Tennessee Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in TN
The need for social workers is expected to grow in Tennessee. Many current job openings and high projected job growth paint a bright future for the state’s social workers over the next decade.
Tennessee issues four levels of licensure to social workers who meet rigorous requirements. Use this guide to plan your social work career and explore Tennessee’s social work license requirements, training opportunities, and salary information.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Tennessee Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Tennessee Board of Social Workers is a state governmental agency that oversees social work licensure. The board issues licenses to individuals with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, depending on the level of licensure.
Tennessee issues four types of social work licenses:
- Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW)
- Licensed master social worker (LMSW)
- Licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW)
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
Learn more about each Tennessee social work license in the subsections below.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
An LBSW is the entry-level credential for basic generalist social work practice in Tennessee. Baccalaureate-level social workers perform tasks such as interviewing clients, case management, issuing referrals, and educating clients. Board rules stipulate that LBSWs cannot diagnose or treat mental illness or provide psychotherapy services. They work under the supervision of advanced social workers such as an LMSW.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelors exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
An LMSW’s duties combine those of a licensed baccalaureate social worker and that of a clinical social worker. These practitioners work under the clinical supervision of an LCSW. Their duties include case management, treatment planning, counseling, and supervised direct practice at, or for, an agency or organization. They may practice supervised clinical social work as a pathway to licensure as a clinical social worker.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or doctoral degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker
LAPSWs qualify for licensure with a master’s or doctorate in social work. Nonclinical LAPSW practitioners perform duties such as counseling, direct practice, treatment planning, research, and advocacy. LAPSWs may also engage in clinical social work when supervised by an LCSW. This level of practice may include the supervision of licensed or temporarily licensed LMSWs.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LAPSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or doctoral degree in social work
- At least two years (3,000 hours) of full-time experience as an LMSW under the supervision of an LAPSW or LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The most advanced Tennessee social work license is the LCSW. These practitioners apply their specialized knowledge and training to assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. In addition to advanced case management, they provide clinical treatments such as therapy, counseling, direct practice and psychotherapy. LCSWs may perform these duties independently, outside the jurisdiction of an organization or agency.
Tennessee licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or doctoral degree in social work
- At least two years (3,000 hours) of full-time experience as an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Tennessee
Out-of-state social workers can receive a Tennessee social work license by reciprocity. The Board’s eligibility criteria include a valid social work license issued by a U.S. State, territory, or jurisdiction. Your current license must correspond with one of the four Tennessee social work licenses. To apply for licensure by reciprocity, you must submit an application with supporting documents verifying your credentials.
Note that Tennessee is a member of the multistate Social Work Licensure Compact, which hopes to begin issuing portable, multistate licenses starting in fall 2025.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Tennessee
Professionals must renew their Tennessee social work license every two years. As part of the renewal process, license holders must complete 18-30 continuing education (CE) hours every two calendar years. CE hours enhance a practitioner’s knowledge and service delivery in areas such as administration, research, direct service with clients, and social work ethics.
The following lists the CE requirements you’ll need to complete depending on your type of license:
- LBSWs need 18 CEs
- LMSW’s need 24 CEs
- LAPSWs need 30 CEs
- LCSWs need 30 CEs
Social Work Programs in Tennessee
The following alphabetical directory lists CSWE-accredited social work programs in Tennessee. To help you compare school options, directories include campus location, in-person or online availability, part-time or full-time enrollment options, and in-state tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the university websites linked in the first column to explore specific degrees in greater detail.
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Springfield | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $303 per credit hour (1-12 credits), $63 per additional credit hour |
| Belmont University Nashville | On Campus | Full Time | $42,540 per year |
| East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Sevierville | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $5,236 per semester, $533 per credit (online) |
| Freed-Hardeman University Henderson | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $813 per credit hour (full time), $815 per credit hour (part time) |
| King University Bristol | Online | Full Time, Part Time | $305 per credit hour |
| Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate | On Campus, Online | Full Time | $1,102 per credit hour |
| Lipscomb University Nashville | On Campus | Full Time | $20,286 per semester |
| Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $331 per credit hour |
| Southern Adventist University Collegedale | On Campus | Full Time | $26,000 per year |
| Tennessee State University Nashville | On Campus | Full Time | $385 per credit hour |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $29,414 per year (full time), $710 per credit hour (part time) |
| Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $14,875 per semester (full time), $1,105 per credit hour (part time) |
| Union University Jackson | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $19,250 per semester, $567 per credit hour (online) |
| University of Memphis Memphis | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $369 per credit hour |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga | On Campus | Full Time | $353 per credit hour |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville Knoxville | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $11,560 per year, $490 per credit hour (online) |
| University of Tennessee at Martin Martin | On Campus | Full Time | $439 per credit hour |
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University Clarksville | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $448 per credit hour |
| East Tennessee State University Johnson City | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $646 per credit hour, $805 per credit hour (online) |
| King University Bristol | Online | Full Time, Advanced Standing | $610 per credit hour |
| Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Advanced Standing | $565 per credit hour |
| Southern Adventist University Collegedale | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $760 per credit hour |
| Tennessee State University Nashville | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $575 per credit hour |
| Union University Jackson, Germantown | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Advanced Standing | $655 per credit hour |
| University of Memphis Memphis | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Extended Study | $646 per credit hour |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Advanced Standing | $507 per credit hour |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville Knoxville, Nashville | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Extended Study (Part Time), Hybrid Evening Classes, Advanced Standing | $13,720 per year, $756 per credit hour |
Tennessee Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Projected job growth rates for social workers in Tennessee are significantly higher than the Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ (BLS) 7% projected growth rate for social workers nationwide. Projections Central data show the following job growth projections for each social work specialization in Tennessee from 2022-2032:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 17%
- Healthcare Social Workers: 22.3%
- Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers: 20.4%
- Social Workers, All Other: 18.5%
In a salary comparison, Tennessee social workers generally earn less than the $58,380 national median average, as of May 2023. However, consider that Tennessee has a cost-of-living index that is below the national average.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $52,070 | $23.28 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $57,810 | $27.46 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $46,050 | $21.10 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $55,880 | $22.62 |
Social Work Associations in Tennessee
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Tennessee Chapter: The NASW provides continuing education opportunities and works on issues of workplace safety, compensation, and education debt relief.
- Tennessee Association of School Social Workers (TASSW): The TASSW provides a professional community for social workers in education, including professional development, networking opportunities, and continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Social Work
Tennessee issues licenses for four levels of social work: Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). LBSW is the entry-level licensure, while LAPSW and LCSW represent the most advanced levels.
