW students who hit unexpected money troubles. It’s there to keep financial surprises from throwing you off track.
Student Success Fund This program helps pay for:
- Going to conferences
- Taking training programs
- Doing research
- Course expenses that benefit the community
High school students who’ve overcome tough life challenges should check out the Horatio Alger Wyoming Scholarship. It offers $10,000 and accepts applications until March 15th, 2025.
The Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) runs several scholarship programs with this schedule:
- October 1st – Start applying
- March 3rd – Last day to apply
- May 5th – Winners announced
- July 31st – Accept by this date
- August – Money goes out
Students who apply to the social work program in late spring or summer get another shot at scholarships, usually around late May. Keep checking with the Division of Social Work because they update their scholarship information and deadlines regularly.
Social Work Organizations in Wyoming
Wyoming’s social work community thrives on professional networking. Several organizations help social workers grow and develop their skills. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Wyoming Chapter leads as the state’s largest membership organization for professional social workers.
NASW-Wyoming brings helping professionals together through annual conferences. They have partnered with NASW Montana Chapter and the Montana Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Professionals.
The University of Wyoming hosts three major social work organizations:
Associated Masters of Social Work Students of Wyoming (AMSW2)
The Associated Masters of Social Work Students of Wyoming (AMSW2) is a dynamic organization that serves as a vital hub for MSW students and faculty. This group fosters connections through various engaging activities and initiatives. Members have the opportunity to participate in regular group meetings and collaborative study sessions, enhancing their academic experience. AMSW2 also organizes social activities and community projects, allowing students to build relationships and make a positive impact outside the classroom. Additionally, the group encourages active involvement in committee work, enabling students to develop leadership skills and contribute to the program’s growth. Through these diverse engagement opportunities, AMSW2 plays a crucial role in driving program improvement initiatives, ensuring that the MSW experience at Wyoming continues to evolve and meet the needs of its students.
Associated Students of Social Work (ASSW)
The Associated Students of Social Work (ASSW) is a dedicated group of individuals committed to serving their community through a variety of impactful projects. ASSW members actively engage in fundraising efforts to promote breast cancer awareness, demonstrating their commitment to public health. They also extend their support to families at Mercer House, providing assistance to those in need. Additionally, the group collects essential supplies for deployed troops, showing their appreciation for military service members. Furthermore, ASSW members contribute their time and effort by serving meals at the Casper Rescue Mission, directly addressing local hunger and homelessness issues. Through these diverse initiatives, ASSW exemplifies the spirit of social work by making a positive difference in various aspects of community life.
Phi Alpha Honor Society – Epsilon Delta Chapter
The Phi Alpha Honor Society’s Epsilon Delta Chapter at the University of Wyoming is dedicated to fostering excellence in social work scholarship and professional development. This esteemed organization offers a wide range of opportunities for its members, including community service initiatives, research in professional practice, and recognition of outstanding social workers. Members of the society benefit from extensive professional networking opportunities, access to job boards, student membership discounts, and various training seminars and skill development workshops. For new professionals in the field, the Phi Alpha Honor Society provides invaluable resources such as mentorship programs, career guidance, continuing education opportunities, professional development workshops, and networking events. Through these comprehensive offerings, the Epsilon Delta Chapter plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing the careers of social work professionals at the University of Wyoming and beyond.
The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board works with these organizations to maintain high professional standards. Social workers can access:
- Latest industry developments
- Policy updates
- Best practices
- Professional support networks
- Advocacy opportunities
These organizations shape Wyoming’s social work future. They connect practitioners, encourage professional growth, and uphold high practice standards. Their combined efforts create a reliable support system for students and practicing social workers statewide.
Maintaining Your Wyoming Social Work License
Renewing your Wyoming social work license is a crucial process that occurs every two years, with the expiration date aligning with your birthday. The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board oversees this process and has established specific requirements to ensure that social workers maintain their professional competence and stay up-to-date with current practices.
One of the primary requirements for renewal is completing 45 hours of continuing education (CE) within the two-year period. These CE hours must be carefully selected to meet specific criteria. At least 3 hours must be dedicated to ethics, while another 3 hours should focus on suicide assessment or intervention. It’s important to note that all CE courses must be approved by an organization recognized by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Fortunately, social workers have the flexibility to complete all 45 hours through home study programs if they choose.
The renewal process involves submitting proof of completed CE hours along with your renewal application. You can find the necessary forms on the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board website. It’s crucial to ensure that your renewal application is postmarked on or before your license expiration date to avoid any lapses in your professional status.
As of July 1, 2021, renewal fees have been restructured based on license type and whether a background check is required. For example, a Licensed Social Worker renewal with both a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) query and background check costs $168, while the same renewal without the background check is $129. Additional license renewals are priced at $75. It’s worth noting that starting from July 1, 2021, all applicants must submit fingerprints as part of their renewal application every four years. This involves submitting two FD-258 fingerprint cards along with your renewal application and fee when required.
The Board takes additional measures to ensure the integrity of licensed social workers by querying the NPDB for all new and renewal applications. This check helps identify any reported adverse actions in other states. It’s crucial to maintain your license in good standing, as failure to renew by the expiration date results in your license becoming null and void. In such cases, you must cease providing mental health services in Wyoming until you complete a relicensure application.
Lastly, it’s essential to keep your contact information up-to-date with the Board. While they typically send renewal notices 60 days before expiration, the responsibility ultimately lies with you to renew on time, even if you don’t receive a notice. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure the continuous validity of your Wyoming social work license and your ability to practice in the state.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Wyoming social work license remains active, allowing you to continue practicing legally in the state. Remember to start the renewal process well in advance of your expiration date, especially when a background check is required, as processing can take 3-5 weeks.
Conclusion
Becoming a social worker in Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a state known for its tight-knit communities and rural landscapes. While the journey requires dedication, including obtaining the necessary education and licensure, the rewards of this career path are substantial. Social workers in Wyoming play crucial roles in addressing various social issues, from supporting families in crisis to helping individuals overcome substance abuse challenges.
The demand for qualified social workers in Wyoming continues to grow, particularly in underserved rural areas. This presents both challenges and opportunities for those entering the field. While you may face obstacles such as limited resources or geographical isolation, you’ll also have the chance to develop innovative solutions and form meaningful connections with clients and communities.
Ultimately, a career in social work in Wyoming is not just a job, but a calling. It requires compassion, resilience, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others. For those willing to embrace this challenging yet rewarding path, becoming a social worker in Wyoming offers the potential for personal growth, professional satisfaction, and the ability to create lasting positive change in the lives of individuals and communities across the Equality State.