MSW Programs in Idaho | No GRE/CSWE Accredited Masters

When it comes to privacy and quiet, there isn’t a state that can beat Idaho. There are just 1.6 million people living in Idaho, most of whom live in rural or small suburban communities. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the population density in Idaho is 19 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 87.4 people per square mile.

One of the benefits of living in Idaho is the low cost of living, as Sperling’s Best Places reports that the cost of living in Idaho is 6% less than the national average. Whether you live in one of Idaho’s big cities or one of its many rural areas, you can get a good start on a new social worker’s salary.

Tuition and Curriculum Information for MSW Programs in Idaho

There are four Idaho schools with MSW degrees, dispersed evenly throughout the state. The average cost of tuition in Idaho is $10,839, but tuition is as low as $3,991 at Boise State University.

All four Idaho schools start with a strong base in all aspects of social work. This involves starting with foundational classes that teach you the basics of counseling and social work, theory classes that help you learn about societal issues, and policy courses that teach you about the ethics and laws of social work. Each semester, you build on what you learned in the previous semester and apply it to your practicum hours.

If you plan on working for a religious organization or if you want to use religion in your therapy services, Northwest Nazarene University is the only school in the state that includes religious courses in their curriculum. In addition, Northwest Nazarene University gives you the chance to choose a concentration. You can choose between Community Mental Health Practice, Medical Social Work, Addiction Studies Social Work, and Management & Community Planning.

Practicum Requirements

In Idaho, you complete an average of 1000 practicum hours. These are spread evenly throughout the program, so you can plan on spending 250 hours per semester at a practicum site. To get as much experience as possible, your school will likely send you to different practicum sites each semester.

MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Idaho

There are a variety of employment options in Idaho. Since Idaho is largely made up of rural communities, there are many towns and areas that do not have access to mental health services. Once you progress to the level of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), the option for independent practice can take you anywhere in the state. In addition to living wherever you want in Idaho, you can impact an entire community with your service.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most social workers work for government organizations, healthcare organizations, or social assistance programs. Some of the largest social work employers in Idaho are Sequel Youth and Family Services, LHC Group, Life Care Centers of America, and Center for Behavioral Health.

Social Worker Salary in Idaho

Overall, healthcare social workers earn the highest salaries in Idaho. O*Net reports that healthcare social workers earn an average salary of $47,000. Family social workers and mental health social workers earn very similar salaries; O*Net lists their average salaries as $39,400 per year and $37,700 per year, respectively.

Social Worker Job Outlook in Idaho

Social workers in all fields are in high demand. Healthcare social workers have the best job outlook, with an expected 41% increase in job openings through 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Job openings for mental health social workers are predicted to grow by 29% in the same time frame, while family social workers should expect an employment jump of 18% (O*Net, 2012).

Social Work Licensure in Idaho

Prior to beginning your career as a social worker in Idaho, you must receive approval from the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners. To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), you have to apply to take the license examination. Once you pass the exam, you become licensed for one year. You have to complete 20 hours of continuing education every year to maintain licensure.

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work independently, you have to complete 3000 hours of work as a LMSW. This work should be under the supervision of an LCSW.

In general, you can earn more after becoming an LCSW than when you work as an LMSW. However, if you work in an in-demand social work field, your income potential can be extremely high regardless of your licensure level.